My Pleasure

If you've been to Chick-fil-A, you've heard it..."My pleasure." After hearing it so much, it kind of loses the polite factor and may edge on annoying. However, I talked with my daughter about bringing "My pleasure" home. You won't hear us say it (at least not often), but in attitude, we agreed to treat the members of our family like it's our pleasure to help, serve, love them. Some days it's not that we want to help, serve or love, but because we love Jesus who loved us first, we choose to do care about these people. It's not usually because of their goodness, but because of God's that we love Him by showing compassion, grace, or forgiveness to them. With His help, we can love even our closest neighbors as ourselves. (Mark 12:31).

Plan or No Plan, Life Happens

It's a new year! What are your plans? Don't have any? No worries...life will plan them for you. But, if you're like me, I look back and life has just happened to me because I didn't plan what I wanted to fill my days. My goal this year is to be the minder of my calendar, planning my days so they don't plan me. I'd like to put in the to-do's and the fun stuff so life isn't such a random mess.  How to do that? 

1. We have been fairly consistent with family meetings on Sunday nights which helps plan the week. 
2. I've found that I sleep better and accomplish more if I write down what needs to be done the next day as I'm ending my day (usually a notepad on my nightstand). 

Those are my thoughts so far.  Any suggestions from all of you planner types? 

Happy 2015!! It's going to be a great year!

Lean on Me vs. Lean on Jesus...I Choose Jesus

Lean on Me vs. Lean on Jesus...I Choose Jesus

 For conversations you might never have

with people you might never talk to

…go catch a plane.

I had an interesting conversation with a man on a plane last week. Sadly, his mother had died and he was headed across the country for her funeral and to be with his 12 siblings. He shared with me that he was speaking at a conference at a church when he received the news. I thought we probably had much the same story. But, our philosophies, though tiny similarities showed up at times, were not the same at all.

Still we had a great discussion. I learned more about his view of meditation and yoga, and I shared why I can’t possibly be good enough, no matter how deep I go into myself. I am a sinner. His perspective was that through grace (which I totally believe God has given us grace through Jesus Christ, Eph. 2:8-10) and working for a state of consciousness (I totally disagree…Jesus paid it all. I don’t have anything to add that could save me more than what Jesus has already done, Galatians 2:20-21) that one can find the “christ” in you.

In Texas we say, “You are the spitting image of your momma!” I’m not sure why it’s spitting, but it just means, you look like your mom. Though I might look like my mom, everyone would agree I am not her. It’s the same with God; though we are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26), it doesn’t mean we are God. We have similar qualities: ability to love, forgive, mourn, show anger, but that doesn’t make us “God.”

About Jesus my new friend said, “He was a good man, but there have been lots of good men. We don’t feel that God requires a sacrifice to make us right with Him.”  I wanted to cry.

The gentleman (whose meditation name I can’t remember…I wish I had asked what his mother named him) was very nice. Neither one of us changed the other’s mind. But in my heart, I was grieving for him, not just the loss of his mother, but for the years meditating inwardly rather than meditating on his Maker. In his type of meditation, one loses all faculties to open the mind – which I believe opens the mind up to deception (see link below)

            “…for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” 2 Cor. 11:14.

What might seem to be enlightenment is, according to the bible, a path to darkness. Isn’t that the same lie Satan has presented from the beginning saying “God isn’t enough…here’s more”?

I woke up this morning with Philippians 4:13 on my mind. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” It occurred to me that we often stop with “I can do all things…” That’s what mystical religions teach. And, it’s what I often attempt on a daily basis even though I have the strength of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit available to me. But, I CAN’T do anything on my own; beat my own heart, make myself breathe. Those are things God sets and keeps in motion. So, why do I try to run through my day without Him?  Or we could ask, “How do I walk with Him through the day letting Him be my strength?”

Here are some thoughts – ways to lean on Jesus for strength as you live your day:

1.     Before you get out of bed, even if a baby is already crying, sigh a prayer to Him, “I need You, Lord. I surrender the day to You.”

2.     Place scripture in front of you…dry erase on your mirror, a notecard in the car, a screen shot on your phone. (I’ll include some of my favorite verses below.) Say the verse aloud and you’ll memorize it (and maybe your kids will, too.)

3.     P.R.A.Y. (this is biblical, conscious meditation or talking between you and God. Phil. 4:8)

A.     Praise Him for things He has done (all the things He created, loving me enough to send Jesus to die for me…)

B.     Repent: I ask God to bring to mind anything that I’ve done that would hinder my relationship with Him (i.e. Sins…how I’ve spoken to my husband, jealous thoughts toward a friend who “has it all,” etc.)

C.     Ask specifically for the needs in my life (“Please provide a friend for my daughter”, “Help me know how to manage my day”, or even “I want to make something creative for dinner…help me see what that would be.” Your details don’t wear Him out.) 

D.    Yield to Him: meaning you believe Him to be trustworthy so you trust Him with the outcome of the day. He sees, knows, and uses everything. He is too good to waste anything, especially the hard things we’ve been through.  (“Lord, I trust you with all that I’ve asked, to do as you see best.”)

4.     Tune into music that turns your heart toward Him.

5.     One Place (an app) offers radio programs from people and organizations like Chip Ingram, FamilyLife Today, Focus on the Family, etc. I LOVE having this as I drive.

Hebrews 12:1-3 sums this up best. “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer (author) and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Leaning on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith, I won’t grow weary, but will have strength for all things.

Blessings…

Sharon

For more on this:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/november/10.78.html

“This only have I found; God created mankind upright, but they have gone in search of many schemes.” Ecc. 7:29

Some favorite chapters and verses:

Jeremiah 17:7-8, Proverbs 3:5-6, Ps. 139, James 1

Ps. 146, I Peter 5:7, Ps. 34:4-5

Can a Mom Forget?

Can a mom forget? Ha! Yes, she can and usually it's a part of everyday! I forget my phone, appointments, the time, and oh wait…I forgot to pick up one of the kids! Well as funny (but not) as that is, I'm not talking just about forgetting.

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!" Isaiah 49:15

When we are nursing, our body kicks in and reminds us every three to four hours that we have a baby. Or they cry and remind us they need something. But, as our kids get older, those cries don't come so often. They need us less and less.  And when they hit teen years, their "cries" (also known as whines, complaints and mumblings) can be annoying - more easily ignored than answered.

I caught myself in that annoyed state this morning, not listening, but frustrated with all the requests and just general disgruntlement. The verse I mentioned earlier came to my mind and I realized how thankful I am that God is helping parent this child, too. I think we could read this verse: "Can a mother forget to listen to the teen by her side in the car and have no compassion on this kid she bore? (implied "YES.") Though she is annoyed, I will not give up on her children." He never forgets. He never gives up. He is always faithful.

What good news for our kids. I pray my kids embrace this constant care of God…it is ground that won't shake in a world that is unstable-a place that even mom can get fed up.

And, what great news for us as moms…as humans. When we feel alone, "forgotten," we can cry out to Him, knowing He isn’t annoyed. He never forgets you. He never gives up. He is always faithful.

"The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Ps. 121:8

Lord, Thank you for your ability to care – always. Thank you for never giving up; for listening every time we call out to You. Amazing – that’s what You are. In Jesus Name we come to You…Amen.

Making A Home: Biblical Hospitality vs. Entertaining

Making A Home: Biblical Hospitality vs. Entertaining

I loved this post. It's easy to make "having company" about us and what we have, how we decorate, what we serve; when really, it's about the people. Less of me and more of others always works better! Enjoy and Thanks Amber for a great post and beautiful blog.

Device Distractions

Our great grandparents would never have believed that one device could be used as a...

• phone
• mailbox
• map
• flashlight
• compass
• messenger
• calendar
• game room
• camera
• movie theater
• bank
• library...

Amazing! But is having so much at our fingertips really such a benefit?

In 1965, The Byrds put King Solomon's words from Ecclesiastes to music. If Solomon were writing those words today, he might include a disclaimer about smart phones/devices.*

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, a time to reap that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sow; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
A time for phones, and a time to put them down*

*Disclaimer: There will be a time for all of the afore mentioned things unless you choose not to set the device aside. Device distraction hinders having the "know how" and time to plant, reap, kill, heal, break down, build up, weep, laugh, mourn, dance, embrace, show restraint, get up, win, lose, keep, sow, speak, love what you need to love, hate what should be hated, go to war with things/people to be battled, find peace in the everyday things...

We face a challenge as parents today, not just raising our children, but raising them while holding a device in their hands.

• Some parents have chosen not to supply their children with a phone or device
• Some have trusted their children with them, but place restrictions on the use
• Others moms and dads have given the phones with no limits or boundaries.

Our family has fallen in the middle. We have provided phones for two or our children for several reasons:

1. Convenience of getting in touch with them. (no more wondering if you have track practice and if so, where/when should I pick you up - texting can be a great tool for families)

2. When in history have we been able to look up what we need/want to know without visiting the library? Phones can be a huge help and educational resource when used in that way.

3. Our kids will soon be living in this world as young adults without our guidance. Because of that, we felt it was necessary to teach and train them about restricting themselves before they are on their own.

Those sound nice and neat, and I'm just telling you now, not much is black and white. Life is messy and so is this phone/device issue. Here are some of our guidelines:

1. The phone is ours...We paid for it so I can pick it up and read the texts, instagram, etc. to get a feel for where you are as a person and who you are "hanging out with." I know you won't like it, but it's my job to protect you right now so it just has to be. 

2. After school, the phone is turned in to me or dad to give them time to get their school work done/rooms picked up, clothes washed, help with dinner, outside to play basketball, creativity, etc. They get it back after dinner if their "stuff" is done. If they say they need their phone to do homework, I will give them mine or they can use a computer/ipad that doesn't light up or buzz when they have a message. (Notifications can be turned off. A good idea) For all the great things about smart phones, one of the worst is the distraction and time sucker that they can be.

3. Phones come to our room at bedtime (9:30 for younger, 10:00 for older). There is a time to sleep and a time to be awake. With the phone vibrating, it's hard to get the sleep they need. There are about a million excuses to this rule, (believe me, I've heard most of them) but we stand firm on it for their sake. We sometimes look through the texts. It usually depends on how that child is doing with relationships, school, etc. Seems like moms have a God given sense about when something is being hidden and when kids are being sincere and honest.

We also try to know the passwords to most of the apps they frequently use, but there are new apps everyday. So, developing a trusting relationship with your child is still the best way to know what's going on in their lives. How do you do that? Having them put their devices aside will frustrate them at first, but it's usually a great way to spend some time with them and get on the same page.

Our kids are not the enemy in this and neither are you (though your child may make you feel that way). God has a plan for each of our children - we are all here for this time in history when over 600 million smart phones/devices have been sold. As the parents, it's part of our responsibility to see that they aren't hindered from knowing who God is, who their family is and what His purpose is for them because of the electronics in their possession. Not an easy task, but definitely worth the effort.  Empower them to use their phone, not be consumed by it. There is a time for everything and now is the time to be wide awake as a parent, to sow what is sometimes difficult; to reap what only God can accomplish. Now is the time...

Check out this article for some helpful tips on determining if you or your children are addicted to the social side of what our devices offer. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
Are You OverDosing on Social Media?

In Need of Sick Days

 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, 

for those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Our family had been going 20 different directions: work, games, practices, lessons, homework, and taking care of our house/animals in quick trips home. I really don't like living like that. Some seasons of the year are busier. But, there is a tool capable of stopping everything and even receives a compassionate nod from school and work to take it easy for a while. We all try to avoid this tool, but at times, it's inevitable. In this hectic season of our lives, sickness came and stopped our world.

I didn't get the flu so that made everything better. But everybody else had at least a touch of it. Our normally out-of-the-house family was a wanna-be-home group. There's something about home and momma that make being sick easier. I don't wish for my kids to get sick, but when they are, I treasure the time with them. As they get older, sick days bring a closeness with my kids - a chance to talk, to sit a little while and watch a tv show, to brush their hair or rub their backs.

My normally run and gun lifestyle came to a halt, too. During my days at home, I remembered that I like this place. I cleaned and organized, even made some burlap curtains with one of my kids, and cooked a lot.

After our week of passing germs around, one trip to the emergency room, hours of extra sleep, watching lots of TV and catching up on missed homework,  we finally ventured back to school and work. But, I almost didn't want to go. I liked being together, and so did my family. God used that week of sickness to tighten us up and remind us of the gift we have in each other.

Sometimes things look like a drag...I mean who really gets excited about being sick?! But, I was amazed to see God bring us closer to Him and to each other. He promised to bring good out of everything we face each day - even the flu. Only God could be so good.

Sock It To Me...Fun Monday

This morning, my daughter (almost 13) zipped through the kitchen toward the laundry saying, "I need socks." I directed her to our always overflowing sock basket. But, my son, sitting at the bar eating his breakfast, dryly commented, "You've got socks on." To which my daughter, in a 180 spin, headed back to her room shaking her head at herself. 

I get into that frantic, "am I coming or going" mindset, too. I'm afraid the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! If you have a funny from your family happenings, we'd love to hear. 

A Fun Monday to you...Sharon

Chaos...Not What I Expected

Chaos is a big part of a mom's life. Laurie and Sharon share about realizing chaos is what should have been expected all along. Without the chaos, there would be no family. Thanks for watching.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGZIkwSvIuU

NEW Video Blog!!

We are excited to announce the beginning of our VIDEO BLOG. You can see the current and past episodes at www.youtube.com/momandlovingitshow. If you have a question or topic you would like us to cover, let us know. These episodes release each Tues. so feel free to subscribe to our youtube channel.  Thanks to Sean at Red Letter Media for making this possible.

Setting Women Free to Impact the Next Generation.
www.youtube.com/momandlovingitshow

Sub-Mom

A few weeks ago, the referees for the NFL decided to strike. The team owners felt the refs were replaceable, so they did just that. After bringing in the secondaries who had several missed calls, the sub-refs were removed and the owners decided they better negotiate with the professional officials.

I sometimes want to call in the sub-mom...I want to go on strike and wouldn't mind if somebody locked me out!! I've felt like that several times lately. But, a sub-mom wouldn't be mom. In my frustration, I can look at my friends and name several who would be better than me. But, even though I think somebody else would be more capable, they aren't the professional in my home. I am. I know the rules; not just the disciplinary ones, but the talk rules - when everyone listens and talks best, the love rules - how each one feels loved, the logistical things like "what time to get up," which uniform needs to be clean on which day, and who likes apple, grape or strawberry jelly!

On one particularly "down day," while struggling with where to set the boundaries and what was okay to allow, this verse came to mind, "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." Ps. 42:11(NIV) Another version says: "Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God - soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He is my God."
 

Hearing those words, I was able to look at my situation differently. It doesn't say there will be no trouble, but that "in" the trouble we put our hope in Him. I moved on from being down in the dumps to looking at what God was wanting me to do, not only with this one child, but with my life as well. I had been so consumed by the issues we were facing, that I just wanted a break from it. How sweet of God to give me a break in the middle of the troubles by reminding me my hope was in Him and that He has a plan for my life.

Maybe you're feeling like you need a sub-mom today. Instead of subbing a mom, borrow this attitude from Psalm 42.  When you are crying the blues, put your hope in Him, not your kids, spouse, home, job, money...The Head Official made you the mom in your family and He never makes a bad call.

Lord, we get tired. Our kids can wear us out. So, I pray that you will help us fix our eyes on your so that we find our hope, strength and comfort in You. We praise You, our Savior and our God.

Just thinking:

When I was a kid, my parents read the bible to me. I read on my own when I was older and still do. Memorizing has never been easy for me, but I still work at it. When I was struggling in the story above and needed His word to comfort me and get me back on track, it was in there in my head ready to be used. Take some time to read God's word to your kids. You will be equipping them and yourself with what lasts. You never know when a scripture you've read or memorized may come back at just the right time to send you or your children down the best road.keep you or your children on course.

Tough Times Can Be Good Times Too...

As hard as my kids have tried to ignore it, school has started again. I really should have videoed them walking into Walmart in July, both girls guarding their eyes to avoid the school supplies. They despised the Target commercials starring a dancing teacher. How dare someone try to make school look appealing by making a  guitar out of pencils! (Pretty cute if you ask me!)

But, here we go again. It doesn't seem so long since we did this last year. Time is flying...I must be having fun. Actually I am...for the most part. The warp speed of time has made me realize I have to freeze frame some of this and enjoy or make the best of all the rest. My choice. No parent can avoid the struggles of a teen trying to become their own, or worrying about the one that's struggling socially; dealing with the awkwardness of a middleschooler who just says the odd thing; trying to keep them clothed in something you can both like. I'm realizing that the freezeframes don't all have to be the "kodak" moments. If I wait for those, I'm likely to be so whiny of a mom that I miss them when they come!
 

Sounds great...but how do you enjoy the trials? Here are some thoughts:
 

1. Start your day as you wake up acknowledging that you need help from God. "This is the day the Lord has made..." so ask for help in this day that He's made.

2. Spend some time reading His word...Psalms, Philippians, Matt, Mark Luke or John are some of my favorites.

3. If a deep breath can clear the thoughts of a professional baseball pitcher, it can also help me when I'm dealing with a cranky two, 10 or 15 yr. old. A long inhale of oxygen helps prevent crazy things from slipping out of my mouth. 

4. In the moment, if I ever stop to think, "Does this really matter? or Am I taking this too seriously" sometimes the answer can alter my attitude and my response is calmer just from realizing the temporary nature of the situation. 

 
As the school year begins, 

• if you're kids aren't old enough for school yet, enjoy the calmer pace (I know it can feel almost boring at times, but this time goes away).  
• do what you can to make it fun for them (write them a silly note in their spirals that they'll find throughout the year) and in the process you'll have fun, too.  
• at the end of the day, as you fall asleep, think back over the day so you can remember it instead of just getting through it. 

My kids and your kids are great gifts. Deciding to take all that comes your way instead of just the good stuff will give us opportunities to see the tough times as good times, too. 

Where Are You Living?

"Therefore anyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had it's foundation on the rock. But. everyone who hears...and doesn't put into...practice is like a foolish man who build his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against aht house, and it fell with a great crash." Matt. 7:24-27

What a simple picture, but how easy to miss in the busyness of our days. We would never build our houses on sand. How foolish. But, in everyday decisions, it's easy to put our hopes on things that are sandy...shifty. When my kids and I talked about this, it was one of those "light-bulb" moments when we all realized that the stupidity of building a house on sand is the same stupidity that makes us build our lives on what people think of us or that money could really buy us what we want or that our families will really offer all we need.

All of those situations are shaky. Let a few friends decide you are lame, buy everything you can trying to fill your needs and put all your dreams in your spouse or how your children will "turn out" and watch as the walls of your life begin to come down like sand castles in the rising tide.

Everything changes. Look around you. Everything you are looking at will change. The trees drop their leaves and eventually fall down, your computer will become obsolete, food will ruin, businesses will close, your house will eventually crumble, your hands will get wrinkly, one day you'll die. It all changes. Except for one thing. And it turns out, that one thing is what the foundation of our life can and should be built upon to last. The one who created the ocean, streams, rain, wind, rock and even sand...He is the only one worthy of our lives. And when we build our lives, our homes, our work on the foundation of Jesus Christ, our changing, uncertain lives will count for more than just us. They will be a part of the big picture that has been going on since the beginning of time.

In our world where everything around us changes, it's comforting to know we can build our lives on the one who never changes. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)Ahhh, what a nice place to live.

IDEA: Share this passage with your kids, family or even your kids friends...it can spark a great discussion. I first asked my kids, "What are the storms, rivers, and winds that blow against us." But, then I realized, that's the wrong question. What is important is our foundation. "Who do you want to please? Where do you find hope? Who are you trusting?" Those are the better questions to answer, because when the foundation is right, it won't matter what the storms and winds throw at us: we will not be shaken.

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken." Ps. 62:1-2

 

 

*If you have questions about how to begin your foundation with Christ, please feel free to email us. We would love to share the Hope we have found in Him. mail@momandlovingit.org 

Breaking Down...

The New Year Resolution - Break Down
I have a sweet friend who has gone through a myriad of changes in her life this past year. With that in mind, she has decided that rather than making new years resolutions she would break down her goals and have short term goals that change each month. Her January goals include: leaving work 30 min. earlier and cooking at home more (and healthier meals). Small steps toward a happier new year.

When she told me about this, I was relieved! I had decided that I would exercise everyday this year, but on Jan. 2, I had to rationalize that moving some boxes was exercising! But, thinking about exercising every day the remaining days in January, seems like something I might be able to accomplish.

 I'm thinking that for January I'm going to add to my exercise goal - encouraging my husband everyday. He beams when I brag on him. Maybe if I compliment him for the 25 days that are left, it will become a habit. I hope so. So what are you're goals for this year?

The Christmas Breakdown
Breaking down our Christmas decor is quite the sad few days at our house. My Christmas tree is still up, garland is hanging outside...We love Christmas which makes it a drudge to take our decorations down! Some of you are wondering what is wrong with me because you moved on to the new year on the 26th of December! But for those of you who feel my pain, here are a couple of ideas to make "undecorating" a little more fun:

1. Play "I Spy" with your tree. We have a bazillion (I don't  think I'm exaggerating!) ornaments. So I started saying, "Find the ornament that we got in Gatlinburg. Find all the ornaments with pictures in them. Find all the drums. I sat on the floor and wrapped everything like I wanted, and my 9 and 11 yr. olds had fun playing "Find the Ornament."

2. I've shared this before, but I think it is worth sharing again. This was our mom's tactic to get us to eagerly help with putting away the decorations. She always saved three presents (one for me, Laurie and our brother) that could only be opened when the decorations were stored. Talk about some eager helpers! I have no idea what was in those gifts, but rather than just having one more present that we opened on Christmas morning, these sat there waiting on us. It helped take away the sting that Christmas had come and gone.

As we start this new year, I pray that we, moms, will see God in the everyday things and that we won't miss when He is working in our lives. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18
Happy January!

Christmas Life Savers

Today I thought I'd pass on a few things that have been great "savings" for our family...time saving, money saving, sanity saving ideas.

1. Put a red pen in your purse. This may sound nuts, but it really comes in handy for a last minute gift tag, a color other than black for kids to use to color during their sisters choir/band/theatre/orchestra performance! Christmas cards are prettier written in red.

2. Pick up some Adventures in Odyssey radio theatre CD's at your local Christian bookstore. If your kids are a little older, we particularly enjoyed the mystery series. These are GREAT for road trips. Sure we can watch movies, and we do, but listening allows us to look out the window and not miss the Christmas lights as we make our yearly trek to see family in another state.

3. Pick up the leftover greenery at your local Home Depot or Lowe's Building store. When they sell a Christmas tree, they cut off the bottom branches. Unless someone comes by to take these beautiful, pine smelling limbs, they are dumped in the trash. We have it all over our house. (See pic) When we are finished with them, they make great fire starters for our fireplace. (Just make sure you keep them away from the fireplace until you're ready for them to burn!)

4. Instead of trying to read all the Christmas letters when you get them, keep them in a basket. After Christmas, put the basket on your table and pray for one family each day. You can enjoy the letter more when the chaos dies down.

What are your quick, time/life/money/sanity saving tips?

"How Many Days Til Christmas, Mommy?!"

Every mom hears that question again and again! When my kids were little (and bugging me 15 times a day with "how long til Christmas" questions,) we came up with a project that has turned into a tradition.

Cut strips of paper (red and green is great, but white printer paper works), then link them together. If it's 24 days til Christmas, you need 24 strips. Number the strips, then make them into a chain. Each day have one of your kids take one link off.

Without asking, even the youngest kids have an idea of how long it is til the big day.

Here's to a calmer Christmas!