Tag Archives: Christian

It’s Easter Time! Part 1: Bible Based Easter Baskets

Holiday Ideas, Uncategorized March 5, 2013 1 Comment

March is here and Easter is not too far away.  I really enjoy thinking of just the right theme for my kids’ Easter Baskets.  Since the kids get so much candy from the various egg hunts, I try to fill the baskets with other items.  This year I went with a religious theme to reinforce the real menaing of Easter and the importance of Easter in our house.  I tailored each basket to fit the personality of each child.  BUT, here’s the catch – each basket still had to contain the same types of things or there would be a whiny fued as soon as the kids discovered the baskets.  So this year the baskets will contain:

  • A doll/action figure
  • DVD
  • Book
  • Activity Book
  • Bracelet
  • Jelly Beans
  • Snack Packs (Goldfish, Popcorn, Granola Bars, etc.)

Now for the details….

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J-Man’s Basket

“J-Man” is 6 years old and in first grade.  He’s a sensitive thinker type with a dash of crazy boy at times.  He enjoys comic books and action figures – although his action figures are usually used for display on his shelf.  His favorite color is “Camo” .  J-Man’s basket:

  • Joshua Action Figure – can be found a Christianbook.com for $6.99 or on Amazon for as low as $2.99.
  • DVD about Joshua.  I chose the Greatest Heroes version. Christianbook.com or Amazon for $4.99
  • Book: “Welcome To Holsom”.  This is the first time we’ve ordered this series, so we will see how we like it.  It’s a graphic novel (score!) and deals with character development traits (awesome!) with plots involving underground labs and robots (how could J-Man not love it??).  There is a kindle version for $.99 or paperbacks for $9.99.
  • Bracelet: First off, it’s “CAMO!”.  Second, it has a great reminder to “Fear Not” as in Psalm 118:6 “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.” A great reminder for kids that struggle with fear and anxiety. $7.99 at Christianbook.com
  • Jelly Bean Prayer Activity Book: an age appropriate activity book to learn the true meaning of Easter.

Joshua Joshua and the Battle of Jericho, Greatest Heroes and Legends of the Bible DVD -  #1: Things Not Seen: Welcome to Holsom Graphic Novel -<br /><br /> By: Craig W. Schutt</p><br /> <p> Fear Not Camo, Canvas Bracelet -  The Jelly Bean Witness Activity Book -

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Dude’s Basket

“Dude” is our youngest child.  He’s a stocky, red headed, testosterone filled brute.  His desire to compete is never ending, including winning every verbal battle possible and turning the simplest things into a competition (who can get to the car first? Who can finish dinner first? Who can fall asleep first? etc.)  Now you know why I picked the items I did for our youngest.

  • David Action Figure – can be found on christianbook.com or Amazon for about $7.
  • DVD about David & Goliath.  Same series as above, just a different story.
  • Book: Goodnight Warrior – a bedtime devotional book.  “Dude” doesn’t sit still very often, so reading books all day is hard to do.  Once he’s in bed at night, it’s usually easier to have some reading time and I thought this book would get him excited to learn about God and prayer.  What little warrior can resist a book with a sword yielding knight on the cover?
  • Bracelet: “Be Strong” based on Phillipians 4:13 “ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”  A positive reminder for my little warrior.  Oh, and it’s blue which is his favorite color 🙂
  • Jelly Bean Prayer Activity Book – using colors of Jelly Beans to learn the true meaning of Easter.

David David and Goliath, Greatest Heroes and Legends of the Bible DVD -  Goodnight Warrior: God's Mighty Warrior Bedtime Devotional Bible -<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> By: Sheila Walsh</p><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p> Be Strong, Canvas Bracelet -  The Jelly Bean Prayer, Easter Coloring Book -

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Girly Girl’s Basket

Our 5 year old middle child who is girly to the max.  The one who stated at 3 years old that sports “are not for me.”  Her world is pink, pink, sparkles, and you guessed it – pink.  Dresses are a must and she doesn’t care if princesses aren’t real – she wants to be one anyway.  Her basket was a little trickier as it is hard to find stories and dolls based on women in the Bible.  At least stories that would appeal to “Girly Girl”.   But I think she’ll like it.

  • Doll: A horse toy of some kind – not pictured (This ties into the book).
  • DVD: God’s Little Princess.  A 3 part DVD series about learning to be a princess for the greatest heavenly King of all! $14.99 on Amazon or chrisitanbook.com
  • Book: Princess Charity’s Courageous Heart.  One of the books in the princess series.  This book is based on the Good Samaritan parable.  (See the horse on the cover? Hence the toy horse.) christianbook.com $9.99
  • Bracelet: Multi colored sparkley (and of course pink) bracelets that say “He Loves Me”.  An important reminder for little girls to know that God loves them, always. christianbook.com $5.99
  • Jelly Bean Prayer Activity Book – an age appropriate activity book to learn the true meaning of Easter.

God's Little Princess DVD Treasury Box Set -<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> By: Sheila Walsh</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p> Princess Charity's Courageous Heart -<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> By: Jacqueline Johnson, Jeanna Young</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p> Illustrated By: Omar Aranda</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p> He Loves Me Stretch Bracelets, Set of 3 -  The Jelly Bean Prayer, Ages 4-7 Activity Book -

There you have it.  As much as I would love to post a picture of the finished baskets, they aren’t done yet!  I wanted to make sure I shared my ideas in time for you to order your items before Easter.  Enjoy!

Summer Camp Review

Ideas To Make Your Kids Smile February 28, 2013 Comments: 2

Yes, it’s not even Spring yet but guess what?? Summer Camp registration is OPEN!!!!!  So now that you are hyperventalating, here is a short and sweet review of the camps and programs that we have been a part of.  Please post some of the camps you love so we can all be informed!

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422 Sports Complex

My youngest has been taking soccer classes here all year.  They are WONDERFUL!  The complex is basically a large sports arena with ice hockey rinks, roller hockey rinks and a large turf field.  The kids in the “Soccer Bugs” program get a uniform and class once a week for 50 minutes.  The coaches are great with the kids and my son gets out all his energy by the end of class.  The facility offers summer camps, summer classes and also “Days Off” classes for those holidays when you need child care.

SMGHeader

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Perkiomen Watershed

If you’ve never visitied the Perkiomen Watershed, you must!  During the school year, they offer preschool classes for $10.  This includes a lesson, craft and free playtime in the nature discovery room.  During the summer, they offer week long day camps and special one day events.  Last year my oldest particpated in a one day camp where he explored the Branch Creek all day.  He loved it.  Check it out:

 http://www.perkiomenwatershed.org/index.aspx

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Camp Men-o-Lan

This is the first year my oldest will go to this camp.  Men-O-Lan offer a sleepover or day camp.  It’s a Christian camp and the facilites are amazing.  Our church has held retreats there in the past.  We’ve gone swimming, paddleboating, went down a waterslide and attempted the obstacale course.  I think it will be a wonderful and exhausting week for me oldest.  They offer theme based camps that will surely attract your youngster!

Men-o-lan Christian Camp and Retreat Center

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VBS (Vacation Bible School)

My kids really enjoy VBS and we usually sign them up for one or two each summer.  Our church does not host a VBS, but as the summer draws near you will see signs up everywhere for churches that will host a VBS week.  The cost is usually very minimal if any at all.  My kids love the music, crafts, games and new friends.  The lessons reinforce what they have learned at Sunday School and what I teach at home.  Love it!  If you are nervous about sending your kids to a place you don’t know, offer to volunteer.  Most VBS camps need volunteers and they are happy to welcome you on board.

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Looking for an alternative to camp?  I will be posting my “Camp At Home” ideas in the weeks to come.  For now, leave a comment on your favorite camps.  Thanks!