Implementing the Jesse Tree Using ‘Unwrapping the Greatest Gift’

How to Implement the Jesse Tree (Ornament list included below!)

I’m In our home we strive to make Christmas what it was intended to be about – JESUS!  Over the years, we’ve done various things to make that happen including many different books and activities. Our favorite Advent read-alouds are these.  THIS POST is dedicated to the Jesse Tree and how to implement it.

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Jesse Tree Ornaments
What is the Jesse Tree?

I first heard about the Jesse Tree 5 years ago but it seemed OVERWHELMING to implement.  After all, I’m not a crafty person (there are 25 ornaments to make!).

The idea behind the Jesse Tree is exploring the lineage of Jesus Christ, starting from the very beginning with Adam and Eve.  It emphasizes God’s plan of salvation.  There is a scripture reading and coordinating ornament for each day of December up until December 25, Christmas Day!

Jesse Tree ornament exchange

I attended a Jesse Tree ornament exchange this past February coordinated by some women from my church.  Each person had to bring 25 of whatever ornament they chose to make.  And then we swapped so everyone went home with one of each ornament.   I made 25 of David’s crown, using gold pipe cleaners.

And SO, this is the first year, we are doing the Jesse Tree.  We are doing it in conjunction with Ann Voskamp’s book “Unwrapping the Greatest Gift”.   We are almost halfway through and each day my 4-year-old asks “Are we doing the “Desse” Tree today?”   So precious!  It has really enhanced our Advent celebration and I personally am enjoying it very much.Jesse Tree Ornament List

“Unwrapping the Greatest Gift” by Ann Voskamp

As I said, we are using “Unwrapping the Greatest Gift” by Ann Voskamp for our daily readings to go along with the ornaments.  Her book includes the scripture passage for each day as well as her thoughts on each passage.  It reminds me of the Jesus Storybook Bible if you are familiar with that.  I love that the book (and really, scripture) shows how the people who were part of Jesus’s direct lineage had messy and FAR from perfect lives, and yet God used them.   Also, the message of God’s love and forgiveness through Christ is weaved throughout the book.

Voskamp’s book is not the only way to implement the Jesse Tree.  However, since it was the book our ornament exchange was based on, I am using it.  And I really like it – it has vivid illustrations, questions, and activities at the end of each chapter, and can be appreciated by both young AND old.    Also, if you’re a person who appreciates aesthetics it is a beautiful hardcover book with a ribbon to keep your place.  Perfect for the coffee table if you like that type of thing.

If you are considering doing the Jesse Tree and using Voskamp’s book, I have a printable to help you know which ornament goes with each day.  I created it for myself and realized it might be helpful to others!  I have the title of each chapter, the scripture reading, and suggestions for ornaments to go along with the chapter.

Here is the printable: Jesse Tree Ornament List

As for creating ornaments, Voskamp has (color) printable ornaments on her website or you can make your own or coordinate an exchange!   OR just go to Pinterest!  😉

**It is obviously a little late in the game to do the Jesse Tree this year.  I wrote this post since we’re loving it and thought it might help others know how to implement it.  I also want to point out, you don’t need the ornaments to do the book.**  

WHATEVER traditions you have, I hope you find rest in the hope of Christ this Christmas!

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Christmas/Advent Themed Activity Pack

Christmas Printable Worksheets

Christmas Printable Worksheets

I love Christmas!  I love puzzles and codes!  And I really enjoy creating worksheets!

Soooo…. I’ve been working on a Christmas Activity Pack, and I’m excited to finally post it here!  I use Canva software for free, so I’m a bit limited in what I can do, but I do hope that these puzzles will be a fun addition for your kiddos this holiday season.  It is designed for intermediate grades (3rd-6th).

Included in the pack is:

  • ‘Making Christmas Cookies’ Madlib
  • Advent Themed Wordsearch
  • Christmas Scramble
  • Solve the Snowman Riddles
  • ‘CHRISTMAS TREE’

Have fun puzzling, and please share with anyone who might enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

Click here ——–> Christmas Activity Pack

Check out my other Christmas posts:
Advent Familiy Read-AloudsJesse Tree OrnamentsIntrovert Holidays

 

 

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The Introvert’s 10 Point Guide for Surviving (and THRIVING) During the Holidays

It’s that time of year again!  And I love love LOVE this time of year!  Twinkle lights everywhere, Christmas music notes floating through the air, increased generosity and charity towards others, and a sense of wonder and awe for the REASON we celebrate.

However, as an adult, and a MOM, I  also feel the STRESS of the holidays.  More places to be, presents to buy, more things on the to-do list, EXPECTATIONS, and the list goes on…  And if I’m not careful, that STRESS, can extinguish the JOY of the season.

For most people, these “extras” may add a little stress, but for an introvert, who needs time alone or in small groups of people to recharge, it is ESSENTIAL that we put parameters in place in order for us to get through the holidays without going crazy!

And for those of us who are parents to introverted, sensitive children, it is important that WE help guide them in putting parameters in place, so THEY can also enjoy the season!

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Without further ado, here is THE Introvert’s 10 Point Guide For Surviving (and Thriving) During the Holidays:

1. SCHEDULE margin.

There are endless activities and opportunities during the few weeks leading up to Christmas.  Don’t book every single day with activities.  Schedule days to just be at home.

2. RETREAT when necessary.

Give yourself permission to retreat at a get together if it gets to be too much.  It’s amazing how a few minutes in quiet can recharge your spirit.  Even if it’s just spending a few extra minutes in the bathroom in silence, LOL.  I’m not speaking from experience, of course! 😉

3. Get enough SLEEP.

As an introvert, I know how important it is to get those GOLDEN moments of silence at the end of the day.  THEY. ARE. PRICELESS.   And sometimes I stay up WAY too late because of this!  Set an alarm on your phone if you need to, to remind you to get to bed at a reasonable hour.  Some people need 9 hours, others can get by with 5 hours.  Do your best to get the sleep YOU need.

4. Sweets in MODERATION.

Okay so maybe this is a good tip for everyone, not just introverts!  Enjoy the treats, but don’t go crazy!  Sugar suppresses the immune system.  But of course, this is the time to enjoy a few extra treats.  So enjoy…. BUT, without going overboard!

5. READ a Christmas novel.

Find a book or devotional you can read to reflect on the meaning of the season. This is one of MY goals for this year.  A good book forces me to relax and NOT be busy.  I’m looking for a new one to read this year, so if you know of any good Christmas novels/books, please leave a comment!  A few books that are compilations of stories that I own and enjoy are The Max Lucado Christmas Collection and A Treasury of Christmas Miracles by Karen Kingsbury.

6. Make memories at HOME.

You don’t need to leave your house to make special memories.  There are so many things you can do right at home!  Read aloud together.  We have a basket of Christmas books in our main living area.

Here are some of our favorites:

Jotham’s Journey (older kids)

The Crippled Lamb

Room for a Little One

I Spy Christmas: A Book of Picture Riddles

We’re also doing the Jesse Tree this year using this book.  Today, we did Day One, which was “The Stump”.   

Other activities you can do right at home: play games, bake together, watch Christmas movies together.

Here are Marc and the older two playing Ticket to Ride.  It’s been a favorite lately (as long as little brother is asleep!)

7. Find people to bless.

Sometimes when we get overwhelmed with the hoopla of the holidays, it can be life-giving to get outside of ourselves and bless those around us.   It is doesn’t have to be a major hoo-rah, it can be simple as taking a plate of homemade cookies over to a neighbor’s with an encouraging note.  Other ideas could be visiting a nursing home, purchasing a gift for a needy child, handing out McDonald’s gift cards or sandwiches to the homeless.   It is always more blessed to give than to receive.

8. CREATE a culture of “cozy and calm” in your home.

Light (or turn on) the fire, cue up your favorite Christmas Music (our favorites are listed here), and brew yourself a cup of tea…

9. Use Curbside pick up for groceries!

It’s the most wonderful time of year and the CRAZY BUSIEST time of year at stores!  Pay the extra fee for the convenience of curbside pick-up.  We are new to this, and it is amazing.  Some stores, like Wal-Mart, even do it for free!

10. SIMPLIFY

Consider simplifying “all the things”.  You know, areas like gift-giving, Christmas cards, Christmas baking, homemade gift making.  Just because your friend is doing “all the things” and loving it, doesn’t mean it will bring you the same joy.  If it brings you joy then that’s great.  BUT, if it’s causing you stress, consider doing less.

Blessings to you this season!  May it be one that is joy-giving rather than stress-inducing!

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Our ALL TIME Favorite Christmas Albums

Back in my college days, my roommate and I cued up the Christmas music in September.  Yes, you read that right, SEPTEMBER!  These days I wait until after Thanksgiving, and each year I add one or two albums to our repertoire.

There’s nothing I love more than cozying up with a mug of hot tea, turning the fireplace on, and playing some beautiful Christmas music.   Here are our favorite albums, in no particular order!

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KID’S FAVORITE:

“Slugs & Bugs Christmas” by Slugs & Bugs

Silly, sweet and sometimes serious, Slugs and Bugs brings great joy to my kids. They will even play it when it is NOT Christmas time.

MY FAVORITES:

“Behold the Lamb of God” by Andrew Peterson

This album starts in Genesis and proceeds through the Bible to tell the story of God’s redemptive plan, through music.  I love how he took the “begats” in Matthew and made them into a whole song.

“Christmas” by Michael W. Smith

This album was put out in 1989, almost 30 years ago, so it’s an OLDY, but a GOODY.  This was Michael W. Smith’s first Christmas album and many would say his best!

I personally am not usually a Michael W. Smith fan (though I’ve always loved his Christmas albums).  However, we saw him in concert last year with Amy Grant, Jordan Smith, and a full orchestra, and WOWZERS, can he give a performance!

I love that this Christmas album is a combination of choral singing and orchestra.   It’s a classic GOOD album.  I probably play this album the most during the holidays.

“Sing! An Irish Christmas” by Keith & Kristyn Getty

Added this to the list in 2019.  My newest favorite Christmas album. Old songs and new songs alike.  “In the Bleak Midwinter” is my favorite and the kids love “Sleighride Medley”.  🙂

EVERYBODY LOVES:

“That’s Christmas to Me” and “PTXmas” by Pentatonix

These are both fun and upbeat albums that we all love.  Good for those moments when you’re looking for something to perk you up.  They have other Christmas albums, but these are the ones we have.

“A Family Christmas” by Piano Guys

If you’ve never heard of Piano Guys I encourage you to check them out.  Piano guys put out beautiful instrumental music that combines piano and cello.  I love their unique style and their music moves me…..

“Tis the Season” by Jordan Smith

We heard Jordan Smith perform last year and WHOA can he sing!   His rendition of “The Grinch” is reason enough to get this album.  His voice has a rich sweet tone and he’s a pure delight to listen to!

“Sing the Bible Family Christmas” by Slugs & Bugs

The newest addition to our Christmas Music repertoire, Sing the Bible Family Christmas is also put out by Slugs & Bugs.  It’s a little more serious than their first Christmas album.  It’s kind of like Andrew Peterson’s Behold the Lamb of God Album, but for kids.  It has a Charlie Brown Christmas vibe.

**Do you have a favorite Christmas album?   I’m on the lookout for some beautiful sacred choral Christmas music.  If you have an album you love, please let me know!**

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“Hey Mom?”: Musings from an introverted mom of a chatterbox

Recently I was driving my 8-year-old son to his vision therapy appointment.

Being that the therapy center is 35 minutes from our house, I usually make use of that car time by playing an audiobook.

It was just him and me in the car that day, and so I asked him, “What book do you want to listen to?”.  He responded with, “Can we just talk?”

I SIGHED QUIETLY to myself. 

“Sure, honey”.  I knew well what “talking” meant – bring on the questions!  The rest of the car ride was a Q&A session.  Normally me giving the answer, “Hmmm… I don’t know…”,  OR “We’ll have to get some books to look that up.”  I am now on the hunt for good books about the Titanic, because that is where this conversation Q&A marathon went….

I’m convinced my son’s brain is directly connected to his mouth…

And I’m thankful for how verbal he is.  See, he did not start to really talk until around the age of 3 1/2, and we were pretty concerned, so truly I am thankful that he talks… even if it overwhelms me at times.

Since I’m introverted and am recharged by time alone and in QUIET, his endless questions can feel like an ASSAULT to my (already suffering) “mom brain”.  And don’t get me wrong, I love this kid to PIECES!  He is one of a kind! But it doesn’t change the fact that the non-stop chatter feels like OVERLOAD.

Every time I hear “Hey Mom?”, my neck gets tense and I take a deep breath. Usually once “Hey Mom?” starts, it continues to a string of questioning for the next “X” amount of minutes.

His questions are a combination of genuine curiosity about the world around him (he’s my nature-smart kid) AND the fact that his brain is not totally organized (related to visual processing and auditory processing issues which we’re working on in occupational and vision therapy).  He processes almost EVERYTHING verbally.

When asked to “be patient” and hold his questions until I am done talking to someone else, he has a difficult time.  He is afraid he will forget his thought… and the fact of the matter is – he will!  So naturally, I give this kiddo some grace, even though I’m sure onlookers don’t always understand.

Tips For Other Moms of Chatterboxes

I don’t have it all figured out but here are some strategies that help me with my incessant talker:

  • When busy or just not in a position to be on the receiving end of a barrage of questions, give your kiddo an ear for a few minutes.  But let them know you will need to move on (to whatever you need to do) in a certain amount of time.
  • If the “Hey Mom?” is in regards to them wanting to SHOW you something they’ve made or they need you to DO something for them, and you’re currently in the middle of something, it’s ok to have them wait.
  •  If it’s information they seek, do whatever you can to get them reading!  Once he learned to read (at age 7), our son’s non-stop talking did ease up.  It got much better because he was no longer relying on me only for information intake(whether that was through conversation OR me reading to him).
  •  To help them learn how to work on their communication skills, try the communication game, which I described in this post under ‘Bravewriter’.  This game challenges them to use their words EFFECTIVELY.  They have to be selective and choosy about the words they use in order to do well in this game.

And now signing off as I enjoy some quiet moments by the fire… AKA “Brain re-charge” time. 🙂

 

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THANKSGIVING Weekly Wrap-Up: November 19-21

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This was a light week!  We had to smoosh all of our appointments into the first three days of the week… SO not a ton got done.

What did happen:

We read through our Thanksgiving books from this post.

We watched a Drive-Thru History Video about the Mayflower, which complemented the books we read nicely.

Lots of circuits were built using the Snap Circuit set the kids got LAST Christmas.  (I think it was used more this past week than the whole last year!)

It was a pretty lazy week!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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6 Easy Mood Busters for Homeschool Families

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Let’s face it.  If you’re a homeschool family, you’re together A LOT.  You get to make tons of amazing memories together, but you also see the less than ideal sides of each other – A LOT.  There are times when the mood in your home will go south (FAR south) and you just want to throw the day away and start fresh.  But that’s not how it works…

In this post, I’ve included some of the ways we combat crabbiness in our own home.  Mind you our kids are 4, 8, 10…  SO, if it’s moody teenagers you’re dealing with, well, I can’t really speak to that.

Read Aloud

It’s amazing to me how reading aloud a good book(whether print or audiobook) can bring everyone together.  Notice I said a GOOD book.  You’ve got to pick one that will draw them in.  For us that good book is currently Farmer Boy on audiobook, read by Cherry Jones.  The whole family enjoys listening to it.

I’ve got a saying that was inspired by a certain movie with Kevin Costner from the 80’s, “If you read it, they will come.” And hopefully snap out of it!

Music

With winter here, (no not technically, but let’s face, temps in the teens and 20’s, um yeah… that’s winter!), I know my own mood is sinking just a bit.  I don’t have that skip in my step that I have when the sun is shining or when I hear the birds singing.

For me, music is always a mood changer.  Lately, our family has been playing Slugs & Bugs around mealtimes and it really can change a climate of fighting and crankiness to one of smiles and laughter.  And with Christmas around the corner, I just have to add, Slugs & Bugs Christmas has been their favorite Christmas album for 8 years!  It’s a winner!

Games

Games can be a mood changer, provided you don’t have anyone in your family that is super competitive.  No one has kids (or spouses) like that, right!?  But seriously, if the mood is tense, playing a game together may be able to cut through the tension.  You can find a few of our favorites in this post.

Poetry Teatime

Bake a treat.  Light a candle.  Set out the tablecloth and just enjoy reading some poetry together.  Never tried Poetry Teatime?  You can learn about it here: Poetry Teatime 101.

Get Outside

This may not be a possibility due to your climate. And I will admit, I thoroughly despise feeling cold.  BUT, it is amazing how therapeutic being outside can be.  I have seen how just going outside can change the moods in my kids pretty drastically, not to mention quickly.

Pray

Sometimes, especially if it’s you with a bad mood, you may just need to remove yourself from a situation and pray.   And if you can’t remove yourself, just pray right where you are. Even if you don’t feel like it. In fact, it’s always best to start with prayer!

I’d love to hear from some of you…  What do you do to combat crabbiness in your  home?  Leave your comment below.

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Weekly Wrap-Up: November 12-16

The highlights…

Family Drawing Workshop

Through our Read Aloud Revival Membership we get access to a few already recorded workshops.  So on Monday morning, I thought it would be fun to do a Christmas Drawing Workshop.  The instructor was Ralph Masiello, creator of various drawing books such as “Ocean Drawing Book” and “Bug Drawing Book”, that you can find here.  The Kids spent over an hour drawing various Christmas-y type things.  I must say it was a great way to start the week!  And even though my oldest is a natural born artist, she learned some new techniques that she was excited to implement!

Homeschool Online Drawing Class

Farmer Boy

We’ve been listening to Farmer Boy on Audiobook.  This week we heard about how Almanzo and his siblings made candy/taffy from molasses, sugar, and water.  My kids desperately wanted to try this.  So we found a recipe here and attempted to make our own taffy.  It did not turn out so well, and we eventually gave up and formed little candy balls instead.  My daughter nicknamed them “Lassies”.  They taste better than they look!

Farmer Boy Molasses Candy
Mixing the Molasses and Brown Sugar
Bringing it to a boil
Farmer Boy Molasses Candy
Stretching and forming the candy
Field Trip: Musical Zoo

On Tuesday we went with some of our old co-op friends to attend the symphony.  It was only a 45-minute performance (perfect for a 4-year-old!).   It was a very engaging performance that began with a narrator reading a few Aesop’s fables while the orchestra “accompanied”. Then the orchestra played Carnival of the Animals, a 14 movement suite, written by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns in 1886. It was a very entertaining performance.

‘Life of Fred’ Marathon

Every few weeks my kids get the itch to complete a giant amount of their Life of Fred books.  This week was such a week.  Joe completed about 15 chapters which was almost a whole book!  I love Life of Fred for so many reasons, one being how it is quirky and fun.  Many times I have found Life of Fred books laying in Lydia’s bed.  They are a great choice for outside the box learners!  To learn more about Life of Fred, go here.

 

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3 Books to Help Your Family Reflect on the Meaning of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching!  Um… 8 days away!  As I pulled out the books we use to prepare for, and reflect on the meaning and history of Thanksgiving, I thought it would be nice to share them here.

Note: All of the links here are affiliate links and purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost to you).  

Books about Thanksgiving

The Story of the Pilgrims by Katharine Ross is a picture book perfect for the littlest learners.  There is not as much text, but the text that is there is true to the history of Thanksgiving.  The pictures are simple, yet vibrant. It’s a very easy and short read.

Books about Thanksgiving

Another picture book, Three Young Pilgrims, by Cheryl Harness, has a bit more text and the pictures have a great level of detail. A perfect book for kids who love lots of information tidbits, this book has quite a few illustrations with intricate detail and labeling. I’ve included a picture of one page so you can see what I mean.  This book is always a favorite with my kids.

Page from Three Young Pilgrims displaying detail:

. Books about Thanksgiving

 

 

 

 

 

Books about Thanksgiving

And finally, a beautiful hardcover book (coffee table worthy) that is meant to be read aloud, Thanksgiving A Time to Remember, by Barbara Rainey, is a book that goes into more detail of the Thanksgiving story.  It is meant to be read aloud as a family over the course of a week.  It could also be read in one long sitting. There are pictures included, but it is not a picture book.  This book was put out by Family Life Publishing and also includes a CD of worshipful instrumental music.  This one is pretty pricey on Amazon, and unfortunately not much cheaper on Ebay.  But it is a good one!

Happy reading!

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Weekly Wrap-Up: November 5-9

It was a less eventful week than normal.  Here are the highlights.

Great Wolf Lodge

We spent Sunday night to Monday afternoon at Great Wolf Lodge in the Dells.  The kids LOVED it and it was nice to have some fun family time.

Great Wolf LodgeGreat Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge
Clocktower Show
Bravewriter

We went further with some of the elements of Bravewriter that we’ve already introduced.  For this week’s Poetry Teatime, Lydia made Sushi for our snack.  We read more Limericks and wrote another limerick together using this printable.

Bravewriter has a Friday Freewrite suggestion each week, and this week’s freewrite was to write ‘your favorite word’ in as many sentences as possible.  That went over well, and since the suggestion gets emailed to right my inbox each week, so we’ll be trying it again!

We also played the Communication Game again, which is proving to be a favorite.  I drew a picture.  And then Joe described the picture to Lydia.  The game really forces the kids to think about what words they use and also to pay close attention to the words other people are using.   Not only that, but it’s lighthearted and fun.  We all laughed together over the results!

Bravewriter Communication Game
Here is Joe looking at the original picture I drew and describing it to his sister.
Bravewriter Communication Game
Here is Lydia drawing what Joe tells her to.
Bravewriter Communication Game
Not too shabby!
Little brother keeping busy making his own drawings 🙂
Arrival of Winter

This was the first week after Daylight Savings and it hit me harder this year. With Daylight Savings we also had the weather to bring on winter…  SNOW!  I admit I find it very pretty but knowing it will be cold for the next 5 months is a little daunting.

I found this article on SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) to give lots of helpful tips to get through the winter slump.  I’m going to try to get into the mindset of getting cozy this winter.  Candles, twinkle lights, soups, hot beverages, lots of family games, reading by the fire…  We can do this!

One major silver lining is my kids love playing outside in the winter.  Way more than any other season.  Go figure!  They love turning the marsh in our backyard into their very own Narnia, with maps and everything to go with it.  Love their imaginations!

Sign language

Our friend is doing a sign language class for us and a few other families.  We’ve had two sessions so far, and we’ve learned a fair amount.  This week we learned all about counting and numbers.  We learned how to count up to the billions and beyond.  So interesting!

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