December 7, 2008

Paper Snowflakes

We spent some time learning how to make snowflakes out of paper, today. I had trouble getting everyone interested at first. Well, I should say I had trouble getting 2 of my 3 children interested. As you can see, one was eager to get started. When I finally got everyone at the table, I realized that if I did all of the folds for my oldest and youngest, they could spend hours making snowflakes. The folds were frustrating for them. My middle child caught on quickly and had no trouble.

I handed him a sheet that I printed off which showed how and where to make certain cuts. Once he made his first snowflake, he was hooked! I couldn't get over how he seemed to have a natural knack for designing these snowflakes. Each one he finished was so pretty and detailed. He started experimenting with making the the center larger and smaller. Using different cuts for different shapes. He loved putting a star in the middle. After the first 3 snowflakes, he was no longer using the sheets but creating his own. They were all so beautiful!

Lauren had a great time making snowflakes and didn't use the templates at all at first. She did a great job, too. She had so much fun.

Another ornate snowflake from Davey. I just couldn't get over how well his snowflakes were turning out.

They figured out how to take the top part they cut off to make a smaller snowflake. They were so cute!

She's not my crafty one. I think she only made about 5 or 6 snowflakes and she wasn't happy with them. I thought they were fine and looked much like the very first snowflakes I attempted when I was in school. This often happens with her attempts at anything crafty. Once she spends time learning and perfecting, she does a great job. I love her scrapbooking pages, especially. It just doesn't come naturally to her like it does my middle child. And, I think the snowflake thing was a fluke for my youngest child. He normally doesn't do anything crafty but he loved making these.

We still need to set aside some time to make the snowflakes out of Borax . I was really surprised that they spent about 2 hours making the snowflakes out of paper. So, we ran out of time.

Comforts of Home at Christmastime.

I wanted to take pictures of some things that I find comfort in during the Christmas season. Some of these things are just pleasing to the senses. Like...

Smelly-good candles.

David found these candles for $5! They have the best smell and they last for a very long time. The name is Reflections Powdered Sugar Cookies and then on the side it says Soy (he thinks that finding the candles with soy may be a key ingredient to the long lasting and stronger smell. These candles smell so yummy; as if we're actually baking cookies. He found them at Wal-Mart and we bought several to last through the season. We keep these lit just about the whole time we're home.

I also enjoy the Glistening Snow candles made by Glade but I use these in my bathrooms and bedroom. Their odor is pretty strong as well.

Peace On Earth

I picked this CD up recently and LOVE it! I love Casting Crowns anyway. I'll put the CD in while reflecting during the day, cleaning or wrapping presents. I'll usually listen to a sermon while crafting but I think I'll plug this in next time. It's a great CD and helps me to focus on what this time of year is truly all about.

Celebrating Advent

These moments are so very precious to me.

I haven't taken pictures or written everything we've learned and done during Advent. I can say that this has been the first year that I've been so determined to dedicate the entire month to advent and I think we've been so blessed by it. God has shown each of something to take to heart. I have had them each take turns in reading scripture. It touches my heart to see them do this. I know that, little by little, they are hiding His Word in their hearts.

Jesse Tree Advent Day 7

Joseph's Coat of Many Colors

It's hard for us to understand how it is that God loves us and yet we have troubles that come our way. Joseph's story is one I love to share with my children (Genesis 37 & 50). Despite all that he went through, it was used for good in God's perfect timing.

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, for those who are the called according to His purpose."

Romans 8:28