Thursday, February 28, 2013

Excited For Spring

In our house we are strated to get excited for spring to arrive. In anticipation, Adley and I have been making some "spring" themed crafts. She has enjoyed it, so I thought i would share what we've done.

1-Rabbit Hole
 (This is more of an activity than a crat, but fun all the same)
 
what you need:
pipe cleaners
strainer
 
I told adley to connect one rabbit hole to the other using the pipe cleaners. she loved it!




2-Cupcake Liner Flowers
 
what you need:
pipe cleaners
cupcake liners
 
Let you child choose a few cupcake liners to string on the pipe cleaner. twist off the pipe cleaner at the top and fold the liners out to look like a flower! Super cute. Adley made a lot, so we made a "bouquet" out of them and put them on the mantle.

 
 
3-Finger Print Eggs
 
what you need:
paper (we used a piece of white cardboard)
finger paint
green marker
 
 
Before the craft, draw some spots of grass with the green marker. Let your child put a finger print on each spot of grass to make a hidden egg. I wrote happy easter along the top and displayed
it on the mantle.
 



 
 
We had so much fun doing these together, which also led into a discussion about the season of Spring! I'm sure we will have more fun spring, st. patricks day and easter ideas to come!

Friday, February 15, 2013

Wee Trade is here!

So if any of you live in Asheville or the surrounding areas you know about wee trade. It is seriously the biggest children's consignment event i have ever see, or heard of.

That being said, you should go see it for yourself and find some amazing deals while you're at it!

There are so many things you can find there. Clothing, baby gear, furniture, strollers, swings, toys, shoes. Anything you may need for a child, it's there! And the great thing is, everything (well mostly everything) is in great condition and cheap!

Go shop: February 16-17, 22-23. The 23 most things will be 50% off. It is at the Agg center off of Airport rd. Click here for more info.

This is the spring/summer sale. They have more throughout the year for other seasons.

Here are some tips before you go:
-Bring a bag or basket to put your items in. Believe me, you dont want to try and carry everything you find!
-Know what you need and are looking for before you go.
-Set a spending limit before you get there! (they take cash and card!)
-Bring a friend if you can. Sometimes it's easier to tag team because there is SO much to look at!
-Leave your kids at home if you can. It is hard to look at evrything and tend to restless kids, too!

Hope you find some wee-tastic deals:)

Monday, February 4, 2013

Discipline Lovingly

Our church, Bitlmpore Baptist, has been doing an awesome series called My Crazy Family Life. Sundays sermon was devoted to parenting and I would like to share some of the things discussed. This really hits home for mommy's and daddy's, and even for those who will be parents in the future.

The lesson was based on the book of Proverbs, which is a great book of the bible as a source for parenting.

YOU are responsible for training your kids. Church programs are all good and well, but that is just an added bonus on top of what you are teaching your kids at home.

Three tips for training your kids up right and in the Lord:

1: START EARLY
Proverbs 22:6 says "train up a child in the way that he should go and when he is older he will not turn from it."
The earlier we start training our kids, the more likely they are to be succesful as teens and adults. A parent who prayers over their children, reads them bible stories, and teaches them daily about the Lord will see results as the child grows. The earlier they have knowledge of Christs love, the more likely it will stay with them as they get older.

2: DISCIPLINE LOVINGLY
I know there is much controversy over spanking a child. But, "the rod" is a source of discipline and is definitely neccessary at times.
Proverbs 22: 15 says "Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him." this is not an act of hatred or anger, but will rid foolishness (folly). Make sure it is something you do in love, not when your aggrivated or mad. There are 3 tools when it comes to discipline: 1-the rod: spanking is only for direct rebellion (not childishness). 2-Talk about it: explain what the child has done wrong, and make sure they understand why. 3-Restoration of Fellowship: remind your child how much you love them.

3: HONOR PARENTS
Make sure your child knows the value of parenthood. You, as an adult, also have to practice honoring your parents. This doesnt mean not making appropriate boundaries, but place great value on those relatinships.

Proverbs 3:11, 12 "My son, dont despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."

Successful parenting begins and ends with your relationship with God. Take His word, and fabricate it into your life and the way you raise your child.
This sermon made me think, and want to put into practice all of these things (which mostly we already have done).

To watch the sermon click here.