Showing posts with label Holidays and Vacations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays and Vacations. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Valentine's Giveaway from JaneWear Jewelry


Valentine's Day is coming soon!  In the spirit of the holiday, Laura Jane from JaneWear has graciously offered to give away a piece of her handcrafted jewelry, made out of fine silver, to one of my wonderful readers.  Laura Jane is now a happily married newlywed after 8 years of being a single mommy.

She resides here in the Midwest, taking inspiration from the simple things, such as the calmness of morning walks and Sunday morning hymns.  She says that she feels so blessed by all that God has given her.  In her Etsy shop, Laura Jane says, "Thank you for taking the time to browse my work... I cannot wait to share my pieces with you... to me it's sharing a part of my heart."

All of Laura Jane's pieces are handcrafted and made out of fine silver.  You can see how much Laura loves creating jewelry by the fine detail and beauty in each and every piece.  Her pieces are truly one of a kind.  This business has given her the ability to be able to stay home with her family, which she enjoys very much.

Some of Laura Jane's most popular pieces right now are her Love Cushion Fine Silver Pendant Necklace and her Fingerprints Left on My Heart- Fine Silver Necklace.  The unique thing about the Fingerprints Necklace is that she will use your own fingerprint, or even those of your child/significant other to make it truly special.  

You can become a fan of JaneWear on Facebook, and you can even browse around both her Etsy shop and her JaneWear website.  She also has a blog which she has recently started. 

Now for the giveaway information you've been waiting for.  Laura Jane is donating her Love Cushion Fine Silver Pendant Necklace for this Valentine's Day giveaway.  
 
Hung on an 18" sterling silver rolo chain, this pendant is hand dipped for antique patina, which helps to bring out the details in the design.  Laura even makes slight changes to each of these pieces that she creates; that way, it's customized to fit you, personally.  With a beating swirl heart added to the pendant, it's truly a remarkable and beautiful piece of jewelry that you can wear for years to come....or even give as a wonderful gift.  It is valued at $62.  

To enter this giveaway, you can enter in one or more of the following ways, but be sure to leave a separate comment for each way that you enter.  I'll draw the winner on Wednesday, February 10, using Random.org.
  1. Head over to JaneWear or the JaneWear Etsy shop, and leave me a comment letting me know one other piece of Laura's jewelry that you fell in love with.
  2. Subscribe to JaneWear.
  3. Comment on the Janewear blog.
  4. Follow my blog, or you can subscribe to my posts.
  5. Follow me on Twitter; tweet about this giveaway. 
  6. Blog about this giveaway on your own blog, being sure to link back to Real Heart Prints.
  7. Digg or Stumble this post.
  8. Place my blog button in your sidebar or on your blog somewhere.
  9. Vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs (just click the button in my sidebar).
Good luck, and Happy early Valentine's Day!:)

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Beautiful, Wonderful Snow Day

Sunday came, and we had about 5 inches of snow on the ground; it was so exciting because #1, we weren't expecting that much snow, and #2, we haven't had that much snow in a long, long time.  So, we quickly decided we needed to have a snow day.:)  Oh, it was a beautiful day too!  It was so cold outside that your cheeks were frozen in just minutes, but we still went out for just a bit to take the kids sledding, among other things.  Here's a little bit of how our day went.

We started out with a little bit of these....yum!   Mama's Cinnamon Biscuits....

Then, of course, we bundled all up and headed outside.


We did a little sledding over at the community center, only for a short time, though, as we were starting to freeze.  (Wouldn't you know it?  I left my camera at home, so what pictures we got, we had to use Dan's phone.)


We came home, made snow angels, and played....


Then we came inside for some of this....mmmmmm.....

Finally, Jaden had had all he could stand for one morning/afternoon.:)  (We got ourselves a nodder....LOL).


It was a beautiful, wonderful snow day. I can't wait for more.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy New Year!


Happy New Year, Dear Readers!  I love you all, and I wish you much joy, happiness, and peace, as well as growth in this coming year.  We celebrated last night by eating pizza and homemade wings, and watching the ball drop, cuddled up on the couch with our boys....and blew our loud, noisemaking horns when midnight came (well, 11:00, since we're on central time.)  It was honestly the best New Year's I've ever had, snuggled up with the ones I love.  Happy New Year! 

Thursday, December 31, 2009

The Jesse Tree by Geraldine McCaughrean

Believe it or not, I had never heard of a Jesse Tree before this year.  I have a fellow homeschooling friend, Jenn, who has made an online Advent Idea Box, and that's how I heard of the Jesse Tree.  That's also how I found this book, The Jesse Tree, by Geraldine McCaughrean.

The Jesse Tree is a fantastic book that you can read to your children during the season of Advent.  It's definitely something I plan to use with my boys next year.  The author weaves the stories of the Bible in such a way that children of all ages, including "older" children, can enjoy them together.  In the beginning and at the end of the book is a huge 2-page spread of an actual Jesse tree, illustrated, of course, with all of the symbols that you would put on your Jesse tree.  The Introduction explains what a Jesse Tree is, in simple terms, using the example of a family tree.  A Jesse Tree is simply a tree that depicts stories of the Bible that led up to Jesus' birth.  As the book puts it, "Jesse trees were the Bible-storybooks of unlettered people" (page 8).  As you add the daily symbols to your tree, you can read the corresponding chapter from this book.  At the top of each chapter is the picture of the symbol that should be placed on the tree that day.  Here's a picture of our Jesse Tree this year....since I had never really done one before, we didn't get too creative, and we still have a couple of ornaments left to put on....although now that I know the true meaning behind this tradition, I'm anxious to get more creative on next year's tree.  The kids still had a lot of fun with it, maybe a little too much fun, as I see Jaden took the green marker to our tree. 

Anyway, the book starts out with the story of a carpenter, who is working away when a little boy wanders into the church where he's working.  As time goes on, the carpenter begins to tell the little boy the stories behind each symbol of the Jesse Tree.  Stories such as the story of Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Joseph, David, etc., are told in chronological order, leading up to the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of the Baby Jesus.  As the stories weave on, told in such an imaginative and wonderful way, it seems the carpenter rather enjoys his time with the little boy, even though he might not admit it.  The story ends in a surprising way. 

The book is just full of beautiful illustrations, and I really do recommend this for any family celebrating the season of Advent.  You could get a headstart on it by getting it early and reading it for yourself....as it will probably lead to many discussions with your children.  I am very much excited to have this on my bookshelf; it's a resource we will use over and over, I am sure.  You can purchase The Jesse Tree from Lion Hudson for £4.99, or from Eerdmans for $20 in the U.S.  I definitely recommend this book for all families.  It's a resource that will help you teach your children the true meaning of the Christmas season....and may lead to an even deeper meaning for yourself.

(Disclosure: I was provided this book, free of charge, by Lion Hudson.)

Christmas With the Fam

Before Christmas, we took the kids to Bass Pro, originally, to see Santa, but that's a whole other story.  




We ended up having to take them to the mall to see Santa.  Oh well, though, they didn't care.  Santa is Santa, right?


We had a fun Christmas, though....we actually made three celebrations out of it this year.:)  On Christmas Eve, we always open our presents from the Pappies and Grammies back in PA, who were very generous, but I'll show you just a couple pics.  The boys were ecstatic.




Then we settle down with cups of hot cocoa (and I wish I had pics of this year's hot cocoa, because it was too pretty to drink.  We filled our cups and put marshmallows on top, along with a big candy cane to stir with.)  Once we had our hot cocoa, it was time to settle down together and watch The Polar Express.  It was so cozy because it was supposed to snow, and we had a fire in the fireplace.  Then, of course, it was time to put the kiddos to bed, so Daddy and I could play Santa and finish getting all their presents ready.  This year was a little tough on the moolah, but we had so much fun with it anyway; don't get me wrong....we had plenty of presents.  We ended up going to Dollar Tree for a lot of the kids' presents (and hunted for bargains in other stores), and let me tell you, Dollar Tree has to be one of the most wonderful places on earth, besides Goodwill, of course.  I mean, we were able to pick up big coloring books, puzzles, toy cars (diecast ones), and more.  It was a lot of fun.  I even picked up a few stocking stuffers for Dan, including a pedometer; now I need to go back and get myself one.  The kids enjoyed every bit of their presents; I think the cheapest presents were the most enjoyed, especially the stocking stuffers.  Christmas morning was a huge surprise with snow on the ground and a sled left by you know who.:)




Of course, Jaden enjoys coloring or drawing, no matter what, even on himself (sigh).


Don't Dan and I have just the most beautiful morning looks you've ever seen?  (Just keepin' it real....)  At least, he looks great.:)



Anyway, Christmas morning was filled with all kinds of goodies, what with stockings and presents to open.


Then, Christmas afternoon, my mom and dad came up, and I hate it that I don't have more pictures....I don't know what happened there.  (Mom, you might have to send me some.)  Anyway, we had a nice ham dinner with ham, potatoes, corn, jello, homemade rolls, and other treats.  Then the kids got to open presents from Mom and Dad. (Jaden instantly fell in love with his new John Deere truck and trailer along with "Moos" (cows).



Jacob's ready to try this baby out.

Mom and Dad split a calf's worth of meat between us and my brother's family.  We were sooooooo thankful for that gift; I think it's the best gift they could have given us.  Anyway, we had a wonderful Christmas together, as a family....I can't imagine Christmas Day being any more relaxing really.  It was so nice to have Mom and Dad to our house for a change; usually, we're either at their house or with other family.  That night, after they'd gone home, we settled down to watch The Nativity Story.  What a great movie....to just kind of tie things up.  

Anyway, I think this year, just being together with family, was the best part, just being able to relax together.  I hope you and yours had a very Merry Christmas, and I hope the New Year will bring you much joy.        

Monday, December 28, 2009

Daybook for Monday, December 28, 2009


FOR TODAY... from Mel's Daybook...

Outside my window... cold with a dusting of snow still left on the ground; it is sunny, though.


I am thinking... about my to do list and how it keeps growing....I guess it's just a life thing, ya know?


I am thankful for... shows like Road to Avonlea that just take my mind off of things and help me relax.:)


I am wearing... dark jeans with a red shirt and white tank underneath....my shirts are fitting a little bigger these days, as I've lost quite a bit of weight in a short time (not sure why); and I just bought this shirt too.  Oh well.


I am remembering... my two hour phone call with Nancy the other day and how blessed and thankful I am to have her as a friend/sister.


I am going... to Tae Kwon Do tonight with Jacob, and we're hopefully going to return a couple things that didn't fit.  Oh, and we're combining gift cards to get a Wii Fit Plus; I'm so excited....don't worry, we've talked it over with the kids, and they are agreeable. 


I am currently reading... still the same book, but I'm starting Levi's Will this week.


I am hoping... that God will show Dan what to do, the right thing to do; and I'm hoping to get things reorganized/regrouped for school, just need some reevaluation. 


On my mind... Nancy and Aaron and what they will face this week at the doctor's....I love you guys.


Noticing that... somehow, even though there's a lot of uncertainty right now, there's also a sort of peace, maybe not a whole feeling of peace, but a small inkling of it is there.


Pondering these words...ok, I'm actually laughing at these words from Mrs. Rachel Lynde in Avonlea yesterday: "Not so long as I draw breath, you two-faced son of a beehive."  LOL  I don't know why that cracks me up, but it does.


From the kitchen... I'm thinking the Dollar Menu tonight, as we'll be gone most of the evening.


Around the house... already cleaned, but still have more to clean up from Christmas, and since laundry hasn't been done in about 4 days, am catching up on that.:)  I love Christmas!  It was a much needed break.


One of my favorite things... definitely snow, a fire in the fireplace, The Polar Express with the kids, and a warm cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows and a candy cane to stir it with.  Mmmmmm....

From my picture journal... (Christmas Eve in our house)...


For more Daybook, visit The Simple Woman.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas!


Just wanted to share a couple favorites with you this Christmas Day!  I love Andrea Bocelli and Mary J. Blige's version of What Child Is This?.  It's just so beautiful.  Even though a certain Scrooge, who shall remain nameless, has enlightened us concerning the story behind the Nativity, I am still posting this.  (You know who you are.)  LOL  No, seriously, Merry Christmas, and I sincerely hope that you all have a blessed holiday with your families.  Enjoy every second....


And, of course, who can have Christmas without It's A Wonderful Life?  


Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

A Bit of Christmas Cheer


Even though it seems our world has been turned upside down, we still have to praise God for His goodness, and even when things look grim, He's still there in the people we talk to, the friends we surround ourselves with, and the people we love.  Please keep praying for Aaron and Nancy, as he's undergoing a biopsy today.  We'll know more next week; they are doing well, and their spirits are good....but they covet your prayers.  

Now for a bit of Christmas cheer.  The other day, we were going to meet my parents for lunch, so the boys and I stopped off at Goodwill along the way.  Guess what I walked out with?  You'll never believe it....a 6 foot, pre-lit Christmas tree that was only $5!  I was pretty excited; that kind of deal doesn't come along every day.  As Jacob piped up and said, "Man, Mommy, Goodwill is the place to be!"  LOL  Anyway, I got home with it, and was digging into it, getting ready to set it up, and alas, there were no legs.  (This shouldn't have been a surprise to me, since it seems that everything is this way lately).  LOL  But Dan stepped in like a hero, and he quickly built a little wooden stand for it, and it works great!  I cannot complain.  Yeah, this tree is a slightly skinnier tree, but it's still really pretty, and how could I resist $5?  I mean, it's practically brand new too.  We even went to Dollar Tree and splurged $5 on the ornaments for it.  Then instead of tinsel, I wrapped some ribbon I had around it.  It's gorgeous, and it just lights up our bedroom quite nicely.  So, now I'm one of those crazy people who has 2 trees: One in the living room (with all its memory-filled ornaments):

and our $5 tree in the bedroom.


(Oh yeah, and my mom went and got herself a couple trees too; she got a slightly bigger one, and she got some smaller mini trees).  So, next time you're driving by Goodwill, stop in; you never know what kind of Christmas cheer you might find.:)  Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Motivate Me Monday- Merry Christmas


Wow, Christmas is this week; I just can't believe it's already here.  Honestly, I feel like Christmas goes throughout the whole month of December.  I guess it's just the spirit of the holiday.

The last couple weeks have been rather stressful around the Lockcuff house.  I've really been struggling with a lot of things, personally, and although I won't go into detail here, I will say this.  If your family is having a hard time this holiday season, whether financially, physically, or however, don't give up on the magic of this holiday.  Don't lose out on the memories that can still be made together.  Even though you may feel like there's no hope in sight, or maybe you've lost touch with the One Who is the reason for this holiday, don't give up.  Believe me, I've been ready to just throw my hands up in the air and totally give up in the last couple of weeks; I've even had a few meltdowns.  If you've seen a crazy woman crying hysterically in her car, that was probably me.  Dan and I have both been really discouraged.  But from me to you, one mama to another, don't give up.  Make the most of what you have, and make memories....after all, it's the memories that will last, not all the hooplah and giftwrap.  Hug your kids, and cover them in kisses. 


Merry Christmas!

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

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