Our Top 5 {Kid-Friendly} Resurrection Picks!

I put a bunch of my Easter prints in the mail on Saturday and now I'm ready to take a little breather from my shop this week, restock my supplies and celebrate the Resurrection with my family!

 
By the way, thank you everyone who took advantage of my Flash Sale to purchase some gifts. You are all amazing! It was a lot of fun to put together orders of some of my favorite designs!

The prints above are still available as Instant Downloads in my shop this week and would make the perfect hostess gift this weekend.

So we are celebrating Easter all week! My husband might be traveling over Easter, so we decided to get a head start on our plans before the boys and I head down to New Jersey for the weekend.

Here are the few things we've decided to do as a family this week.

Resurrection Rolls, Source Eat At Allies

1. Resurrection Rolls

We planned our special Easter dinner for tonight. Levi, who just turned five, has suddenly decided that he's a great helper. (Having a birthday is magical!) So he and I prepared Resurrection Rolls for dinner. {I have a feeling he really just wanted to sneak marshmallows.}

I've seen these before, but assumed they were from scratch and that I couldn't pull them off.

NEWS FLASH: These are SIMPLE and are made with crescent rolls!! 

The longest part is reading the Scripture passage (John 19) they recommend to go along with it, which I do recommend as well! Mine didn't quite look like the above photo, but they were yummy and a lot of fun to cut open and say "He's not here, He has risen!"

2. Resurrection Eggs

We followed up dinner with our nightly Resurrection Egg reading, which tells the Easter story using various objects during the 12 days leading up to Easter. Tonight was the crown of thorns. We ended up with two sets of eggs this year, which is perfect, so each boy can open his own egg and there are no fights! This set I purchased at Hobby Lobby last year and it comes with a booklet with short daily readings.

  This set I made in my MOPS group.

3. Resurrection Garden

We got a late start on our very first Resurrection Garden because terracotta pots were hard to find this early. Maybe it's just that New England isn't out of winter mode yet. {We had flurries today!}

I'm not holding my breath that the grass seed will actually grow, but it's still a great symbol of the three crosses and the empty tomb and another fun Mommy & Levi project. Guess who was the sticks and stone gatherer?

Source We are That Family

{What it might look like in a couple of weeks}

4. You've Been Egged!

Have you ever done this one? I hadn't heard of hiding eggs in a neighbor's yard and leaving a note on their door until I found it on Pinterest. But it looks cute and I love that it's all about Jesus! We plan on doing this later on in the week, so I put Levi to work filling the eggs today. Notice, you only need 12 eggs! The downside is we'll be hiding them our neighbor's snow-covered yard.

5. He is Risen Banner

Our Easter mantel with He is Risen printable banner. I kind of rearrange it every couple of days and the most recent addition was the banner. Perfect for the early reader to recognize letters and words! Free download at Whimsical Design Studio.

So there are the top 5 projects I picked this Easter. During the rest of the week we plan on watching some of our favorite  kid-friendly Easter videos on YouTube and Right Now Media and taking some time to talk about and reflect on Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
    and by his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5

 What are YOU doing this week to celebrate Christ's Resurrection?

A Superhero Birthday Party!

On Sunday, my oldest turned five. Five, people. That's kind of a big deal.

For about 6 months he's been insisting on a Spiderman birthday party with all his friends. He hasn't even seen Spiderman, so I gave him some other options, but Spiderman it was, so I gritted my teeth (because I know nothing about superheroes and neither does he) and decided to put together a super hero party fit for my very social five-year-old.

I could NOT have pulled this off without my mom here to help me organize the activities and my husband to figure out the back-up plan for the pinata that was supposed to be outside. (It snowed that morning.) Oh, and my husband made an appearance as Batman! He didn't stay in the costume long enough for me to get a picture though. I think he planned it that way.

So here's a look at our favorite five-year-old Superhero and his super special Superhero Training Camp party. (Our favorite two-year-old Superhero is pictured too!)

Just had to add in this last one so you could see all the snow still on the ground on March 21. :/

Because of His Great Love We are Not Consumed {Heartbreak + Lamentations Print}

It was a typical bedtime routine earlier this week. We read a couple of stories {as quickly as possible because it's already a half hour past bedtime}, then our Jesus Calling Bible. Before we can get to the part where we "talk about our day and what we did well" followed by prayers, he launches into talking about heaven. Heaven is a favorite topic these days.

"When can I go there?" he asks. "I want us ALL to go there. EVERYBODY I love. {My friend} is going to heaven too, right?" This is where he pauses for an answer and I pause wondering how I should answer. The friend we are talking about is a neighbor. Someone he absolutely adores. We are slowly getting to know the family. But he already knows this friend is THE. BEST. And I just don't know the answer to his question. "And if {my friend} isn't going, then I'm not either." {In my son's four-year-old perspective, heaven is like Disney World — you travel there, have a good time, do some fun stuff and see some cool people, and then come home and beg to go back} 

But I of course know it's much more than that. It's eternity. And this sweet question coming out of my son's mouth is the most important question we can ponder. The weight of it and its implications sent a wave of panic over me that threatened to CONSUME ME. The feeling was surprising. I admit I don't often feel that way. There was guilt that I should feel this burden more often — that weight on your heart that overwhelms and brings sudden, deep sadness — for the people in our lives. Both the people we pass in the store and the people we call friend. It's truly devastating to think about.  

What else in this world really matters other than this?

I pondered this  as my eyes began to burn with unshed tears. And why am I so concerned about everything else? There are so many pains and disappointments in life that I focus on and complain about, and yet I can't answer my son's innocent question. This child needs to know that Jesus loves her! And maybe she does. But, more likely, she doesn't. What if nobody ever tells her? What if WE never tell her? Why doesn't my heart break more often for the people around us who don't know Him as their Savior?

That night we prayed for his friend, and I reminded my son how and why people go to heaven — by making a decision to follow Jesus and accepting his free gift of mercy. Just a few months ago, my son made that decision for himself, and that day was one of the greatest joys in our life. We talked about how we can tell this friend about Jesus and then I said goodnight.

But the feeling lingered through the rest of the evening, during the night and into the next day. That burden that could only be from the Holy Spirit.  He's working on my heart, breaking it, molding it, changing my priorities and my concerns. Raising the important things to the surface. The heartbreak I felt did not consume me, because I have the hope of Christ in me!

So, He changed my plans. The post I was going to to write today. I had been excitedly working on this new Scripture art print with these amazing verses in Lamentations ... and then the conversation with my son took place. And I just couldn't ignore it. I couldn't sleep. The Holy Spirit spoke in my heart, and I couldn't go back to writing about how much I'm enjoying watercolor and new fonts and looking forward to spring. Because maybe I'm supposed to be about more than that.

The Words in this passage offer the very same hope that our friends and family and neighbors so desperately need!

It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak." 2 Corinthians 4:13

When I read this passage from Lamentations I hear it in the soft, southern drawl of a mentor and friend who has committed it to memory. There have been so many times over the last few years when a friend or I needed to hear it and it comes tumbling out at just the right moment. I want to impress it on my heart so that the sweet truth and wisdom of these words comes tumbling out of my mouth at just the right time.

When things are falling apart around us and we are feeling discouraged and hopeless, we will be able to call to mind what we KNOW about God. That he is LOVING and He is COMPASSIONATE and He is FAITHFUL. That we are NOT CONSUMED, because of who He is. Not because of who we are or our circumstances.

And for those who don't know Him, He is holding out His hand of mercy and his free gift of salvation for anyone to accept and to join him one day in heaven. And He keeps offering it. Over and over again. Because He has GREAT LOVE for each of us. This is it! The hope that ultimately conquers disappointment and despair and urges us on to love others and to call out to God for their salvation.

I know that He can use my family and yours in the lives of our friends, family and acquaintances if we will boldly share that love and share the word of God. If we will ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for us with our Heavenly Father when that burden and heartbreak comes over us for our families, our neighborhoods and our world. Will you join me in prayer? Will join me in finding ways to love our neighbors and friends? Will you join me in knowing and speaking God's Word?

May you know God's love, compassion and faithfulness!

~Erin

Watercolor prints in four colors now available here.

DIY Preschool Valentines via Pinterest {A peek at what we created}

I'm excited to share with you a few snapshots of our first-ever DIY Preschool Valentines! But wait, before you start thinking I went way overboard or feel guilty that you didn't make yours, you need to remember three things.

 1. I like being crafty. A project that I can complete myself and bless someone with
     energizes me. Plus, these were very simple and I did not come up with these myself.
 2. My boys go to a candy-free preschool, hence running to Pinterest for non-candy ideas.
 3. It would have shattered me to watch Levi pick out Spiderman Valentines at CVS.
      {He didn't know that they existed, but I have a feeling he knows now and I'll hear all
      about it when he gets home from school today!}

So, here are our creations, with the help of some great printables I found on Pinterest.

Teacher Valentines. We have about 10 teachers/staff between the two boys, including school day, lunch bunch, after school, etc. When I saw EOS lip balm printables I knew I had to do them, because I'm a little obsessed with EOS myself. And who wouldn't want an extra lip balm this time of year? Fortunately, I learned that Costco sells these in packs of 5 for about $11 each, so I sent my husband to the store to pick them up last night.

In deciding between the two printable options the night before, I chose the one with the fewest steps. I skipped the cellophane, wrapping, tying and attaching a tag. This one only involved the tag and a 1 1/2" circle punch, which I already owned. After punching, unscrew the balm, slip the tag in between and re seal the balm.

Printable from triedandtrueblog.com on Eighteen25.

 

God's Love Bubbles Over Valentines for Silas' class Valentines were my favorite. Two year olds LOVE bubbles and it's a perfect way to share God's love with friends. 

 I might have done these for both boys if I hadn't found the Lego movie idea.

Confession: I forgot to assemble these on Monday night and woke up Tuesday morning in a panic. {Silas only goes to school on Tuesdays} My husband helped me tie the tag onto the bubbles before running out the door to work. He's amazing.

Printable from a cool Christian community of moms I just discovered called
NotConsumed.com. Sign up to download more free resources with your email address.

 You Are Awesome Lego Movie Valentines were posted by a friend on Facebook. Because I'm a little bit crazy, I took two free printable ideas and Photoshopped them together to come up with this. I ordered Lego guy crayons on Amazon that fit right into my 3"x4" bags along with the tag and wrote classmate's names on the labels that I used

to close the bags. 

And, of course, my 4-year-old's contribution was signing his name and
reading the list of his friends to me.

Lego Movie printable here.

Carrieelle.com

So there they are! Did you blog about DIY Valentines or come across a really fun idea? Please share your creations below!

Here are our 2014 Thumb {bodies} Love You Valentines.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Introducing 'Love Never Fails' in Large Format // Low-cost Decorating, Big Impact {Engineer Print}

Sometimes you just have to go big! I mean, there's one room in my house with vaulted ceilings and anything standard sized on the walls or mantle just looks teeny tiny. Yet I just can't bring myself to commit to pricey oversized pieces, especially for seasonal decor.

Recently, a friend introduced me to engineer prints and I'm loving this easy large format option! So I decided to give it a try with my new LOVE NEVER FAILS Design.

This 24x36 print is the perfect size to make a big statement on my mantel. And the best part is is cost is just about $4 to print in BW at Staples! I've ordered engineer prints twice now from Staples and I do have to say that the print didn't come out perfectly, because it's meant for architect plans and not photos. But for $4, I didn't really mind! Staples offers 3 sizes: 18x24, 24x36, 36x48. A color version runs around $25.

The instant download in my shop includes BOTH the 18x24 and 24x36 PDF files. Woohoo!!

I picked up the frame at Michael's recently on sale. Another option would be to mount the print to foam core with spray adhesive. I haven't tried this yet because I love just being able to switch out prints quickly with the frame.

Every time I look at this print the lyrics to the Jesus Culture song One Thing Remains go through my head:

Your Love Never Fails, It Never GIves Up, It Never Runs Out On Me

Your Love Never Fails, It Never GIves Up, It Never Runs Out On Me

Because On and On and On and On it Goes

For It Overwhelms and Satisfies My Soul

And I Never Ever Have to Be Afraid

One Thing Remains ....

And we sometimes always need the reminder of His never-ending, overwhelming,

satisfying love for us! I sure do!

Here are a few more views:

 I'm trying to decide what I think of my felt heart wreath.

You can always count on Target for some holiday banners.

Topiary idea from My Blessed Life.

Hers looks better. I needed about 10 more cupcake liners or to not do it in such a hurry!

And fresh tulips from Trader Joe's are always a must!

So, what do you think of my first Valentine's engineer print design?  Go try it and let me know what you think! Instant download in my Etsy shop.

Happy Valentine's Day!

NEW! Lovely Dwelling Design Products on Tote Bags {LIMITED TIME}

I'm really excited to be working with a friend on two limited time items in my Etsy shop! She has inspired me to have two designs screen printed onto canvas totes. These high quality canvas tote bags are available just in time for the season of gift giving! Check them out and order one for a friend today!

Red bags featuring our Holy Night Christmas print design are perfect as reusable gift bags or to carry around to work or Bible study this season. What I love about this bag is that it is deep (5") without being awkward. These bags will be ready to pick up or ship on December 5. Order one today!

This slightly larger canvas tote featuring our new "Know God & Make Him Known" design is available for pre-order through this Wednesday, November 26. Measuring 15x16x3, it's sure to hold books, binders and more. Totes will be available to pick up or ship on December 12. Pre-order one now.

Happy Thanksgiving!
~Erin

Simple Advent Countdown Craft + Free Printable

I've already attended my first Christmas event of the season. Most of my gifts are purchased or at least planned out in my head. And I've already wrapped most of the books my boys will be opening and reading during the twelve days leading into Christmas. This is huge for me – I'm a holiday procrastinator. And I try to do too much too late. I'm determined to get ahead of things this season and also let a few things go. I'm also hoping to make Christmas more about Christ's birth than about Santa and gifts.

But let's back up. Christmas really starts for me sometime in the summer when we begin planning graphics for Christmas events at the church where I am employed. This year, our project for the women at our church was just too exciting not to share with all of you. Because it's meant to be shared! {Don't I have the best job ever?!}

It's a countdown to Christmas focused on Jesus. It's seriously the simplest craft you'll ever make. All the hard work is already done. {You're welcome!}

So go and grab a 4x6 frame in your house, or pick one up the next time you go shopping. {This one was on clearance at Target a few weeks ago. I like it because it's a little bit unique and works in any room.}

Download this free PDF of my double-sided Christmas card set numbered 1-25. Print them out on card stock. To further simplify things, just pick one side to print.

The front of each card looks something like this. 

The back has a different Scripture verse on each card. 

Trim some scrapbook paper to 4x6 for the background. Place it in your frame in front of the glass.

Glue a small clothes pin to the paper toward the top. I used a hot glue gun, but any craft glue with work.

And finally, place card #25 in the clothes pin, choosing either the front or the back to display.

Store the rest of the cards in a small bag or envelope.

And now you are ready to begin your Advent countdown! Read the Scripture verse on the back as a family as you change out the card each day to focus God's greatest gift of Jesus at Christmas.

It's so simple you could make an extra and give it to a friend or neighbor.

I think my boys will enjoy changing out the cards with me before we read our Christmas stories each night. Which reminds me – we have two more books to find to round out our twelve days of Christmas reading. I'd love to hear what your family's all-time favorite Christmas book is! For example, The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado is a sweet Christmas story that we enjoy this season and year-round.

Enjoy!

Erin

Note: I'd love nothing more than to create a complete set of cards for each one of my lovely readers. I truly do. But because I can't charge anything for this design, that's just not realistic. I'm so sorry! If your printer is out of ink, like mine often is, I hope you can find a friend who can print these for you or consider taking it to Staples. It's totally worth it! And if you're local, all you need to do to get your very own set of cards is sign up to host a Christmas Open House in your neighborhood.