December 1, 2013 by Allison Hendrix

the 12 Pins of Christmas

the 12 Pins of Christmas What better way to kick off the holiday season than with my favorite 12 Pins of Christmas! If you follow me on Pinterest, you may have seen me collecting these festive finds.

Here are my FAVORITE pins of the season.

Powdered Doughnut Snowmen

Such a fresh take on decorating gingerbread men. Love this idea by Worth Pinning to transform a powdered doughnut into a snowman. Love!

Marshmallow Winter Wonderland

Transform a table into a wintery delight by stringing marshmallows together to create a snowy dream. (via Mon Carnet by Wednesday Custom Design)

Charming Hand-Stamped Ornaments

Love how The Swenglish Home used leftover pieces of wood to create these adorable hand stamped sayings. We’re definitely trying this.

The 12 Letters of Christmas

Ever wonder just what Santa and the Elves are up to? I do. Print these 12 letters and leave one out each morning to hear how it’s going on the North Pole. The stories are ADORABLE!! One day they run out of wrapping paper. Another day is the story of how the reindeer learned to fly. (by Soda Pop Avenue)

Ornament Key

Love this idea of turning a key from a previous home into an ornament. Sweet memories not forgotten. (from In my Own Style)

Minute to Win it Holiday Party Games

Have a snowball toss by throwing marshmallows through a hanging wreath. Slide a gingerbread man from your forehead to your mouth. Or be the first to stack cups in the shape of a Christmas tree. Check out these and more minute to win it games over at Callie Grace.

Edible Snow Globe and Gingerbread cookie recipe

Can you imagine eating something so adorable? What a lovely and unforgettable dessert. Check out the tutorial and recipe at Ya a la Venta.

Explaining Santa when the time Comes

Although the magical belief in Santa is still alive in all 3 of my children and husband, I love this letter of explanation to have on hand. (via cafe mom).

Holiday Bailey’s Drink

Freeze coffee in ice cube trays. For a festive and delicious Holiday drink, pour Bailey’s and Vanilla Vodka over the coffee cubes. Absolutely delicious. Holiday Drink - Freeze coffee cubes and add Baileys and Vanilla Vodka. Love these 12 ideas!!!

Christmas Tree Stump Ornament

Love the idea of saving a slice off your tree and turning it into an ornament. Great idea for newlyweds or a baby’s first Christmas. (idea off Pinterest by Prayers and Prozac)

Santa’s official Live Reindeer Cam

Watch Santa feed his reindeer each day through a live video stream. Feedings are every day at 11:00, 6pm , and 9pm

Magical Tulle Christmas Lights

When I saw this pin, I immediately knew I wanted to light up my daughter’s room with this great idea from Hayseed Homemakin‘. She simply tied tulle next to each twinkle light. Beautiful.

If you want more festive ideas, follow along with us on Pinterest. Have a blessed holiday season.

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June 28, 2013 by Allison Hendrix

Kid’s Driver’s License and Test (for bikes)

We were at Legoland this week and my children wanted to ride the electric cars. Before a child was allowed in the car, their picture was taken for a “Driver’s License”. Upon receiving this Driver’s License (which was nothing more than a business card with some blanks), my youngest son’s entire demeanor changed. He felt responsible and trusted. He wanted to make sure he obeyed each and every rule because he had been entrusted with this license. This small card was the highlight of his day and really boosted his ego.

You never know what is going to click with children. This license did, so I decided to use it for my benefit. I created a “Driver’s License Safety Test”.

If a child passes, they will be rewarded a “Driver’s License for bikes and scooters“. It’s proof that they know the safety rules of riding a bike/ scooter. They understand the license can be revoked if a rule is not followed. To have your very own Driver’s License can be a rite of passage, a step up in responsibility which develops confidence.

It is a great tool if a child is receiving a new bike or scooter. The license can represent the responsibility that comes with it. It is exciting. The expectations are clear. Happy Riding!

Kid's Driver's License and Test (for bikes and scooters). - have your child take a simple "driver's safety test" and award them with their very own printable Driver's License. great way to teach responsibility. [the House of Hendrix}

printable Driver’s License (for bikes and scooters)

Kid's Driver's License and Test - Your child takes a simple "driver's safety test" and then receives their own printable Driver's License. Great way to teach responsibility. [the House of Hendrix}

printable Driver’s Safety Test

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June 8, 2013 by Allison Hendrix

A Humorous Approach to Table Manners – the pig who saved dinner

We have a pig. Yup, smack dab in the center of our dinner table is a pig. He’s been there for a few years and is responsible for bringing back PEACE to our family dinners. Here’s how it happened.

I wanted that dinner table with a hot, healthy meal and a loving family gathered around. My husband would ask grace and then my well-mannered children would pass around the plates of food as we chatted about our day. Yeah, NOT! During one exasperated dinner when my sons repeatedly burped during the prayer and then peas were thrown in protest to somebody chewing with their mouth open, I had had enough! My dinner table was completely filled with correction not conversation. It was not fun for anybody!

In my desperation for sanity, I grabbed a rubber pig from the top of the toy bin and began a rant about how they were behaving like 3 little pigs. Their mamma fear turned into belly laughter as I laid down the new law of dinner time. boys

If you burp, toot, or make an inappropriate bodily noise, You get the Pig!
Every time you have a sharp tone or rude words, you get the Pig!
If you chew with your mouth open, or…try to throw food into somebody else’s mouth while it’s open, you get the PIG!
Napkin in your lap, not on top of your sister’s head or else, PIG!
Rocking in your chair, getting our of your chair, falling out of your chair, PIG!
The pig will move from person to person as laws are broken.
Whoever ends up with the pig at the end of dinner does everybody’s dishes.

I felt better and they were roaring in laughter. This was our new dinner standard. Still is. It’s not your regular chalkboard saying “In this family, we love…we forgive…we say please and thank you.” But it’s ours.

The dinner table is no longer a place of constant correction, we just pass the pig. The behavior that used to bring dissention to our meal, now has brought laughter… and with that, joy…and a table I want to sit at.

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