The first thing we do is have a Jesus Tree.

Each day we read a bible passage that takes you through Jesus’ journey up unto his death and resurrection. There is a felt piece that you put on the tree each day that coordinate with the passage. I got the ideas from THIS website. She shows you how to do each piece and gives the bible passage AND pdf coloring pages for each one!! SHower of Roses is one of my absolute favorite websites. It’s a Catholic Christian website but if you’re a Christian it’s just as valuable. She gives recipes with coordinating special days, coloring pages, and WONDERFUL ideas for you and your children. Her information has been invaluable to me as a mom trying to raise Godly children.

The kids really enjoy putting a piece on each day, hearing the story that goes with it and seeing the tree get fuller and fuller until Easter arrives.

Another thing that many Christians do is give up something for Lent. (For a brief explanation, look here.)  That’s a little unrealistic for children to understand. So we have a jar that has different kids of daily sacrifices you can make. Each time they do one they put a color coordinated token in the jar to earn candy in their Easter baskets.  I got this idea from somewhere, but for the life of me, I can’t remember where. Here’s what our jar says:

Red- For the blood Jesus gave. Each morning you can sacrifice something specific that day.

Green- For the palm’s cool shade. Earn one by doing good, kind deeeds like the people that provided shade for Jesus.

Yellow- For God’s light so bright. You can earn this for sharing Jesus’ light with others.

Orange- For prayers in the evening.

Black- For sweet rest at night. For going to sleep quietly without complaint.

White- For the Grace of God. This one is given free every day, just like God’s grace to us.

Purple- For His days of sorrow. Earn these by apolgizing to anyone you hurt that day.

Pink- For a new tomorrow. These can be earned when you forgive those who hurt you.

You could make up your own sacrifices or good deeds that suit your family, too.

I’d LOVE to hear any ideas and traditions that you and your fmaily do. I’m always looking for new ways to celebrate our Christian life.

Hope you all have a GREAT day and I’ve got a couple great things coming this week.

]]> http://www.madebylex.com/2010/02/lent-ideas-for-mommies.html/feed 6 http://www.madebylex.com/2010/02/valentines-for-boys.html http://www.madebylex.com/2010/02/valentines-for-boys.html#comments Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:00:49 +0000 Alexis http://www.madebylex.com/?p=736 Here’s my idea for boy’s Valentines.

Cut out  2 pieces of felt in the shape  of a football. You could do any ball. I just had lots of brown.

Add little white details for the laces.

Sew around the outside of the felt football, leaving a small opening.

Stuff them with dry beans, rice, or popcorn kernels.

Stitch the opening closed and you have little bean bag balls! I’m going to attach each boy’s name on a heart felt tag, too.

Enjoy!

Start out by cutting some heart shaped felt.

Here are some of the colors I chose.

Get a strip of felt, about 1.5×3.

Begin glueing your hearts on the strip of felt.

You can layer them however you like.

Here’s how mine came out.

I did these three color palettes.

Now, hot glue the strip in to the headband. (Got a 5 pack at the dollar tree!)

And you’re pretty much all done!

Aren’t they lovely?!

They even look cute on a little baldy!

I just added a little tag with the girls’ initial and you’re all set!

Easy, cheap, fast and fun! And it doesn’t include a sugar rush!!

Stay tuned for the boys felt Valentine’s tutorial coming soon!!