Holidays — Page 15

Christmas Shopping And A Coupon Code

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So, any serious Black Friday deal finders out there?

I must admit, I ventured out last night, after the kiddos were in bed, while my husband caught up on football. It lasted all of half an hour. I had hopes of getting a bike for one of the kids that has outgrown theirs. However. Can I just tell you that when I saw the *madness* (and I do not use that word lightly, I promise) that was the Wal Mart parking lot, I just kept on driving. Did not exit my vehicle. Did not pass Go. Just calmly and quietly drove straight home.

That was the beginning and end of my big Black Friday adventure.

But I must say that I did find some great online deals for specific things I was looking for. Now that is my kind of shopping. Nice and comfortable in my own living room, with a hot cup of decaf coffee, and the kids sleeping soundly down the hall. No scary mobs or freezing long lines, thank you very much.

So, what do you think, did I miss the boat? Was the camping out worth it?

Either way, just to show that I’m not completely jaded, I’m joining in the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals with a Hope Ink deal of my own 🙂

Now through Monday, use coupon code GRATEFUL for 20% off your entire order in the Etsy shop.

Oh, and if you leave a comment on this post, telling me if you braved the crowds or not, I’ll send you another coupon for a free surprise 8×10 art print with your order!

Happy Friday 🙂

Happy Thanksgiving! (Free Printable)

Happy Day of Thanks!

I promised my kids I’d have a new coloring sheet for them,

so here’s one I just finished (for you too).

(Click here to download the black and white version.

Sized for regular 8.5 x 11 printer paper.)

And here’s the other one from last week too –

Enjoy 🙂

May this day of thanks be one of blessing, gratitude, and peace
as you reflect on the Maker & Giver of life.

©Copyright 2011, Emily Hope. All Rights Reserved. Printable PDF For Personal Use Only.

Gratitude & Preparation

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Spent lots of time today out running errands and tying up last minute preparations for Thanksgiving. Still not done. (Naturally, being the last minute kind of person I usually am 😉

But I’ve also been struck today by how thankful I am for all that we have and all that I can so easily take for granted.

Family.

Friends.

God’s Word.

Running water (after spending a little time on the mission field, believe me, this is something I appreciate much more –when I remember!).

Boundless information and instant communication that our great grandparents never dreamed of.

A home to go home to.

I want to make sure that I don’t let this Thanksgiving speed by in the rush of preparation and to-do lists. That I don’t miss the reason for the day. To remember. To thank the One who has given us everything.

Several years ago, when my now 9 and 10 year olds were much younger, barely able to print words, we made a Thankful Tree on Thanksgiving. We painted an inexpensive canvas with whatever paints we could find, and then cut out some leaves from green cardstock. On the leaves, they printed different things that they were thankful for. I loved seeing what they came up with. Trucks were at the top of the list, but thankfully Mom and Daddy made the list too 🙂

So, I’m thinking we need to make another Thankful Tree this year. To reflect on what we’ve already been given –and ultimately, the Giver of all good gifts. Such appropriate preparation for the Christmas season we’re entering.

And speaking of Christmas, lately I’ve been pondering about how to stretch out the celebration, to dwell on Jesus, rather than on all the stuff that can overshadow Him. Today, after all my hectic running around, I came home to this in the mail – sent unexpectedly from a sweet, faraway friend.

Perfect. Listen to what it says on the back:

Between purchasing presents and planning travel, enjoying holiday pageants and attending parties, it is all too easy for the bustle of Christmas to silence the sacredness and crowd out a quiet anticipation of the season’s truths …. With it’s high view of Scripture and its focus on the gift of Jesus, this lovely book is sure to ready your heart and mind for a fresh experience of “Immanuel, God with us” this and every Advent season.

– Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus, edited by Nancy Guthrie

I’m so looking forward to getting into it.

I also really want to do some special activities, books, projects, etc. with the kids and as a family that will underline the true meaning of this Season. What are some things that you’ve done or plan to do?

Share away – I need ideas!

Thanksgiving!

Happy One-Week-From-Thanksgiving!

Seriously though. How is it this time of year already? Am I the only one who this season has snuck up on? But enough about me and my being out of touch with reality 😉

I thought it would be fun to post the drawing I did last Thanksgiving at the request of my then three year old (now four). Again, where does the time go?? I shared this with my facebook friends last year, since I hadn’t yet made the leap to blogland. But now it’s here for you! And the plan is to have another brand new one posted for you by next Thursday (now that I’ve made peace with the fact that it will indeed be Thanksgiving Week in a few short days).

You can download the printable here and then check back for the new one — or subscribe in your reader so you don’t miss any posts 🙂

In the meantime, I’ll leave you with my personal gallery of completed masterpieces, done by 4 amazingly artistic kiddos. We’d love to see yours when you’re done!

©Copyright 2011, Emily Hope. All Rights Reserved. Printable PDF For Personal Use Only.

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