Monday Message - Thrifty Christmas toys

(This was a fun handmade gift for my grandson. Check out how to make them here) 

Provident Living:  Tuesday Dec.5th at 9:30 a.m. at the Shook's. We will be making a crocheted ear warmer with flower, bring a size H hook and regular cheap worsted yarn in your favorite color!

Learn to Use What You Store 

"Every father and mother are the family’s storekeepers. They should store whatever their own family would like to have in the case of an emergency. . . . Some have said, “We have followed this counsel in the past and have never had need to use our year’s supply, so we have difficulty keeping this in mind as a major priority.” Perhaps following this counsel could be the reason why they have not needed to use their reserve. By continued rotation of the supply it can be kept usable with no waste" (James E. Faust, in Conference Report, Apr. 1986, 26; or Ensign, May 1986, 22). 

"A year's supply of food storage is beneficial in several ways: 

1. It provides peace of mind as we obey the counsel to store. 

2. It helps ensure survival in case of personal or natural disaster. 

3. It strengthens skills in preparing and using basic foods" ("Home Storage: Build on the Basics," Ensign, June 1989, 40). 

Now that the Christmas Season is here, remember to keep the meaning alive in your home.

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/216454325814167565/ - this would be a fun thing to do at supper or breakfast when all are together around the table

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/216454325812089160/ - this is a clever idea

http://tsjphotography.com/blog/random-acts-of-christmas-kindness-summary/ - this is a really a wonderful way to give service

http://kimmccrary.blogspot.com/2010/12/activities-advent.html#.UpjTlNJDshM - this has nice ideas too

http://suzyssitcom.com/2013/11/5-cool-kids-diy-kitchen-sets.html  - make toys

http://kvbarn.blogspot.cz/2013/02/lego-travel-box.html - this is a cute gift

http://tottreasuresnorthbay.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-to-make-mouldable-sand.html - this would be a great gift

http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/967135/diy-collapsible-cardboard-playhouse

http://thatscountryliving.com/2012/04/how-to-make-homemade-silly-putty-2-ingredients/

http://jocelynandjason.blogspot.com/2011/11/mr-potato-head-quiet-book-pages-10-11.html

http://www.modernparentsmessykids.com/2012/05/play-dough.html

http://tottreasuresnorthbay.blogspot.com/2012/01/easy-and-fun-diy.html

http://greylustergirl.com/on-the-fifth-day-of-christmas-5-lacing-cards/

http://growcreative.blogspot.com/2012/10/cereal-box-sketchbook-tutorial.html

http://www.thriftyandthriving.com/2011/12/homemade-holiday-diy-marshmallow-shooter-kit-great-gift-for-boys-or-girls/

http://nuncamasaburrido.blogspot.com.br/2012_10_01_archive.html

http://www.lbg-studio.com/2010/12/quick-and-easy-tutorial-mini-coloring.html

http://www.familyhomeandlife.com/2013/02/peanut-butter-jelly-game.html

Another fun gift is to make a craft box with papers, scissors, glue, stickers, and make it specialized. I think it would be a great idea.

http://sometimescreative.blogspot.com/2010/12/snowman-kit.html

http://www.iamjustlu.com/2010/11/felt-game-board-tutorial-part-1.html

http://tipjunkie.com/post/handmade-kidchristmas/

http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/48254/t-shirt-stencil-kit-fun-diy-gift

http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/47679/felt-shape-game-for-kids

http://theimaginationtree.com/2013/08/first-sewing-basket-for-kids.html

http://www.lilblueboo.com/2012/11/the-gift-of-art-diy-art-box-and-free-artwork-download.html

This should give some ideas to help you get ideas of your own!

http://childparenting.about.com/od/healthsafety/a/holidaystress.htm

Start a new tradition. One of my favorites is we would read "A Candle in the Forest" beside the Christmas tree. We also used to have cinnamon knots and egg nog and decorate the tree. We also read the real Christmas Story from Scriptures before we opened gifts.

I want to stress also to remember your neighbors and remember shut-ins, those also who don't get out or are alone or those who are having harder times.

It does not take very much to make someone happy and feel loved.

http://crazylittleprojects.com/2012/11/fun-christmas-service-ideas.html

http://todaysfabulousfinds.blogspot.com/2010/12/15-gift-ideas-under-2.html

http://peppermintplum.blogspot.com/2010/12/miniature-christmas-symbols-kit.html

http://katherinemariephotography.com/blog/archives/7437

When I worked in the nursing homes I  know that the men and women there loved placemats the children had drawn and colored, so that can be something too!

http://gigglesgalore.net/12-days-of-christmas-service-day-6-six/

http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1912&Itemid=200008

I know I have given you lots to look at but don't stress out, just being helpful and giving you ideas that can help make your gift giving less expensive and more meaningful :)

Keep working on your storage and do what you can. I am so proud of all of you trying to live your lives in righteousness, I thank you for it.