To make up for my lack of posting, I will share this video (HT: Christine via email) that is sure to make you forget all about that Danielle Bean woman who never posts anything of substance on her own blog anymore. But first, let me just clarify: THIS IS NOT MY DAUGHTER.

Enjoy!

The winner of the 12 days of Christmas lapbook giveaway is … Sonia!

Congratulations!

And THANK YOU to Lapbooks for Catholics for sponsoring the giveaway.

There are still a few spots left for attending my upcoming online presentation about homeschool relationships at Homeschool Connections on Wednesday, January 7, 2009, at 7:30 pm central time.

I hope that you’ll consider joining us. Space is limited, so if you’d like to tune in, you should take the time to register now.

See here for more FAQs and registration information. And I’ll see you there!

that if I had known the volume of work you can get out of a big kid for the price of a song download, I would have made sure mine became members of the iPod generation years ago.

Are you a lapbooker? Or a wannabe?

If so, you should definitely check out the great Catholic materials at Lapbooks for Catholics.

And now here’s a chance to try one for free. Lindy, the awesome mom behind Lapbooks for Catholics, is offering a free copy of the 12 Days of Christmas faith folder to one lucky reader here.

For your chance to win, just leave a comment on this post. I’ll take entries until noon on Wednesday, December 31. Then I’ll pick a random winner and announce in 2009. Good luck!

CONTEST NOW ENDED.

Over at Faith and Family Live, Lisa Hendey is inviting us to share our Christmas photos. She’s not looking for Better Homes and Gardens shots (but if your house looks like that we’ll love you anyway). She wants people to share the simple ways they’ve dressed up their homes for Christmas.

Do you have a picture of your tree, your outdoor lights, or your kids dressed up for church? Share it!

Here’s my contribution:

First, there’s our tree. I Google-shared a video of our cutting it down and putting it up last week.

Next, I must share our snowman stocking holders. I picked these up at the second hand store for $1 each last month. I love them!

Here’s a look at our tree from upstairs on what we call the “catwalk.” It’s an open hall that leads to the kids’ bedrooms. This high ceiling is what allows us to get such a tall tree. I like to think that Christmas is what Dan had in mind when he designed this spot.

I love putting white lights here in the wintertime because they’re so much more fun than a nightlight.

And finally, here’s my favorite Christmas decoration this year: Stephen’s own tree.

On Christmas Eve, he made a trip into the woods with big brother Eamon to choose and cut a tree. Eamon helped him set it up in his room and then he decorated it with lights, bows, and candy canes. I love seeing it there right next to his bed when I go to check on him at night.

Don’t forget to share your own Christmas photos.

Merry Christmas!

little present, big bow, from big girl to little girl

sneaky little elf

pork pies ready to go!

At Faith and Family, we’re working on a guide to Catholic family spirituality. We are particularly interested in books, products, toys, or services that have enhanced your family’s faith life in the following areas:

1. Mass
2. Prayer
3. Confession
4. Community Service

We’d love to hear about items that nurture the faith life of parents, families, or children.

If you have an item to recommend, please send a brief description of the product, along with the ways you have used it and how it has helped your family (again — brief!) to me by email.

I will forward your responses to Lori Hadacek, the writer working on this project, and she will be in touch with any further questions.

Thanks so much for your help!