Schools

Anybody know how to find out which schools in an area are the best?

The Nativity

We watched this for part of FHE tonight. It's about 5 minutes long if you have some spare time. The video is to the song "Breath of Heaven" by Amy Grant. I have always loved this song. If you listen to the words, try to imagine how Mary must have felt at this time.

Give oh give, give oh give

With the times the way they are and the holidays here we've been reflecting a lot on how blessed we are. We've been trying to teach Kendall about blessings and how fortunate we are and that with so much, we should try to help people who aren't as fortunate. I'm trying to give her little chances to give like having her put all our change into the 'bell piggybank' at the grocery store while explaining that the money goes to help people, and having her come to our tithing settlement which gave us a great opportunity to explain about tithing and offerings.

So, this morning we were watching Postcards from Buster and he was in China visiting kids who did things to help others. One girl raised money to give to sick kids. Kendall was all over it. (I think she liked that girl because she was a figure skater.) Anyway, she wants to earn money to give to sick kids and who am I to say no. I think it's great but I need ideas- what types of things can a 4 year old (with our help of course) do to earn money? You are all so creative so I thought I'd ask you.

Any ideas?

What's On Your Bookshelf?

I've really been enjoying Charles Martin's books lately. He's a christian writer so there isn't bad language or nasty talk. Really feel-good books. I'm finished with all his books and was wondering what you all are reading.

Gumdrop Wreath

Saw this on MarthaStewart.com

I think I'll try a small, multi-colored version with the kiddos.

Tools and Materials:
Styrofoam wreath form
Florist's wire
Gumdrops
Toothpicks
Decorative ribbon

Gumdrop Wreath How-To:
1. Wrap enough florist's wire around wreath form to leave a large loop for hanging. Break toothpicks in half. Lay wreath form flat.

2. Begin a short row: Place pointed end of a few toothpick halves into Styrofoam, following the form's curve from inside to outside; push one gumdrop onto broken end of each toothpick. After row is a few inches long, make a parallel row on each side until section is covered. Repeat until wreath is complete. (Note: If you try to complete an entire ring of gumdrops before moving to next row, it will be very difficult to create a uniform pattern.)

3. Suspend wreath from wire hanger, disguised with a wide satin bow.