Silly Bunny, Easter is About Jesus

I find it very sad that Christian parents are having to constantly fight the world to keep Christ as the center of our holidays. Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny seem to be the two we struggle with the most as they are at the forefront of our two most important Christian celebrations.

My little boy is currently in love with all things Bible - and I absolutely love that. He is always some Bible character or telling us a Bible story or, more recently, asking questions about Jesus and His death on the cross. This Easter in particular, he is very interested in the story of Jesus and His resurrection which made me all the more excited to do some fun things with my kiddos to celebrate this special time of year.

On the Tuesday before Easter, I gathered my two oldest and we made an Empty Garden Tomb! First, we went outside with a bowl and our garden shovel....

We found a nice patch of grass and dirt and dug it up and plopped it into our bowl.

....we found a pretty flower too

I was too busy keeping little hands away from the knife to document, but once inside, we took a semi-large potato and I cut off one end, then made a small hole for the inside of the tomb. We took the tip of the end I had cut and used that as the stone door to cover the opening.

Nathan ran outside to gather some rocks....

Then he ran up to his room and got his toy Jesus that He HAD to put beside the empty tomb.

Very proud of himself!

Our spunky little helper, all covered in chocolate

To get these great paper banners, you can click here for the free PDF file

over at FreeFunEaster.com. 

Our finished work! 

Once we finished, we settled down with our favorite Easter DVD, He is Risen, from the Nest Family Series. I used to love this DVD as a child and now I am very happy that both my children love watching it as well.

**On a side note, we also love the new Superbook DVD's.

On the Saturday before Easter, we brought out the Resurrection Eggs and had a wonderful time teaching our kids more about the significance of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. They gathered up all 12 eggs in record time, then we ran back inside with our Bible and Resurrection Eggs pamphlet.

As each egg was opened, they discovered a special symbol inside that told the story of the last week of Jesus' life, ending with his resurrection. I highly recommend this great alternative.

It's so important to saturate our children with the things of God. I encourage you to do all you can to make each day, especially our beloved Christian holidays, completely and utterly about Jesus.

Christmas Countdown Ideas for Kids

The holidays are here! In just a few days, we will celebrate Thanksgiving and then the Christmas countdown will begin! Now that I am a wife and mommy, I have began building traditions with my own little family and I dearly love making memories with my husband and my kids. Today I'd love to share with you the Christmas countdown activities for this year. We won't necessarily do them in this exact order, but the goal is do them all and have fun making memories that will last for years to come. So here we go!

1. Read the Christmas story

2. Unwrap new Christmas PJs and a new Christmas book/movie 

3. Have hot coco and cookies

4. Open your special ornament to put on the tree 

 5. Mail Christmas cards 

6. Shop for one special gift for a family member 

7. Make a Christmas CRAFT with Mom 

8. Have a family Christmas movie night - with treats!

9. Polar Express night! (Look at Christmas lights in PJs, with hot chocolate) Link to ticket here

10. Decorate Christmas cookies

11. Gather old toys to donate to charity

12. GRINCH night! (Grinch punch, Grinch cookies, and Grinch popcorn!)

 13. See Santa at the Mall

14. Go on a hunt for Mistletoe

15. Make Christmas pancakes (with cookie cutters and sprinkles!)

 16. Go to a Christmas play or party 

17. Take a Christmas bubble bath!

 18. Make a Gingerbread Nativity

 19. Have a living room Christmas dance party!

 20. Color Christmas printable pages

 21. play a board game together as a family!

22. Have a picnic by the Christmas tree

23. Make Candy Cane syrup!

24. Sing Christmas carols together

25. Have a birthday party for Jesus!

Click here for the free printable!

What about you? What are some traditions and fun activities you do each year with your family?

10 Gift Ideas for Men Under $50

The holidays are right around the corner! Have you begun your Christmas shopping? With baby #3 due in a couple of weeks, I have been slowly buying up gifts for the past few months so I won't be completely overwhelmed when little bit gets here.

Many women confess that they struggle finding gifts for the men in their life. By far, my husband, is the most difficult person to buy for. Last year, I shared a list of 10 Gift Ideas for Women Under $50. Today, I'm sharing a manly version! So here are 10 Gift Ideas for the manly man in your life.


1. 16-Ounce Insulated Travel Thermos. I actually bought this for Grant last year and he loved it. In the winter months, it kept his coffee hot for a good 5 hours. $20.00 + shipping.

2. Beard Pack - If your man sports facial hair, this will make a fun gift that he may just actually use! $39.95 + shipping

3. MagnoGrip Wristband. This doesn't seem very cool, but it has received great reviews. If your guy likes tinkering with tools or doing DYI projects, this is sure to come in handy. $6.28 + shipping

4. Books. Is your guy a reader? Check out Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill, No Compromise by Melody Green, or The Bravehearted Gospel by Eric Ludy. These books are some that will ignite the spiritual fire in any man.

5. Gun Soap. Need a stocking-stuffer idea? These gun-shaped soap bars should be a hit for any man proud of his right to keep and bear arms. :) $6.00 + shipping.

6. SmartTouch Gloves. I want a women's pair of these gloves! If you own a touchscreen phone, you know it can get irritating in the wintertime when you can't do anything on your own unless you remove your gloves. Then your hands are left freezing. No more! These gloves are awesome and range from $20 to over $100! This pair is only $17.70 + shipping and the reviews are good.

7. All-In-One Emergency Safe Hammer. This gadget is pretty neat. It can be used as a standard flashlight, but it is also a rescue tool. It works as a hammer, a LED flashlight, cell phone charger, has an emergency blade, and several other things. For only $18.99, I may get one for myself!

8. Monogrammed Forged Steak Brand. My man's favorite food is steak. This authentic miniature version of the cattle brand used for years will bring a fun touch to your meat. :) $39.99 + shipping.

9. Sermons on CD. I have given my husband several sermon series on CD and it's always a great gift for the guy always on the go. He can listen and be encouraged on his drive to and from work or on business trips or even vacation. I have fond memories of my Dad playing sermons in the car on long drives and Grant and I have enjoyed it on our trips together as well. Some good sources for sermon downloads or purchases are: SermonIndex.com or Love Worth Finding Ministries.

10. Saddleback Leather is an awesome place to buy macho-leather gifts for your man. Most of their merchandise is very expensive, but there are a few options that are $50 and under. Wallets, belts, iPad and iPhone sleeves, Bible covers, are just a few. And you can count on very good quality!

What about you? Do you have any great gift ideas for men? :)

Merry Christmas from the Lee family

It's half-past the day before Christmas Eve, and I am scurrying around doing last minute things. We had such a blessed year. It was an exhausting, exciting, soul-wrenching, busy, and absolutely beautiful year filled with all the things that teaches us so much about the Lord. 

2013 began with the arrival of Selah, in February. We were, and still are, so thankful for a smooth and easy delivery and for, now, two healthy children. In April we sold and then packed up our cozy little home and moved in with family while the building of our house began. Then in October, we moved into a beautiful house and we praise God for His provision! 

My husband, Grant, keeps busy with work, his prison ministry, various Church activities and events, and leading our family. I, of course, am consumed with raising my little ones, keeping my home, writing, and teaching children at our Church.

Our Nathan is two and a half and is a precious little boy. He can usually be found donning all kinds of hats, dragging his kitten, Abby, around the yard, or deeply involved in whatever is in front of him - be it books, a movie, a game, or puzzles. He is steadily learning bits of Scripture and showing interest in all things "Dee-zus!" (Jesus) and we are praying he will come to know Christ at a very early age.

Little miss Selah is our 10 month old bundle of energy and fun. She has truly fulfilled her name and has brought such a joy to our family. She began walking at eight months old, so I am so anxious to see how God will use her determined spirit for His work. 

We want to wish you and your family a beautiful, bright, and blessed Christmas season. May we draw ever nearer to the heart of Christ in 2014.

Merry Christmas!

Enjoying Christmas Through the Chaos

I'm sitting here, coffee in hand, basking in the stillness of naptime. :) I'm looking around at the twinkling lights on the tree and all of the ornaments hanging from it. Our first Christmas ornament with our wedding picture hangs in the center. And now we have TWO "Baby's 1st Christmas" ornaments on our tree! We have some that go back to when my husband and I were little that our families have given us. And there are new ones that are already so meaningful to me - even after only four short years.

There are presents wrapped under the tree. Special gifts for all the ones I love so, so, so very much.

Nathan and I have read from his "Countdown to Christmas" book and we have marked out today's date on the advent calendar.

Selah has been walking around in her cute little "my first Christmas" onesie and, I daresay, I don't think I've seen anything more adorable.

There is a candle burning and I have cookies in the oven for tonight's desert.

My precious little ones. I think they get cuter every day.

There is always so much going on during the holidays. Shopping, Christmas concerts, Christmas plays, Church events, office parties, baking, family gatherings... a lot of chaos can be found this time of year. And a lot of stress. This past month has definitely been full and busy. I'm actually kind of sad that one week from tomorrow it will all be over.

That's why I'm writing this. That's why I have stopped what I'm doing, I have sat down, and I'm just enjoying the moment. You've got to do that, you know? Sometimes it's good to tune it all out, say "No" to some of the things that pull you and just simplify. Just hold your little world tight and cherish it. Otherwise, if you're like me, you lose yourself in the goings and comings of all the festivities surrounding Christmas Day.

So stop.

Light a candle.

Sit down.

And enjoy.

It's Christmas. :) Have a merry one!

10 Gift Ideas for Women Under $50

Can you believe we are nearly two weeks away from Christmas?!? AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

{{ Okay, I'm good. }}

With two little ones, I do most of my shopping online. It's just easier that way, and I do love it. I can take my time, check reviews, compare the price, and have it delivered to my door without having to find shoes, put on coats, stock the diaper bag, scout for a good parking spot, and brave other shoppers and their tantrum-like antics holiday spirit. ;) Today I thought it would be nice to compile a list of gift ideas for your mothers, sisters, friends, co-workers....whoever! So here they are in no particular order...

1. Scripture Coasters. I fell in love with these coasters from the PrayerNotes Etsy shop. Aren't they just beautiful?? A set of 4 is $20 + $5.95 shipping.

2. Willow Tree Figurines. I collect these and my very first one to receive was from one of my dearest friends. Each figurine has a name (i.e. the one below is "friendship") and there are lots to chose from in the collection. They range in price from $14.00 to $45.00.

3. Diamond Candles. These are my new obsession. I have always loved candles but these are something quite a bit different. Inside every candle is a ring worth anywhere from $10 to $1000. These make excellent gifts that last long after the candle is all burnt up. :) $24.95 + $5.00 shipping.

4. Personalized Infinity Bracelet. This is just beautiful and I love dainty jewelry, especially jewelry that is meaningful. This can be personalized with husband and wife initials, children's initials, or even sibling's initials. $39.00 + $3.95 shipping.

5. Hind's Feet on High Places. This book, by Hannah Hurnard is my all-time favorite book! Written in allegory form, it is about a young girl named Much Afraid and her journey following the Shepherd to the High Places. I fall more in love with Jesus each time I open it. $8.49 + $3.99 shipping.

6. An apron. This apron from Jessie Steele makes me smile. I love baking in a little cute apron and Jessie Steele sells all sorts of vintage-style aprons and accessories. They even have a holiday collection which is oh-so-jolly! $35.00 + $6.95 shipping.

7. Music. This CD by Keith and Kristyn Getty was released last year, but I didn't stumble upon this duo until this year. And this is my favorite of all their recordings. If you like worship music with Celtic elements and a hint of bluegrass style, you will definitely enjoy this. $13.26 + $3.98 shipping.

8. Spa/Bath set. Okay, so who doesn't love Bath and Body Works?? They have shower gels, lotions, perfume, candles, car scents, hand soap - pretty much anything. :) And I love how you can purchase a ready-made set ($8.00 - $47.00) or put your own together!

9. Monogram Pullover. Who doesn't love pullovers in the winter? These monogrammed pullover sweatshirts are a great gift (and help keep the wearer toasty all winter long!) $33.95 + $6.95 shipping.

10. Wrist bag. These wrist bags from Made By Survivors are made by women from Nepal, India, Cambodia, and Thailand who have been rescued from trafficking. I encourage you to Google search websites like this and help support these women. $28.00.

What about you? Do you have any great gift ideas?

Teaching Little Ones How to Make a Christmas List

With Christmas nearly here, there is lots of anticipation from the children about digging in to the gifts under the tree. This year, Nathan understands what getting presents means to him and he is all-too-thrilled about tearing off that wrapping paper, come December 25th. :)

Every day, I seem to stop and think of what kind of people I want my children to be. We live in such a materialistic world. When I was 10 years old, my Christmas list consisted of some lipstick, a couple CDs, and maybe something big - like a walkman. Now 10 year olds have iPhones, iPads, and $200 UGG boots and they seem to want more and more each year. We adults are, sadly, not much better. It seems like I have to constantly catch myself and remind myself that I don't have to have this or that. Hebrews 13:5 instructs us to be content with what we have. We would do well to live this way and teach our children to do the same.

A tradition my parents started several years before I married was to take me and my siblings to a dollar store every year with $20 and a list of 20 people in our family. Our mission was to find the best gift and/or meaningful gift we could find for each person. My little sisters had a ball and I love what it taught us - that Christmas is not about selfishly hoarding up all the goodies you can. And it isn't about getting the latest item or most expensive present. It's simply about giving with a cheerful heart. As I've grown older, I've become giddy about picking out gifts to give to others. And isn't that what Christmas is all about anyway?? GIVING. I plan to start that tradition this year with Nathan and I simply cannot wait!

So I sat down with him today and we made a list of gifts he would like to GIVE for Christmas. His answers were priceless!! I asked, "What would you like to get Daddy?" His answer? A bed. :)

For his little sister, Selah, he said "a game." For me, a book (he knows me well!). For his grandparents, he said a picture and a game. It was precious to watch him stop and think and then excitedly give an answer on what he thought was the best gift to give.

It's so important to teach our children not to continually covet more and more stuff, but to covet more and more of Jesus. Every year, at Christmastime, I want to emphasize that we don't get presents, we give presents...and we do that because God gave us the very best gift - all that He had.

Let's remember that.

Luke 12:15
"And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."

1 Timothy 6:6-10
"But godliness with contentment is great gain."