Pardon My Rant...

This past weekend our family went to see the new movie, The Good Dinosaur. The movie was okay, but definitely not a movie blockbuster hit. My rant is not about the movie but rather the Short Film: Sanjay's Super Team. I was appalled, horrified, and greatly disturbed by this approximately 7 minute film. Shame on Pixar. The short film was scary and violent to little eyes watching. Actually, it was a bit scary for me. Since watching it I have not been able to get it out of my head. In hindsight, if I would have known that the content was what it was I would have kept my children out of the theater until the movie started. I was greatly disturbed by how they chose to use a superhero in this film. I also did not appreciate that my children were exposed to this quite frightening religious portrayal of another faith that we do not hold to. 

What is wrong with an entertaining, lighthearted, laughable, child appropriate short film?!?!? This was a far cry for appropriate. 

The basic plot is:
"According to the Los Angeles Times, the short follows a boy named Sanjay who is asked by his father to take part in a daily Hindu ritual: "Reluctant and bored by the ceremony, Sanjay begins daydreaming a kind of ancient, Hindu version of "The Avengers," with the gods appearing like superheroes. As the daydream progresses, the color, light and animation of the film grows increasingly dazzling and cosmic, and Sanjay grows closer to understanding his father's inner world."

After conversing with a quit a few others I realized that I was not alone in my feelings. I chose to post this as a WARNING to others that have yet to take their children to see the movie. 

A Day With NO CRAYONS

A Day With NO CRAYONS

This week while visiting a local museum I found this book in the museum shop. I read it to my daughter and she absolutely loved it. I came home, got on Amazon, and ordered it. My daughter has had me read it to her over and over again. It reminded me a lot of two of our other favorites, The Day the Crayons Quit, and The Day the Crayons Came Home. 

This story is about a little girl named Liza who loves to color. She runs out of paper and coloring books and decides to use a big empty wall to color on. This gets her in trouble and her crayons are taken away. Liza cries, "No crayons!" This begins her adventure that consists of squirting toothpaste into the sink, jumping into the mud, getting grass stains on her pants and many more antics. All of the sudden........

Liza saw color everywhere!

Liza makes a tree using mud. She presses leaves into the mud and squishes them onto her tree until it shimmers. Liza uses flower petals to to make birds. Next, Liza uses a red brick to draw on the sidewalk. When Liza gets home she creates an ocean using pebbles and flower petals. 

By this time it is bedtime. Liza's mother gives her, her crayons back. Liza then gets the idea to create a picture using all of her toys and coloring pages in her room. Liza determines, 

“I think I can go one more day with no crayons.”

Your child will love this imaginative story of Liza and her crayons!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Poem

On our calendar, Thanksgiving comes once a year,

but in my heart, it is always here.

In the morning, I thank God for the things I see;

all the beauty He gives to me.

I thank Him for each sound I hear,

the rustling leaves, the bleating deer.

I thank Him for the roof over my head,

and my warm cozy bed;

I thank Him for each scent I smell,

some beckoning my stomach to fill.

I thank God for the things I touch,

being able to feel means so much;

I thank Him for my family,

each one, so special to me.

I know now what I am trying to say,

thank God for everything, every day.

On our calendar, Thanksgiving comes once a year

~ Winston Staples ~

I love to reflect on all that I am thankful for. First and foremost, I am thankful for the Lord in my life. I cannot imagine my world without God's presence in my life. God continually blesses exceedingly abundant beyond all measure. I am so very thankful for my family. God has blessed me with a wonderful husband and six amazing children. My husband is my perfect complement. My children bring me so much joy and bless me beyond measure. I am grateful for our home. God has blessed us with the perfect home to fit our family. I am grateful for the many friends that God has blessed with me. They are like precious jewels. I am grateful for the many doctors and therapists that God has placed on our family's journey. Without the many amazing doctor's my children would not be where they are today. I would love to name all of them, but due to privacy I won't do that. 

I hurt for the many that struggle during this time of the year. There are so many circumstances that make the holiday's difficult. Hold tight to HOPE!! This year so many people in my path have suffered great lose. I pray for those that are celebrating this holiday season without their loved ones. I pray for those are are dealing with various trials in their lives. Cling to the blessings, because they are there. Sometimes it feels like you are drowning. The Lord intimately knows your pain. There is nothing that we will ever go through that the Lord Himself has not endured.  Life is so very short. Each day that we are given is a undeserved blessing for all of us. 

I challenge you this THANKSGIVING DAY to sit down and list all of the many blessing in your life. 

Christmas Crafts ~ 12 Days of Christmas

Fun Christmas Crafts for Kids

Do your kiddos love crafts!! Well, here are some simple crafts that you can do with

your kiddos that will not test your patience or break the bank. 

Baby in a Manger

Using the template for Put the Baby in the Manger we added a few details 

such as twine and tissue paper to make this cute manger craft. 

 Christmas Ornament Garland

You can find this fun, religious craft at Bible Story Printables.

Frosty the Snowman

With construction paper, glue and some imagination you can create this friendly little snowman.

Let it Snow Snowflakes

Using multi-colored popsicle sticks, a glue gun, glue, and glitter 

your kiddos can create these colorful snowflakes. 

Glitter Frosty

This glittery snowman was created using glue and glitter.

Wreath by Candlelight

Gather together a paper plate, some construction paper, and paint and
create this cute little wreath.

Welcome to the 12 Days of Christmas. I hope you enjoy these fun and easy kid's crafts to 

celebrate the holidays.