Real Heart Prints » Christmas http://www.realheartprints.com Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:41:18 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 SYL: Give Some Bloggy Love http://www.realheartprints.com/2010/12/syl-give-some-bloggy-love/ http://www.realheartprints.com/2010/12/syl-give-some-bloggy-love/#comments Wed, 22 Dec 2010 10:00:24 +0000 Mel http://www.realheartprints.com/?p=3257 It’s so easy in all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season to get so busy that we lose true perspective on this most wondrous of holidays. Christmas just wouldn’t be without the most amazing Gift given to us by our Heavenly Father on that cold, lonely night in a stable so many years ago. Christmas also wouldn’t be the same without the friends, family, and acquaintances that God has given us.When I went to Toyota, I had the opportunity to meet Beth, from The Plus Size Mommy. Let me tell you, she was like a breath of fresh air and just so much fun to be around. You know how there are people you try to avoid (sad, but true)….but then there are others who you instantly just love to be around because they have that friendly personality with a sense of humor to top it all off? The latter describes Beth….or at least, that was my impression of her.:)

The reason I’m telling you about Beth is that right now, she could really use some encouragement, and I thought what better way to truly shine your light this holiday season than to shine some light in Beth’s life right now? Just head over, read Beth’s post, Humbled By the TRUE Miracles of Christmas, Angels in Social Media….then leave her a comment. We bloggers/mamas need to support each other; we’re a family, a community.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

]]> http://www.realheartprints.com/2010/12/syl-give-some-bloggy-love/feed/ 0 Time Out Tuesdays: Link Up Your Giveaways http://www.realheartprints.com/2010/12/time-out-tuesdays-link-up-your-giveaways-40/ http://www.realheartprints.com/2010/12/time-out-tuesdays-link-up-your-giveaways-40/#comments Tue, 21 Dec 2010 06:00:13 +0000 Mel http://www.realheartprints.com/?p=3288 Merry Christmas to you and yours!  I hope your Christmas is full of warmth, family, love, and friendship.  Enjoy a few holiday posts, and link up your giveaways below!

Organize with Sandy has started a new link party, Sandy’s Organizing Mission Monday Link Party- Week 1.  Be sure to also check out her post, just in time for Christmas and all those precious toys your little ones are going to get, Decluttering Toys Before Christmas.

Crafty Mama of 4 went to my favorite city in the world….NYC.  Check out her Wordless Wednesday~Christmas in NYC.  How about cookin’ up some Gingerbread Rice Krispies Treats too?  Mmmmm….

Sawdust and Paper Scraps has a wonderful post for anyone dealing with stress and chaos at this time of year, Keeping Holiday Traditions Alive in Spite of the Chaos.

The Apronista has a giveaway that ends on Christmas Day, One Tree Lane USA Giveaway.

I love this post from Jennifer James Online, Think Like a Content Creator, Not Just a Mom Blogger.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Time Out Tuesdays without a yummy recipe post.  Hoosier Homemade has more than one mouth-watering holiday recipe in her post, Holiday Party: Chex Mix, Frozen Hot Chocolate and More.

Tip Junkie shows How to Gift Wrap ~ My 10 Favorite Ideas!

Visit The Inspired Room, and get a glimpse of Sarah’s Farmhouse at Christmas.  Oh so beautiful!

Finally, another yummy post from Mommy’s Kitchen, Peppermint Swirled Cookies & Vanilla Dipped Peppermint Sticks.

]]> http://www.realheartprints.com/2010/12/time-out-tuesdays-link-up-your-giveaways-40/feed/ 6 The Jesse Tree by Geraldine McCaughrean http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/the-jesse-tree-by-geraldine-mccaughrean/ http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/the-jesse-tree-by-geraldine-mccaughrean/#comments Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:39:00 +0000 Mel http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/the-jesse-tree-by-geraldine-mccaughrean/ Believe it or not, I had never heard of a Jesse Tree before this year.  I have a fellow homeschooling friend, Jenn, who has made an online Advent Idea Box, and that’s how I heard of the Jesse Tree.  That’s also how I found this book, The Jesse Tree, by Geraldine McCaughrean.
The Jesse Tree is a fantastic book that you can read to your children during the season of Advent.  It’s definitely something I plan to use with my boys next year.  The author weaves the stories of the Bible in such a way that children of all ages, including “older” children, can enjoy them together.  In the beginning and at the end of the book is a huge 2-page spread of an actual Jesse tree, illustrated, of course, with all of the symbols that you would put on your Jesse tree.  The Introduction explains what a Jesse Tree is, in simple terms, using the example of a family tree.  A Jesse Tree is simply a tree that depicts stories of the Bible that led up to Jesus’ birth.  As the book puts it, “Jesse trees were the Bible-storybooks of unlettered people” (page 8).  As you add the daily symbols to your tree, you can read the corresponding chapter from this book.  At the top of each chapter is the picture of the symbol that should be placed on the tree that day.  Here’s a picture of our Jesse Tree this year….since I had never really done one before, we didn’t get too creative, and we still have a couple of ornaments left to put on….although now that I know the true meaning behind this tradition, I’m anxious to get more creative on next year’s tree.  The kids still had a lot of fun with it, maybe a little too much fun, as I see Jaden took the green marker to our tree.
Anyway, the book starts out with the story of a carpenter, who is working away when a little boy wanders into the church where he’s working.  As time goes on, the carpenter begins to tell the little boy the stories behind each symbol of the Jesse Tree.  Stories such as the story of Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Joseph, David, etc., are told in chronological order, leading up to the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of the Baby Jesus.  As the stories weave on, told in such an imaginative and wonderful way, it seems the carpenter rather enjoys his time with the little boy, even though he might not admit it.  The story ends in a surprising way.
The book is just full of beautiful illustrations, and I really do recommend this for any family celebrating the season of Advent.  You could get a headstart on it by getting it early and reading it for yourself….as it will probably lead to many discussions with your children.  I am very much excited to have this on my bookshelf; it’s a resource we will use over and over, I am sure.  You can purchase The Jesse Tree from Lion Hudson for £4.99, or from Eerdmans for $20 in the U.S.  I definitely recommend this book for all families.  It’s a resource that will help you teach your children the true meaning of the Christmas season….and may lead to an even deeper meaning for yourself.

(Disclosure: I was provided this book, free of charge, by Lion Hudson.)

]]> http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/the-jesse-tree-by-geraldine-mccaughrean/feed/ 5 Christmas With the Fam http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/christmas-with-the-fam/ http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/christmas-with-the-fam/#comments Thu, 31 Dec 2009 18:48:00 +0000 Mel http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/christmas-with-the-fam/ Before Christmas, we took the kids to Bass Pro, originally, to see Santa, but that’s a whole other story.

We ended up having to take them to the mall to see Santa.  Oh well, though, they didn’t care.  Santa is Santa, right?

We had a fun Christmas, though….we actually made three celebrations out of it this year.:)  On Christmas Eve, we always open our presents from the Pappies and Grammies back in PA, who were very generous, but I’ll show you just a couple pics.  The boys were ecstatic.

Then we settle down with cups of hot cocoa (and I wish I had pics of this year’s hot cocoa, because it was too pretty to drink.  We filled our cups and put marshmallows on top, along with a big candy cane to stir with.)  Once we had our hot cocoa, it was time to settle down together and watch The Polar Express.  It was so cozy because it was supposed to snow, and we had a fire in the fireplace.  Then, of course, it was time to put the kiddos to bed, so Daddy and I could play Santa and finish getting all their presents ready.  This year was a little tough on the moolah, but we had so much fun with it anyway; don’t get me wrong….we had plenty of presents.  We ended up going to Dollar Tree for a lot of the kids’ presents (and hunted for bargains in other stores), and let me tell you, Dollar Tree has to be one of the most wonderful places on earth, besides Goodwill, of course.  I mean, we were able to pick up big coloring books, puzzles, toy cars (diecast ones), and more.  It was a lot of fun.  I even picked up a few stocking stuffers for Dan, including a pedometer; now I need to go back and get myself one.  The kids enjoyed every bit of their presents; I think the cheapest presents were the most enjoyed, especially the stocking stuffers.  Christmas morning was a huge surprise with snow on the ground and a sled left by you know who.:)

Of course, Jaden enjoys coloring or drawing, no matter what, even on himself (sigh).

Don’t Dan and I have just the most beautiful morning looks you’ve ever seen?  (Just keepin’ it real….)  At least, he looks great.:)

Anyway, Christmas morning was filled with all kinds of goodies, what with stockings and presents to open.

Then, Christmas afternoon, my mom and dad came up, and I hate it that I don’t have more pictures….I don’t know what happened there.  (Mom, you might have to send me some.)  Anyway, we had a nice ham dinner with ham, potatoes, corn, jello, homemade rolls, and other treats.  Then the kids got to open presents from Mom and Dad. (Jaden instantly fell in love with his new John Deere truck and trailer along with “Moos” (cows).

Jacob’s ready to try this baby out.

Mom and Dad split a calf’s worth of meat between us and my brother’s family.  We were sooooooo thankful for that gift; I think it’s the best gift they could have given us.  Anyway, we had a wonderful Christmas together, as a family….I can’t imagine Christmas Day being any more relaxing really.  It was so nice to have Mom and Dad to our house for a change; usually, we’re either at their house or with other family.  That night, after they’d gone home, we settled down to watch The Nativity Story.  What a great movie….to just kind of tie things up.

Anyway, I think this year, just being together with family, was the best part, just being able to relax together.  I hope you and yours had a very Merry Christmas, and I hope the New Year will bring you much joy.

]]> http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/christmas-with-the-fam/feed/ 2 Motivate Me Monday- Merry Christmas http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/motivate-me-monday-merry-christmas/ http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/motivate-me-monday-merry-christmas/#comments Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:00:00 +0000 Mel http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/motivate-me-monday-merry-christmas/

Wow, Christmas is this week; I just can’t believe it’s already here.  Honestly, I feel like Christmas goes throughout the whole month of December.  I guess it’s just the spirit of the holiday.

The last couple weeks have been rather stressful around the Lockcuff house.  I’ve really been struggling with a lot of things, personally, and although I won’t go into detail here, I will say this.  If your family is having a hard time this holiday season, whether financially, physically, or however, don’t give up on the magic of this holiday.  Don’t lose out on the memories that can still be made together.  Even though you may feel like there’s no hope in sight, or maybe you’ve lost touch with the One Who is the reason for this holiday, don’t give up.  Believe me, I’ve been ready to just throw my hands up in the air and totally give up in the last couple of weeks; I’ve even had a few meltdowns.  If you’ve seen a crazy woman crying hysterically in her car, that was probably me.  Dan and I have both been really discouraged.  But from me to you, one mama to another, don’t give up.  Make the most of what you have, and make memories….after all, it’s the memories that will last, not all the hooplah and giftwrap.  Hug your kids, and cover them in kisses.
Merry Christmas!

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

]]> http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/motivate-me-monday-merry-christmas/feed/ 2 Winner of Storia Home Handmade Christmas Banner http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/winner-of-storia-home-handmade-christmas-banner/ http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/winner-of-storia-home-handmade-christmas-banner/#comments Sat, 19 Dec 2009 21:08:00 +0000 Mel http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/winner-of-storia-home-handmade-christmas-banner/
It’s time to announce the winner of the Storia Home Handmade Christmas Banner.  The winner will have their choice of either the Ho Ho Ho banner or the Believe banner.  The winner is…..

Congratulations, Leslie!  Thank you to everyone who entered.  Be sure to enter my other giveaway for the Lilyja Lace Silver Ring.  Have A Very Merry Heart Prints Christmas!

]]> http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/winner-of-storia-home-handmade-christmas-banner/feed/ 0 Merry Christmas from Our Family to Yours! http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/merry-christmas-from-our-family-to-yours/ http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/merry-christmas-from-our-family-to-yours/#comments Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:10:00 +0000 Mel http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/merry-christmas-from-our-family-to-yours/ Click to play this Smilebox slideshow: Family Christmas Card Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox Make a Smilebox slideshow

]]> http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/merry-christmas-from-our-family-to-yours/feed/ 0 Friday Funnies- Polar Bears, Penguins, and Tool Belts http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/friday-funnies-polar-bears-penguins-and-tool-belts/ http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/friday-funnies-polar-bears-penguins-and-tool-belts/#comments Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:00:00 +0000 Mel http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/friday-funnies-polar-bears-penguins-and-tool-belts/

This commercial is a little bit funny, but it’s so cute!:)  It just makes me giggle.  Merry Christmas, and enjoy!:)

This second one just makes me laugh out loud, because I can just see Dan doing something like this and me sitting there on the couch, just staring at him….LOL.


For more Friday Funnies, visit Kim at Homesteaders Heart.

]]> http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/friday-funnies-polar-bears-penguins-and-tool-belts/feed/ 0 Winners of Advent Books http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/winners-of-advent-books/ http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/winners-of-advent-books/#comments Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:51:00 +0000 Mel http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/winners-of-advent-books/

We have 2 winners for Jotham’s Journey and Bartholomew’s Passage.  They are:

and

Congratulations!  Thank you all for entering; be sure to enter my other 2 giveaways: one for a Storia Home Handmade Christmas Banner and one for a Lilyja Lace Silver Ring.  Most of all, have A Very Merry Heart Prints Christmas!:)

]]> http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/winners-of-advent-books/feed/ 0 Sentimental Ornaments http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/sentimental-ornaments/ http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/sentimental-ornaments/#comments Thu, 17 Dec 2009 06:00:00 +0000 Mel http://www.realheartprints.com/2009/12/sentimental-ornaments/

The boys and I set to work on Christmas gifts for the grandparents last week.  We got the idea for the Christmas tree pictures from Jenn’s Advent Box and the ideas for the ornaments from The Fifth Street Palace, as well as Home Grown Hearts.

We made handprint Christmas trees with thumbprint ornaments,


and then we made handprint snowmen on ornaments; I ended up doing the detail work on the snowmen, but that little chubby handprint is just precious.

At first, I wasn’t so sure how our projects were turning out; we had lots of smears, and I had to keep washrags handy to wipe off the ornaments and try again….plus Jacob couldn’t quite get the hang of handprints at first.  I was beginning to wonder how these ladies can make it look so easy.:)  Crafting with kids is just not that easy for me….oh, it’s fun, but halfway through a big project, I sometimes end up wanting to say words Mommies should just not say….LOL (just keepin’ it real here).  But, we ended up having a lot of fun, once we got through the initial practice sessions, and the boys ended up with some really cute, sentimental gifts for the grandparents.  I also used the tag idea to make it even more special.  We were supposed to use clear ornaments, and I wish that we could have, but we were trying to use what we had, plus the ornaments we had gotten at the dollar store.  All in all, though, they still turned out ok.

Some day, those little handprints are going to be big handprints….I just can’t imagine that day, and I don’t really like to think about it.  That’s why these memories are just too precious not to write down.

Merry Christmas!  Get craftin’!:)

Join in with ‘Tis the Season Thursday with The Fifth Street Palace.

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