Where Jesus Slept- Book Review & Giveaway #WhereJesusSlept #Flyby

Halloween is finally over. But, Fall has barely begun here in Oklahoma. The leaves have barely began to fall and most are still green. Never mind that most of us still need to mow our grass. Thanksgiving is a little over two weeks away, Christmas is only 47 days. ONLY 47 days!!! Okay, I'm not gonna lie to you, I've been watching Christmas movies, I've even bought one gift. And of course the reading around here to our little friend has started to be all about that wonderful time of the year. When FlyBy Promotions contacted me in October about the opportunity to review a Christmas story, of course I said, yes! Even though this book is a little above Miss K's reading level, it doesn't hurt her practice her fluency with me or with the little guy pictured above.

This book is one that must be added to your Christmas library. First of all, I love hard back books at Christmas, I used to love wrapping up 24 gifts/books at Christmas time as an advent and reading each night to my kids. It was a great way to enforce the Christmas story and magic in them. And honestly, the more manger stories, the better. The repetition in this book is terrific. By the end of the book, the almost four year old was repeating words like COW, BED, and JESUS! As you can see from the cover above the book is just beautiful.

One of my blessed readers is going to get their very own copy of this book? Who wants it? Enter on the easy Rafflecopter form below, or order on Amazon (not an affiliate link).

About the book:
“This is the bed where Jesus slept. This is the straw that lined the bed where Jesus slept.” From here, the story builds with each spread, adding a new element and explaining the relationships among the participants and witnesses to the first Christmas. From Jesus sleeping sweetly to the wise men bringing gifts, this charming book reminds readers young and not-so-young of the joyous event we celebrate at Christmastime. Children will love the delightful illustrations and the engaging repetition in this cumulative tale.


Format: jacketed hardcover
Trim size: 10x10
Page count: 32
Retail price: $16.99
Reading age: 4-7


About the author:
Norma Lewis is the author of ten books. She lives in Grand Haven, MI, with a marmalade cat named Scalawag. They both love spending time with her six grandchildren, ranging in age from three to twenty.
Illustrated by Katy Hudson.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Winners from the Continental U.S. only. a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Sparkle Box - A Gift with the Power to Change Christmas: Giveaway #TheSparkleBox

I admit, my family does get caught up in parts of the commercialism of Christmas, but I always make sure that that commercialism always contains the real meaning of Christmas. Before my children open a single gift they deliver Christmas Eve gifts to our neighbors, we also participate in our church's annual toy event-tcTOYS. I try to teach them that it is always better to give than to receive and that I want others to see Jesus through them. What acts of kindness and generosity do you and your family participate in during the Christmas Season?

The Crow Kids delivering Christmas Eve 2012 gifts

I am so excited about my latest book giveaway. Not only is it a beautiful book, but it is going to be one of those books that will be perfect to read and begin a tradition with your family on Thanksgiving night. I am going to be honest, this book made me tear up. I cried during the entire book. If you are wanting to teach your children God's love and compassion this is a must have book. A definite tradition to begin this year. 

About the Book:

The Sparkle Box - A Gift with the Power to Change Christmas 

Sam is so excited about Christmas! He's thinking about his Christmas list, looking forward to holiday parties, and puzzling over one very mysterious gift: a sparkly box sitting on the mantel. In the midst of the festivities, Sam and his family participate in various acts of kindness to others. On Christmas morning, when Sam finally opens the Sparkle Box, he finds only slips of paper that record the family's good deeds. Sam's mom explains that the things that they've been doing are, in fact, a gift for Jesus, for Jesus said that whatever we do for those in need, we do for Him.

Author Jill Hardie and her family began placing a gift for Jesus under their Christmas tree as a way of bringing more meaning to the holiday. The first time they opened His gift, the commercialism of the season melted away and they felt a profound joy and peace. Jill hopes that The Sparkle Box will spark a new Christmas tradition, bringing light into thousands of lives. 

I know for my family this year, we will be adding this tradition and I can't wait to see how much more the meaning shines through our lives and actions. One of my readers is going to be blessed with their very own copy of The Sparkle Box book.  All you have to do is tell me this in a Disqus comment. Bonus entries are available on the Rafflecopter form.

What acts of kindness and generosity do you and your family participate in during the Christmas Season?

Written by Jill Hardie
Illustrated by Christine Kornacki
Available now!
Hardcover with jacket, 10 x 10, 32 pages, with a fold-out sparkle box included!
ages 4 to 8

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Unwrapping the Christmas Decorations

Kaybrie and I unwrapped our Christmas tree and packed away all that glistens and decorates our home during our favorite time of the year today. The only signs of Christmas 2012 left at our nest are the lights on the house which will remain until Monday- lights belong to Daddy Crow and he won't have a day off until Sunday/Monday. I even took care of the outside decorations.

In our home, it is typically the kids and Jason that put the tree together. In a hurry, with me handing over the ornaments I want on the tree. We do some reflection upon where this ornament came from or who made that one or why isn't that one going on the tree, but its not exactly a Hallmark commercial. Those moments are usually reserved for me, alone, on the day I unwrap my tree and wrap each ornament carefully and pack it away. A few tears may have even been shed today as I went through these ornaments.

This year, I packed everything away even more carefully. Prayerfully. In hope that we just celebrated our last Christmas in this home- our 9th. In anticipation that God will lead us into the direction of another, larger home to celebrate many more birthdays of our Savior.

A Very Pinteresting Christmas: Final Day

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Today's Pinterest project is one I found some months ago and have had so much fun doing. 

 Etching.

 This time it's for the neighbors Christmas Eve gifts, along with a few other people on my list.  Sure hope no one is reading. I've shared with you before here and here the how on this project. You just need a Cricut, Armour Etch, contact paper, a glass object and an imagination.

This time I chose a oil/vinegar cruet

Did a reverse etch, taped off the edges, I wanted straight lines.

Brushed on the etching cream, let it sit for one hour

Once I washed it off with soap and water, I filled it up with dish soap and it now sits very pretty upon my sink.
And soon upon several neighbor's!

I hope you all have enjoyed this series of A Very Pinteresting Christmas with The 4-Crow's. If you have any Christmas Pinterest Projects, please link them up.  Merry Christmas from Our Nest to Yours!

A Very Pinteresting Christmas Day 14: Kindergarten Tree Ornaments

I am serving as Home Room Mom in my daughter's Kindergarten class this year. I love this job. My have to do duties include two parties. 

Winter and Valentines.

 (I still detest the use of the term Winter over Christmas) 

The other duties I take on are simply because I am asked or I volunteer to do them. I take this job very seriously and never say NO! Schools need all the volunteers they can get. I love these kids and I love her teacher! In addition to planning and organizing the food for the party tomorrow, I also planned a craft for the little kinders. 

Pinterest inspired of course.

These paint chip tree ornaments are short and fat. Love them. Lowe's donated them, I guess they don't carry the tall & skinny samples any more. I have all the prep work done ahead of time. Made a template, cut the trees out, punch a hole, tied a ribbon. All the kids have to do is apply the foam stickers and glue the trunk of the tree on. There are so many fun things to do with these. Sequins, glitter, photos, etc... I just chose the easy way out and made a keepsake ornament.

Be sure to visit The 4-Crow's each day this week as I bring you "A Very Pinteresting Christmas" Linkup and if you have any Pinterest inspired activities throughout the week, be sure to grab the button on the left side of my blog and linkup your ideas! "A Very Pinteresting Christmas" will be 15 days of Pinterest inspired food, fun, crafty days of linkups that all can be used during this wonderful season of joy. It will run from December 3-21 here at The 4-Crow's. I hope you will join in on the fun!

A Very Pinteresting Christmas Day 12: Our 2012 Christmas Card

Our Christmas card this year was so much fun to make and even more fun to take! I think by now all of my cards have been received, so I can now show it off!

It of course had a few images that were Pinterest inspired, and then I added my own twist. I wanted a card this year that  featured my babies, but also captured some of their orneriness.

I use Shutterfly each year to make my cards and annual photo book. This year I picked the Wishing You a Merry Christmas card. The prices are good, and I of course love, love, love all of the discount codes that are offered. But, I need to remember to order an extra 10-15 next year. 50 just doesn't cut it.

Here are larger Pinteresting shots of my kids.

I have to admit they had a lot of fun just being themselves with these pictures. I love taking pics of my kids. Moments to cherish forever. 

Be sure to visit The 4-Crow's each day this week as I bring you "A Very Pinteresting Christmas" Linkup and if you have any Pinterest inspired activities throughout the week, be sure to grab the button on the left side of my blog and linkup your ideas! "A Very Pinteresting Christmas" will be 15 days of Pinterest inspired food, fun, crafty days of linkups that all can be used during this wonderful season of joy. It will run from December 3-21 here at The 4-Crow's. I hope you will join in on the fun!

A Very Pinteresting Christmas, Day 10- More Burlap

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I told you in yesterday's post how much I am loving burlap. My church has green wreaths with the burlap bows and I fell in love with that country Christmas feel. So much so that I decided I must also incorporate it on my tree this year.

Our tree is decorated with a collection of ornaments. No particular theme. Baby's First, Our First, Santa's, Snowmen, lots of childhood creations. Basically a hodge podge tree. We never put garland on our tree, and icicles are a huge no no. I decided this year though, that I wanted garland. Nothing frilly, but subtle and homey.
Burlap Ribbon fit the bill.  Especially 40% off at Hobby Lobby!

And ever since I decorated my tree all I see on Pinterest is BURLAP. I now have a board with that title. Looks like not only will it be incorporated for Christmas, but may become a staple in my home decorating and crafting for a while.

Be sure to tune in each day this week as I bring you "A Very Pinteresting Christmas" Linkup and if you have any Pinterest inspired activities throughout the week, be sure to grab the button and linkup your ideas! "A Very Pinteresting Christmas" will be 15 days of Pinterest inspired food, fun, crafty days of linkups that all can be used during this wonderful season of joy. It will run from December 3-21 here at The 4-Crow's. I hope you will join in on the fun!

Elf on a Shelf Tradition Begins

It's Thanksgiving night here at The 4-Crow's and we were just sitting around flipping the channels between football and Charlie Brown when all of a sudden the doorbell rings, not once, but FOUR times!Oh dear who could it possibly be?

A visitor from the North Pole already?  Actually a brand new visitor to our family- her name is now Malia!Last year we hosted a daily link up where we asked our readers to show us the daily activities of their elf. This year we will be doing only a weekly link up, showcasing a full 7 days of elf fun. Our other elf, Charley who is 40+ years old had to retire. He is still a part of our household, but because he is "vintage", I decided he needed to not be serving in any reindeer games this year. He is actually pictured in the above button, see his rips? You can read more about Charley here, also feel free to visit last years 24 days of linkups and see what all kinds of fun he had around our nest.
I hope you will plan on joining in on the fun and games. Grab the button on the left side of the blog and play along. I look forward to visiting your blogs!

Elf on a Shelf with The 4-Crow's Link Up: Day 4- Charley wants Hot Cocoa

 

The 4-Crow's now have 12 gifts under the tree! 

The Christmas Eve gifts from the kids to our neighbors.

 I took the Pinterest way out this year and decided not to bake. 

Charley loved this idea also, obviously!

Do you have an Elf on the Shelf? Won't you link up with us and show us what your elf is doing?

Just copy and paste the button above (I have the html, but I can't make the little box work) and play along.

I will be doing this daily in December, the last day will be the 24th!

What is Going on at Our Nest? Not Busy! Really.

I can't use the word BUSY anymore. 

Nope, someone can always one up me on that one. As if. LOL!

No really. 

Did you happen to catch the guest post at The RHOK on Tuesday?

Let's me just brief you on the past week and current happenings around The Nest!

Braden made the Principal's Honor Roll the1st Nine Weeks of his 5th Grade Year!

That means Straight A's my friends! 

So proud of my little man!

Kaybrie, oh Kaybrie. She really is taking these Bible verses to heart.

Last week's verse was "Thou Shall Not Steal!"

Needless to say, she should have had more than one day of introduction to that  particular verse.

She stole a teeny tiny mouse from Michael's. Oh yes she did. 

And yes, I marched her right back into the store and made her tell the manager what she did and apologize for it. I don't think she will be breaking that commandment again.

Braden has turned into a Country Music fanatic. Blake Shelton and Jason Aldean are his favorites.

Needless to say, the music craze has rubbed off on little sis as well!

Braden gets his iPod going and both of them get to dancing and singing. Last week of course was a great week for that because the CMA's were on! WTG Blake & Miranda! And of course, Taylor!

Anyway, there is something not quite right when your 10 and 4 year old start singing the lyrics

"Ice cold beer sitting on the console..."

What? 

I had to ask them what they knew about beer. Of course they both replied its the stuff  Nana drinks.

So now they both must replace beer with rootbeer in that lyric. KIDS!!!

Oh and believe me Braden might have the rap words down in that song, but that boy cannot rap!

Football is over and our party is this weekend. I have been working hard on the boy's gifts. I want to show you but...can't. Sorry! Next week maybe.

Tonight and tomorrow night is The Church at BattleCreek's annual Christmas Gathering! So excited. I have three tables decorated and 25 friends will be sitting with me to eat. Several more will be there as well!

This is such a wonderful event. Of course I tell my readers about it every year. It can't be described better as when HGTV & Oprah collide in church! Make sure you go with me next year!

And finally tonight at 10PM, The RHOK is being featured on KTUL Channel 8!

Please watch us!

Here is the promotional clip.

Nope not busy, just over my head!!!

The Crafty Crow Strikes Again...

This time I made a birthday gift for one of my students.

She turned the big O-N-E!

I love my babies!

So what do you get a one year old these days. A doll? A puzzle? Books?

Oh no...this little girl need a Crafty Crow Original!

I am a think ahead kind of person so I thought outside the box and created a "Christmas" birthday gift!

What do you think?

It's all made with ribbon, thread & Liquid Stitch! Easy!

For the bow on top, my friend Sheila suggested the color yellow- it just made the tree pop!

BTW, I am doing better on my bows, I even ventured out and made a matching hair bow!

Now I have to get Kaybrie's made! Oh and her pumpkin shirt made also...

The matching hair bow

MckLinky Monday: Crow Family Christmas Traditions

Our family Christmas traditions kick off with a visit to see Santa the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving each year! I just love The Bass Pro Shop here in Broken Arrow and their Winter Wonderland!

Then on the Sunday before Christmas we have our Christmas Dinner with Grandma Betty- the Crow side of the family! Here Grandma is with all of her Grandkids- ages 19, 15, 10 and 3!

Christmas Eve is busy at our house. When I married Jason, I became acquainted with a little thing his family does. They call each other up on the phone and try to say "Christmas Eve Gift" first to the other person! Kind of a "Got You" game! Well, I liked this so much that I thought why not do Christmas Eve Gifts from my kids to the neighbors. To me it is very important that my kids learn the lesson that giving is better than receiving.  Neighbors were important to me growing up and I want them to be important to my kids. After all, we never know when we might need them, correct? So before my kids get gifts, they walk to each neighbor on Christmas Eve and give a treat with a gift tag that has a picture of them on it! We only pass out to the neighbors and close friends we know around our house- 12 this year! My kids love it, are learning a valuable lesson and look forward to this each year!

Then Christmas Eve, we try to attend services at church but don't always make it, it just depends on Jason's work schedule and the weather. We also try to go to Texas Roadhouse to eat and reflect upon the year and the excitement of the few days ahead. We did make it to Roadhouse this year and enjoyed it very much. Then we came home and opened our gifts to one another, before singing Happy Birthday to Jesus and eating his cake and then setting our cookies, carrots and milk for Santa and the reindeer!

Christmas morning the kids awake to see what Santa has left them and then we prepare to go to my parents in Wilson, where it is a BIG Christmas with 18 of us in attendance, including 10 grandkids. Next year we will have 11! What a wonderful blessing to have such a great grand family! A favorite tradition of my Moma's is to drink cappuccino with her granddaughter's...she finally found the perfect size mug!



For more family traditions, don't forget to read The RHOK, you never know what might be RHOK'in our world!!