A few of my favorite things....

So this is a first for me! A favorite things list and a giveaway!! Watch out!

Since the holidays are upon us I thought I would do a list of a few of my favorite things in case you are at a loss on your Christmas shopping for a special person in your life... I've got a lot so lets get started...

Family Focused

1. ABC Scripture cards- I love having these up in the kitchen and changing them out each week. It is not only a great memory tool for the kids to learn scripture but good for me too! They're also stylish and fun! Order them here!

2. Melissa and Doug Family Dinner Questions- I got these just a few weeks ago (had to weed through a few that didn't fit with our family) and the kids are loving them! Questions like "what is the best lesson your parents have taught you?" an

d "what is one kind thing a family member has said or done for you this week?". The kids are loving them and we have had some fun new dinner convos lately!

3. Advent Planning Crafts from Lay Baby Lay- we planned it out and are doing these 4 awesome crafts based off of the attributes of Jesus in Isaiah 9:6 (Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace). So pumped to do this this advent as a family.  

4. Light 'em up- we did this two years ago really faithfully and it was amazing. Last year I was just trying to stay above water with 4 kids but this year I am feeling back on track and ready to tackle our community with kindness! It is an awesome way to involve kids ages 2-20 in really living out the meaning of christmas! Check it out!

For the reader

5. Ronnie wilson's gift- my favorite kids book thus far. It really puts living and serving Jesus in a way that kids can understand. 

6. Jesus storybook Bible- if you don't have it yet for your family, grab it! It points every Bible story back to Jesus in such a beautiful way!

7. My favorite book list over the last few years? Interrupted and 7 by Jen Hatmaker, Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis, Radical and Follow me (reading now) by David Platt, Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. For easy reading pick up anything by Charles Martin, about to start his new one Unwritten and I am beyond excited. 

For the music lover

8. Matt Papa- Look and Live album has been on repeat for me all Fall. Love it.

9. For King and Country- love them. Their Christmas album is currently playing on my phone!

10. One Republic Native album- they may be my fave band of all time. I love every song on this album!

11. Mariah Carey Christmas iTunes radio station- Our fam listened to it all weekend.  You're welcome.

Apparel-wise

12. Krochet Kids- Love their hats, bags and scarves! Handmade and hand signed by the Ugandan women that make them.

13. Noonday- love my necklaces and purse I have from Noonday! Love supporting a company that empowers women in poverty situations! Need to Christmas shop? Just browse the site!

14. Sevenly- love this site. Each week they have a new cause and new shirt designs. The proceeds that week go to the cause, everything from Medical needs/food in Congo to autism to bullying to sex trafficking. I probably have 7-10 shirts in my closet from them! Like them on Facebook and you can keep up with causes and new shirt designs!

15. 31 bits- another awesome jewelry company that empowers women struggling to feed their families! Great prices great looks! http://31bits.com/

For the Giver

16. Samaritan's Purse Gift Catalog- We have never told our kids to make a christmas list of what they want but this is one magazine I let the kids mark up and circle! They are earning extra money this december for helping out around the house and then we are going to let them choose 2 gifts each to buy for someone in need. They are so pumped!

17. Care for Aids- this is the ministry we have visited twice in Kenya (I blogged about it March and Sept/Oct 2013) and are excited to give to this Christmas! If you are looking for a way to give to something this year to support orphan prevention and community empowerment look no farther! I could go on for ever about it so just read here or visit their site here!

Whew. Sorry for the long list! I always love finding new fun products, ideas and sites so I hope I introduced a few new ones to you! I'm giving away the Matt Papa album! Comment with one of your favorite products or sites and we will draw a name just after Thanksgiving!