Recycled Nativity for the kids

Yesterday, our church had a display of more than 50 Nativity scenes for show. It only took a few minutes before I realized that Baby Jesus could be in jeopardy if He came out in our house this season.

Rather than risk my "good" pieces to the whims of a toddler and his 5-year-old partner in crime, we opted to make our own set this year. It took time, and leftover materials around our house.

With empty toilet paper and wrapping paper rolls, a shoe box for a manger, and the backsides of work paper, we created a Nativity scene worthy of any child's imagination. And the best part, the pieces are easily replaceable!

(You can find directions and printables here.)

Sending gifts of Christmas past

The 4 a.m. hits were large HDTVs yesterday, from what my weary eyes could see...but what are you doing with your old TVs come January? In today's Green Phone Booth, I'm sharing resources on where you can recycle or donate reusable TVs, printers and other electronics.

Trio of turkeys

This adorable trio of turkeys was made in minutes by my kindergartener and I. Simple and cute - and her secret pal loved them!

Thankful eyes of a 5 year old

The Green Eyed Monster shares a moment of gratitude...

I am thankful for my cousin and my brother and dad and mom.

Thanksgiving is when you get to eat turkey. It's going to be a great Thanksgiving because you get to have people come over. I like Thanksgiving. It's my favorite time of year because children's grandparents and their uncles and their aunt get to come. Kids like to play with their grandparents and uncles and aunts.

God loves me and all of us! I'm thankful for all of those stuff.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Entertaining your turkeys at Thanksgiving

Keeping my kids away from the pantry and stove at mealtime is tough under the best of circumstances, but at a holiday, the excitement just amplifies. Today at the Green Phone Booth, I'm sharing a few recycled Thanksgiving craft ideas I found.