Homemade Christmas Gift – Customized T-Shirts

One of my favorite homemade Christmas gift ideas is making a customized t-shirt for your loved ones.

Last year, for my husband’s birthday, I made him a t-shirt with special meaning to us. My daughter, who was just turning two at the time, used to go around saying, “I See You Daddy.” This was funny because my husband actually works in the ICU at the hospital. So, with the girls in tow, I headed off to the craft store to see what I could make for my husband. Since he doesn’t necessarily like “crafty” stuff," it was a bit of a challenge. Then, I came up with making a t-shirt. He wears a lot of t-shirts around the house, so this was going to be something that he might actually use. We bought some iron on letters and a t-shirt and went to work. The finished product was approved by the girls and wrapped. My husband was excited to see that we put thought into his birthday gift! He still wears the t-shirt proudly.
Making a customized t-shirt is a great idea for people of all ages. There are some very cute iron on patches that would make some fun and inexpensive gifts for kids.

For more great homemade Christmas gift ideas click here!

-Robin

The True Meaning of Christmas

Every Christmas season, we spend a lot of time teaching our children about the true meaning of Christmas. They hear the Christmas story at church, but we go over it many times at home as well. On our daughter’s second Christmas, I started searching for board books to read to her to help her start to understand. Since then, we have enjoyed reading these books to her every year.

I feel the best gift that you can give your child is to share with them the true meaning of Christmas.

The board books we read are: Tell Me the Christmas Story and Christmas in the Manger.

As our children get older, we will look for more detailed story books, but as always, we will do our yearly tradition of reading the Christmas Story straight from the Bible.

For more great Christmas gift ideas click here!

-Robin

Thrifty Thursday: Fall Used Children’s Clothes Sale

Once again, I am super excited about my purchases at a used children’s clothes sale. I usually attend used clothes sales two to three times per year. Recently, I went to the fall sale and racked up. This year was special because my mom was visiting and she got to share the experience with me. We arrived a few minutes before the sale began, but still had to stand in a long line. We paid a $1 entrance fee and that went to children’s charities, which I thought was a wonderful idea!
We bought several clothes, but our best purchase was a bike that my mom is planning to give to my 3 year old for her birthday next week. The bike was in great shape and I’m sure my daughter will be thrilled to have it. She will never know that it only cost $14 and looks brand new!

You can usually find used clothes sales through your local mom's clubs.

I have written about buying used clothes before. Check out my tips here. Thanks for joining us for Thrifty Thursday!

Look here to see how to join Thrifty Thursday.

-Robin

Being Prepared For The Flu

So far, we have avoided the dreaded flu. My kids have contracted other minor viruses, but nothing too severe. I have formed a plan of action that will hopefully hold it at bay. The law of averages in my life have shown that, if I am prepared for the worst, it usually doesn't happen. It is when I'm not ready that disaster seems to strike.

I am making an effort to keep the elements of the BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) diet on hand now in case we pick up a bug this season. I am prepared to make toast to tame upset tummies, have apple juice for reluctant drinkers who need to stay hydrated, natural applesauce and bananas for easy snacks.

I am hoping that we can stay healthy, but I am glad to know that these items, along with keeping the medications we will need on hand, will make it easier if we do become ill. During the start of this busy season, not having to run to the store for supplies with a sick child Works For Me.

-Julie

Women's Bible Study

I have truly enjoyed my new Women's Bible Study group this fall. We are using a book called Marriage from Surviving to Thriving by Charles R. Swindoll. Even though my husband and I feel like we have a great marriage, we are always happy to learn how we can make it better. The book examines how God intended for married couples to experience and enjoy life to together.

On this Gratituesday, I am grateful for my Women's Bible Study group. It is awesome to enjoy some time each week with a great group of ladies. My Women's Bible Study group is at the church we attend. Usually, churches provide childcare for mothers with young children. I have a friend that goes to Community Bible Study and has had a good experience. Alot of the Community Bible Studies offer a Children's Program so that the children can participate too.

I hope you will be inCouraged to join a Women's Bible Study!

-Robin

Turkey Sugar Cookies

This little cookie has become a yearly tradition. They couldn't be simpler and I hope you get a chance to make them. They have made it onto my Menu Plan for the week.

Start with your favorite sugar cookie (homemade or store bought) and bake them as directed. We get a little tube of orange, gel icing from the grocery store. You could also make your own royal icing, tint it and place it in a plastic bag with the corner snipped off to make your own piping bag.

Make a line of icing along the top and add candy corn feathers for the turkey's tail. Use icing to attach two M&M candies and give them little dots on top for eyes. The dot placement can help make a whimsical turkey gazing off into the distance, too! Use some more icing to create a beak and legs for your new little friend.

I hope you like these cute little cookies and that they are a fun addition to you fall baking.

-Julie

Happy Sunday!

My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them. Proverbs 1:10 NIV