Parenting

A “Mary” Christmas in a Martha World

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What are your favorite Christmas memories? Can you remember what gifts you gave and what gifts you received last year or the year before?

We have been asking ourselves these questions. Our schedule has been crazy, our daughter is getting married on January 2nd, my dad has been in treatment for cancer, and we still want to enjoy the holiday. Illness and a child getting married makes me want to reevaluate what is important.

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Aunt Jennifer’s Pumpkin Bread (and cake too!)

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My Aunt Jennifer makes the most delicious, moist pumpkin bread ever. I don’t even really like ‘pumpkiny’ stuff either. That is how good this bread is! When I visit my parents during the holidays, I usually find a loaf that has been delivered, and my mother always shares a piece or two with me.

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Shop and Give to The Imagination Library

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Would you like to help kids in rural Missouri receive books and do your Christmas shopping too?

We are having an online Thirty-One Party to benefit our local Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. I’m the coordinator for a rural Parents as Teachers program; and families in our community receive books via the Imagination Library. Local organizers (That’s me!) must raise money to pay for the books. The books are purchased at an excellent rate, but they aren’t free.

I have teamed up with a friend and fellow teacher, Nicole Roark. She is a Thirty-One consultant, and she is donating her commission from the sales of this online party to our local Imagination Library. Thank you Nicole!!! Therefore, you can shop and give at no additional cost to you. Win. Win. 🙂

Here’s how it works:

Thirty-One only ships products to addresses in the USA, and APO/ FPO addresses
Click here to access the online Thirty-One Party portal
Shop! Remember, there is no additional cost to you
The items purchased will be shipped to your home
Nicole will then donate her commission from the sales to our local Imagination Library

Details:

This party will be open from November 1 to November 30
Please share with your friends on Facebook, via email, and etc.
If you have concerns about this being a legitimate fund raiser, please email me at kristi(at)creativeconnectionsforkids(dot)com. I will be happy to provide more information.

About Thirty One

Thirty-One products include a plethora of gifts, bags, and organizational products.

My favorite bag is the Super Organizing Utility Tote. I use it every day and love it! The bottom is wide so it stands alone. There are pockets on the outside and it has a zipper. Here it is, packed, and ready to go to work…

Thirty-One has products that work great in the car for moms on the go…

They have amazing products for the home…

…and for the office:

If you would like more information about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library or to sign-up your child click here:

Thank you to each and everyone who has shopped to support our Imagination Library!

“Away We Go – A Shape and Seek Book”

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“Away We Go” is written by Chieu Anh Urban. My copy is a board book that is sturdy for little hands to explore and enjoy. This book teaches shapes and helps kids make the connections that shapes are found everywhere in the environement.

A shape is presented in the leading question. For example, “Do you see a square?” A square is shown, then there are squares in the illustration for the child to find. I love the kinesthetic qualities of this book. Since the shape is actually cut out of the board book, children can run their fingers across the edges and feel the square.

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10 Back to School Tips

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The summer has evaporated too quickly! Many people have already started school and we begin next week. On this post you will find 10 back to school organziing tips plus so much more. A group of bloggers from the Kid Blogger Network have come together to create an extensive back-to-school link-up party for you.

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Infant Massage ~ Good for baby and you!

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At the beginning of the summer I took an infant massage class to become a certified infant massage instructor. The class was impressive and I learned so much that I thought you may enjoy a few facts about the benefits of infant massage from the International Loving Touch Foundation.

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A Spring Gift

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We have been planting lettuce seeds and I hear they are sprouting. Some of the older kids have made these cute little planters for their seeds. The options are limitless and I thought you would enjoy them too. They make a fun Mother’s Day or teacher appreciation gift. You only need simple, inexpensive supplies too.

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The Art Box

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Having a box of art supplies on hand and ready for play enhances creativity in children…and adults! Open-ended art activities support fine motor development, cognitive skills and, of course, creativity. It builds self-confidence and fosters a child’s sense of discovery.

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I am thankful for my girls.

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As part of the 21 Days of Contagious Gratitude for Thanksgiving that is being hosted by Mari at Inspired by Family Magazine, I had hoped to share something more unique and clever. But I just can’t get past this thought: I am thankful for my girls.

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