The Joy of Holiday Giving

James and I want to be conscientious about teaching our children the importance of giving during the holiday season.  We are truly blessed with everything we need and so much more.  But there are many in this world who go without the basic necessities of life and literally struggle to survive each day.

Our desire is that Christmas would be an opportunity to share the joy, hope, and love of Christ with others.  A very practical and easy way to do that is by purchasing gifts that give back!  If you're looking for presents for your loved ones this holiday season and and want to help spread joy to others while you're at it, here's a list of some great gift ideas that help support various charities:

Cards from Africa
A friend told me about this organization, and I had to add it to the list!  Their products are made by hand in Rwanda and help families affected by AIDS and genocide to rebuild their lives.  They offer well-paid employment to those who need it the most, and their business model provides the skills to transition easily to another career or start their own business someday.  The cards are beautiful, and they have them for every occasion!  Perfect for Christmas!
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Where to purchase: http://cardsfromafrica.com/shop.php

Freeset Bags

I received one of these beautiful bags from my best friend for my birthday and absolutely love the product and the concept behind the organization!  Their motto is "In Business for Freedom".  Freeset exists specifically to provide freedom for women from sex trade and allow them an opportunity to restart their lives and regain their dignity. 

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Where to purchase:   http://shopforfreedom.justiceventures.org/freeset.aspx 

Giving Tree

Giving Tree is a branch of Bread & Water, a non-profit organization founded in 1999 by a friend of ours.   It is a fast growing non-profit providing relief in a increasing number of countries around the world and is run entirely by volunteers.  Some of their projects include an orphanage in Liberia, a school in India, and a village doctor training program in a remote part of China.  Giving Tree offers beautiful gifts (many handmade) and 100% of the proceeds go towards one of their designated projects.  We have all the gifts pictured on the left (CJ loves the bear!).
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Where to purchase:  http://www.breadandwater.org/gift_shop/index.htm

GoodShop

GoodShop is a service of GoodSearch - when you shop from the site, a percentage of your purchase will go to the partnering nonprofit of your choice.  If you want to purchase gifts from major retail stores and contribute to a charity while you're at it, this is the place to do it!  I discovered this service through one of their partners, Little Lights, an urban ministry organization I've been involved in and am passionate about.  I'm so thankful to be able to contribute in this way!
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Where to purchase:  http://www.goodsearch.com/goodshop.aspx

IJM (International Justice Mission)

IJM is an organization my husband and I have come to know and love.  We attended IJM's Annual Prayer Gathering in D.C. this past April (highly recommend attending if you have the chance) and were simply blown away by the justice work God is doing in and through this ministry.  Partner with IJM by sending an e-card or by purchasing the "Freedom" compilation cd featuring artists like Third Day, Jars of Clay, tobyMac, and MercyMe (only $5!). 
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Where to purchase e-card:  https://secure3.convio.net/ijm/site/Ecommerce?store_id=1481&JServSessionIdr004=9o5u7kqu61.app306a

Where to purchase Freedom cd:  http://www.familychristian.com/shop/product.asp?prodID=133165&name=Various+Artists-Freedom

Life is Good

I've always loved the adorable t-shirts made by this company.  And now I appreciate them even more after discovering their line of fundraising products.  100% of the profits from these products go toward The Life is Good Kids Foundation which helps kids overcome life-threatening challenges such as violence, illness and extreme poverty.  What a terrific idea!
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Where to purchase:  http://www.lifeisgood.com/foundation/fundraising-products.aspx

One Day's Wages

James and I absolutely love the vision and mission of this organization and agree that our one day's wage can make a HUGE impact for those who go without each day.  We can make a difference and help battle poverty around the world.   So why not celebrate the holidays by partnering with ODW and raising funds to help those in need?  Get together with your family and friends and start a holiday campaign or throw a holiday benefit party.  What a great way to spread the joy!
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Where to purchase:  http://www.onedayswages.org/community/blog/2010/11/odws-holiday-campaign

OneHope Wine

If you know me, you know I love a good glass (or two) of wine.  So I was excited to find out about OneHope Wine!  This organization was started by eight friends who turned what started as a personal mission to help out a friend with her fight against cancer into a thriving business founded on a very basic, but compelling principle: giving back is good business.  50% of the profits go to one of their partnering charities (like the Fight Against Autism, Fight Against Breast Cancer, and Support the Troops).  This is the perfect gift for fellow wine enthusiasts.
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Where to purchase: http://www.onehopewine.com/

World Vision

World Vision is a Christian organization dedicated to serving children, families, and their communities worldwide to help alleviate poverty and injustice. Through its gift catalog, the organization provides a wonderful opportunity to purchase a gift for a family which will help nourish and feed them.  Purchase a goat or sheep on behalf of someone you love.
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Where to purchase: http://donate.worldvision.org/OA_HTML/xxwv2ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?go=gift&&section=10389


If you think this list would be helpful for someone you know, please feel free to pass it along.  And if you know of any other great gift ideas that help spread the joy in giving, please do share!  I'd love to hear them.

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Spicy Chicken Teriyaki

{ spicy chicken teriyaki.  it's what's for dinner.
the beautful ceramic bowl was handmade by my talented friend, olivia. }

Who doesn't love a good bowl of teriyaki over rice?  Chicken is my favorite, but the beauty of teriyaki is you can easily change it up with beef, seafood, tofu, whatever your heart desires (well, not really but you get the point).

The secret to this teriyaki?

These three ingredients:

- Korean hot bean paste (available at Asian supermarkets)
- Red pepper flakes
- Mr. Yoshida's marinade (available at Costco)

They do all the hard work for you.  All you have to do is add the protein and vegetable of your choice.

Directions:

Cut up chicken breasts into cubes.  Dice onions.  Place chicken and onions into a bowl.  Pour the Yoshida marinade over the chicken until it covers completely. 

[If you want to make a non-spicy version (particularly for kids), transfer a portion of the mix to another bowl before adding the bean paste and red pepper flakes.]

Add a spoonful (or two) of the bean paste to the marinated chicken and mix.  Spinkle with red pepper flakes (add more if you like it with a real kick!).  Mix and then refridgerate overnight (you can also cook right away but letting it soak in the marinade allows a richer flavor).

Once you're ready to cook, pour a little vegetable oil into a frying pan placed over medium-high heat.  Pour the marinated chicken and onion into the pan.  Cover and mix occasionally.  Once chicken is almost cooked through, add frozen or fresh vegetables (broccoli, peppers, and baby corn).  Cook until vegetables are tender.

Pour the teriyaki over a bowl of rice and dinner is served.

Mr. Yoshida's marinade is also perfect for an easy and quick way to make galbi (Korean marinated shortribs). It turns out amazing every time!

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Thanksgiving Highlights

Thanksgiving came and went just like that.  And this holiday we celebrated the faithfulness of the Father with:

a fire,

a feast,

fanfare for an infant,

and family.

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The Thankfulness Song

What we're thankful for this holiday season.

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Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting

{ rosy and buttery cupcakes }

I am a huge fan of cream cheese frosting because (1) it tastes great, (2) it's easy to make, and (3) you can make countless variations.

But I thought I would be adventurous and try something new and different this weekend.  So I attempted to make swiss meringue buttercream frosting.  This definitely requires a bit more time, but the frosting is so amazingly light, smooth, and buttery.

Since I was going all out on the frosting, I kept the cupcake itself very simple and used Trader Joe's Vanilla Cake Mix (I LOVE Trader Joe's products).  I simply followed the instructions on the box.

Here are the instructions for the frosting.

Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting
(Recipe from Martha Stewart)

Makes about 9 cups, enough for about 28 cupcakes

1. Gather ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 10 large egg whites
• 4 cups (8 sticks or 2 pounds) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2.  Place sugar and egg whites in the heat-proof bowl of an electric mixer. Set bowl over a pan of gently simmering water, and whisk until sugar has dissolved and egg whites are hot to the touch, about 3 minutes. Test by rubbing the mixture between your fingers; it should feel completely smooth.

3.Transfer bowl to mixer stand. Using the whisk attachment, beat on high speed until mixture has cooled completely and formed stiff and glossy peaks, about 10 minutes.

4. Add the butter, one piece at a time, and beat until incorporated after each addition. Don't worry if the buttercream appears curdled after all the butter has been added; it will become smooth again with continued beating. Add vanilla, and beat just until combined.

5. Switch to the paddle attachment, and beat on the lowest speed to eliminate any air pockets, about 5 minutes. If using buttercream within several hours, cover bowl with plastic wrap, and set aside at room temperature in a cool environment. Or transfer to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator, up to 3 days. Before using, bring buttercream to room temperature, and beat on the lowest speed with the paddle attachment until smooth, about 5 minutes.

6.  And buttercream frosting is complete!

I tinted the frosting with Wilton's icing color in Rose Petal Pink to add the pretty pink hue.

I'll definitely be making this frosting again!

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Love is in the Air

The boys enjoyed a beautiful fall afternoon in the backyard after church today.  And love filled the air.  As challenging as parenting is at times, these boys bring us such incredible joy.  James and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

The amazing thing is when the Lord looks at His children, He probably thinks the same thing.  Even despite how pig-headed, stubborn, and just plain stupid we are, He is ever so patient with us.  And He loves us still.

Tonight at bedtime, this was our prayer for the boys:

Lord,

You are good, kind, and gracious.  How great and wide and deep is Your love!  Help us to know this with all of our hearts.  And would you shape CJ and Nathan to become men who follow after you above all else?  May Jesus be their greatest treasure and may their lives exemplify this.  Protect them from the lies that the material things and "stuff" of this world will satisfy.  Protect them from falling into the trap of chasing after the American dream and believing that this is life's chief goal.  It is a mere chasing of the wind.  Let them invest their time, heart, and energy in the things of eternal value.

And we pray humbly that you would start by working in our hearts to exemplify this for our children.

We give praise, glory, and honor to you, the King of kings.  One day ALL men of every tribe and tongue will bow down and worship the name of Jesus.  Oh, how we long for that day.

In Your grip,
Amen

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Easy Breezy Gift Bags

{ gift bags that take less than a minute to make! }

I wanted to find a really simple way to make gift bags - no fuss, no mess.  So I did a search on google for "how to make gift bags out of cardstock paper" and found this at Homemade Gifts Made Easy!  This is truly the easiest craft project ever!  All you need is a square piece of cardstock paper (I personally like the double-sided paper - it gives the bag a nice color contrast). 

The instructions on the Homemade Gifts page are well done and easy to follow, but here's a quick summary:

1.  Start with a square sheet of cardstock paper.

2.  Fold the paper in half to form a triangle.

3.  Take the right corner and fold it so it touches the edge of the paper.

4.  Do the same thing with the left corner.

5. Take the inside of the top flap and tuck it into the outside bottom flap (this is a slight variation from the Homemade Gift site).

6.  And voila!  Gift bag complete.

I embellished the bags with floral fabric applique (available at craft stores) which added a nice decorative touch.  All in a matter of 5 minutes.  It doesn't get any easier than this!   These would be great for party favors.  My two-year-old enjoyed eating popcorn out of them.  :)

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Super Uberness

{ the ultimate uber mom }

When you hear the term “Uber Mom”, are there women who immediately come to mind?  You know, the moms who seem to always go above and beyond, are involved in every activity and charity under the sun, excel at everything they do, never lose their cool, and somehow even manage to keep their homes immaculate and they themselves looking beyond fabulous (not a strand of hair out of place)?

Yes, these women are rare but they do exist outside of "Desperate Housewives".  And they intimidate me (and I sincerely apologize if you were fooled into thinking I was one of them).

Truth be told, before James and I had kids, I found it difficult to spend time with a group of moms because I felt incredibly inadequate and out of place.  I didn’t really enjoy cooking, baking, decorating, gardening, cleaning, knitting, home renovations, or doing anything remotely maternal (and I apologize for the stereotype because I do realize moms come in great variety and with all kinds of different passions and gifting).  

My passions involved music, writing, exploring the world and sights around me, and daydreaming.  I quite honestly thought, “Maybe I’m not fit to be a mom.  What could I possibly offer?  Look at these women.  They have it all together, and I’m simply a mess.  I don't think motherhood is for me.”

Well, God had plans of His own. 

When I was 8 months pregnant with CJ, I attended our church’s annual women’s retreat.  I had never gone in the past, because as I stated before, I always felt out of place with the other women and wasn’t sure how to connect with them.  Well, in the end I was so thankful I went because I got a chance to know the other ladies and realized they weren't all that different from me. They had similar struggles, fears, and doubts.

The main speaker that year was a pastor from Boston.  It was the first time they had a male come and speak at the women’s retreat, and he did a beautiful job of delivering the Word to us.  I have the sermon notes somewhere in my house, but because my home is in complete disarray (which goes to show you I'm not an uber mom), I can’t find them anywhere. 

So I’m going off of memory here (which is never really reliable as anyone with mommy brain will tell you).

The speaker is the one who used the term "uber mom" in one of his messages pertaining to our identity.  And he pointed out that for many women, it is all too easy for our identity to be defined by what what we do (of course, this goes for men as well but he was speaking to a bunch of women).  So for us moms particularly, we struggle with striving for super uberness in managing our households and every other aspect of our lives.  Anything less would simply not do.  Anything less means we have failed.  And when we fail, our identity is rocked and shaken.  And until we get it right, we are undeserving of love or adoration.

How many times have we fallen under that trap?

But the speaker pointed us to the gospel.   The one and sure foundation for our identity is not in what we do but what Christ has done and who we are in Him.  The Lord’s grace is sufficient for us and his power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).  Our identity is not in motherhood but rather in daughterhood as precious daughters of the Almighty King.

I so needed to hear that message over 2.5 years ago as I prepared to become a mom.  And I so need to hear that message even now, because I still sometimes struggle with feeling inadequate and that my best is just not good enough.

Praise the Lord His best is absolutely perfect - it is all we need and even more.

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A Date at Starbucks

Yum!  A great way to treat a friend or significant other over the weekend.

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Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Frosting

{ pumpkin + maple + heath toffee bits = perfect combination for the holidays! }

A few of my favorite things about Thanksgiving involve pumpkin pies, pumpkin cheesecakes, pumpkin bread . . . anything and everything pumpkin!

So why not pumpkin cupcakes?  I found the perfect recipe from Ina Garten.

But I'll let you in on a little secret.  I cheated and used this:

And it turned out moist and delicious.  So if you're short on time or just like shortcuts, here's the modified and simpler recipe (yields 12 cupcakes):

Pumpkin Cupcakes

Ingredients

• Trader Joe's Pumpkin Bread Mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
• 1 cup of water
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped Heath bars

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Mix the ingredients.  Using an ice cream scoop, divide the batter into a muffin tin with cupcake liners (I fill the cup 2/3 full).  Bake for 18-20 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Place the cupcakes on a wire rack to cool completely.  Spread the cupcakes with maple frosting and sprinkle with chopped Heath bits.

Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (I normally use a little less so the frosting isn't too sweet)

Directions

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the cream cheese and butter on low speed until smooth. Stir in the maple flavoring and vanilla extract. With the mixer still on low, slowly add the confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth.

Then you can decorate with these.  Enjoy!

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Cupcake Flags

{ pumpkin cupcakes for a baby shower }

I am always on the lookout for ideas on how to decorate cupcakes beautifully.  I love the idea of cupcake flags and decided to try my hand at making my own.   It's actually quite simple and such an easy way to add a decorative touch to any festivity.

Here's a list of the supplies needed to make 20 flags (available at any craft store like Michael's or AC Moore):


* Cardstock paper - 3 sheets ($14.99 for a pad of 50 sheets - used 50% off Michaels coupon so got a great deal - or you can purchase sheets individually ranging from $.49-$.99/page)
* Decorative stickers - 2 packs ($1.99/each)
* 4" Lollipop sticks - 20 ($2.00 for 50 sticks)
* Decorative paper punch (retails at $14.99 but used coupon, so again, another great deal)
* Glue stick (.$49)

(1) To get started, use the paper punch to punch out shapes in the cardstock paper (I used a 2" scalloped circle paper punch to make flowers).  You'll need two pieces of paper punch for each flag so punch out 40 flowers.

(2) Now take the glue stick and glue the back sides of the flower shapes.

(3) Then take a lollipop stick and press it down onto one of the glued sides.  If you want taller flags, then just place the stick lower on the paper.

(4) Put the second flower shape on top and then press down on all the sides.  Make sure the stick is secure and in place.  There may be a slight opening on the top, but don't worry about that.  I intentionally left the top unsealed (believe me, no one's going to notice or make a big deal if they do).

(5) Finally, we come to the fun part!  Decorate the flags with stickers!   I only decorated one side, but if you really want to go all out, you can decorate both.

And voila!

Before you know it, you've got a whole set of adorable, unique cupcake flags!  This is a great project to do with the kids, so let them in on the fun!

In the next post, I'll share the recipe for the pumpkin cupcakes with maple cream cheese frosting featured at the top.

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The Tale of CJ the Train and Princess A

Once upon a time, there was a little train engine named CJ.  CJ the Train was a very happy engine full of spunk and energy.  He was quite content being a lone engine.

That was until one day, he met the beautiful Princess A.   He wanted to befriend her, but he wasn't sure how.  So he thought and thought and thought, and then, it hit him!

"I know!  I'll win the princess over by showering her with sweets from all the land!"  So he searched high and low all over the kingdom of Great Bergen Mall Land to find these rare and treasured goodies.  In the end, however, he was only able to find a sticker and a tootsie roll. 

"I have so little to offer her," the engine sadly thought as he looked into his bag.

And yet, Princess A had been deeply moved by the effort, determination, and persistence CJ the Train had exhibited.  He had gone to all the ends of the kingdom . . . for her.

It melted her heart, and they became the best of friends.

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Tinkle, Tinkle Little Nate

The blog has been neglected as I've been busy setting up shop (more details on that later).  But I decided to give it a little TLC tonight with a quick re-design.

It's 1am so I really need to head off to bed.  I'll leave you with this fun image and rhyme:





{ nate at 6 months }



Tinkle, Tinkle Little Nate
(to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)

Tinkle, tinkle little Nate
Sprinkle time just couldn't wait?
In the bath with water clean
Is not the time for tinkling!
Tinkle, tinkle little Nate
Next time won't you hold and wait?

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Free Nursing Cover

While supplies last, Udder Covers is offering free nursing cover with promo code "Thanksgiving" (you pay shipping charge of $9.95).  I love these covers (I have Porter).  I've tried others that don't hold up as nicely. A great gift for expectant moms.

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Curious Nate

{ momo (auntie), what you doing there? }



{ what?  raking leaves?  let me check it out. }



{ so how does this whole raking thing-a-ma-jig work? }

{ ooh, like this? }



{ piece of cake!  i can do it with one hand. }

{ that's enough hard work for today. }

 

{ now time to play! }

 

{ see you later! }

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Beauty Out of Chaos

{ the chaos }



{ the beauty created }



{ the joy to be had }

* * *

There is a wonderful analogy here as I think about the mess and chaos of life.   What good could possibly come from these things?

God has a plan.  He will take the mess and brokenness of life and make beauty out of it.  And joy will be ours.

The real beauty is He's already accomplished this.  

On the cross. 

Through Jesus. 

For us.

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