MidEast to MidWest

Half year down into our new life in the Midwest, I think this site needs a much deserve update.

I've started this blog to jot down joyous events, both trivial and grand. This serves as a journal to look back on when I'm feeling nostalgic and when I'm just feeling lonely. This makes me realize how blessed I am after all. So, I've consciously just post the happier episodes and occasions in the past which I've lost track to see the past year. Notice when my last post was? That was how bad my mood and mind was that I failed to see how lucky I still am.

Last year, we finally received the news that we can be scheduled for immigration interview.  However, it will be in Saudi Arabia and we were already living in the Philippines. It took us a few more months again to transfer our documents and reschedule our interview to a more convenient Embassy for us. We've waited for this for so long that we didn't expect it to even happen. More of, our bank account wasn't really ready for this to even happen. We needed medical exams and updated documents (passports, licences, immigration fees, etc) which cost quite a lot. After interview, we will  also be needing airfare tickets. With more speed bumps and financial pressure coming our way, we almost lost hope that we can make our American dream happen. But we were surrounded with people who were willing to give us a hand (a hand full of money) and we made it through. Thank God.

We finally migrated to the Midwest -- North East Central to be exact. We moved here with 2 luggages of hand me downs each and nothing in our pockets. Hubby and I didn't know how to start. But I've always believed in Divine intervention and HE did make it happen. Fortunately we have relatives, whom we have never met, who fed and took us in while we don't have a home yet. They even gave us clothes to survive winter, which is I realized by now that is pretty much all year round here. We were then again surrounded by strangers who just wanted to literally throw stuff, the exact stuff we needed when we finally found a home. Then basic necessities just kept on pouring in via Walmart Pick up from other relatives. See how magical God works?!

My small family of three experienced nothing to more than enough. I am thankful for that everyday and I will pay it forward somehow. I pray too that our life here will always be safe and comfortable as we have always strive and hope to be. 

"Sometimes when things are falling apart, they may actually falling into place."

Praying the Rosary

October being the month of the rosary, it is only fitting that our little one can learn how to pray the rosary. It all started with her learning how to read. Since she has read (&memorized) most of her children's books, I introduced to her the little book of prayers. The words in the prayer book will surely increase her vocabulary and, as what I've recently told her, each prayer she says will add to the step of the stairs going to heaven. She was so hooked reading and praying all the common prayers that we decided to teach her how to pray the rosary. I had never prayed the rosary with her before because I thought she's not ready for the long and repetitious prayer. She would not last the entire rosary without being her usual self --moving and talking incessantly. Surprisingly, we were able to finish it. She was so excited and enthusiastic leading and answering the prayers as she held on to the beads of the rosary. The timing was just really perfect that I introduced the rosary to her when she was most interested. She has even listed the intentions she would like to pray for when we pray the rosary. I think we will be praying the rosary everyday with her.

Thank you, Lord and Mama Mary for this wonderful daughter you have given us. She continuous to surprise us for all the right reasons. 

Talking about Mortality

Our conversation started with,

"Did you play with your Mom and Dad when you were a kid?".

 She has always been curious of the past. I said, 

"Not really. But I played a lot with my cousins. We all live in a very big house with all my cousins, aunts and uncles." I said something like that.

"I don't want to be a grown up."

"but why?"

"I don't want you getting old." , she said a little bit serious this time.

Aaawww. How sweet. Then I asked her to repeat on camera this time so that I can show my hubby who was at work at that time.

Now rather upset, "No. I will not talk anymore."

I insisted until she finally said,

"I don't want you dying." And now she's almost crying like she's very upset, angry and frustrated.

Huh?! Where did that idea come from? The timing couldn't be better, it was a day after we remembered the dead.

I think she's too young to really understand the concept of death if we talk about it now. I'm a bit uncomfortable discussing it with her or to anyone too since I think talking about it makes it real --which scares me. But I guess it's time.

I told her that everybody will grow old and eventually die and go back to Jesus. (She knows that part since she was aware already when she lost her greatgrandma 2 years ago.) We will be sad and miss those who go before us. But we will be alright eventually. We just have to make happy memories with everybody so that when they go back to Jesus, we will have nice memories of them. But she is really upset that Mommy and Daddy is part of everybody so she doesn't want to grow up nor want us growing old. I gave her lots of hugs and kisses and reassured her that I will live as long as I can to be with her. I then distracted her with more fun games and toys so as she will not worry anymore.

Having this discussion with her made me realize of our mortality. It really scares me that I always dismiss this thought. In my head, I will live as long as my own little family will  live and that we will all live in this happily ever after with no ending. But reality is, we will all go back home to our Creator and some people will be left behind. It is a sad reality that everybody will go through at some point. Even if I pray  and wish and pray and wish and pray and wish some more,  that it will never happen to me or to her, at some point whether it is a family member or a friend or an acquaintance, it will happen . (blank thoughts. blank thoughts. and more blank thoughts,)

Oh Lord, please give us strength for whatever it is that will come our way, make us appreciate what we have now and guide us to do what pleases You  and to live without regrets.

Christmas Story, Our Story

Life has not been very kind to us lately. Things are not going as we have planned and imagined that we begin to lose sight of our goals. We are starting to not try anymore. Then, something brings us back to our senses...

While staring at our handmade First Christmas scene, our little one said:
"(that's) Baby Jesus, Mama Mary, Papa 'seph."
"same Baby Jesus", then she points to herself
"same Mama Mary", then points to me.
"same Papa 'seph", then points faraway referring to her dad who was at work.

It was exactly what we/I needed.

Christmas is about Christ Child who was born to show us how to live --- in faith, hope and love.
Faith that God will see us through whatever storms we are now facing.
Hope that everything will be in the right and better place.
Love, above all, is the driving force to keep us moving on.

Thank you, Sweetheart for giving us joy and hope when we need it most. We are so blessed to have you.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Our Nativity Scene

We finally made our Nativity Scene out of shapes from cereal boxes. I'm currently teaching our little one shapes and writing straight lines. And this project is perfect for the occasion and homeschooling goals. I'm glad (and amazed and proud) that our little one was able to name the characters in this simple nativity scene. She said Baby Jesus, Mama Mary and Papa (. She even made the sign of the cross after seeing the final product. 

May I just add how happy I am that somehow, in our small, simple ways, our little one is learning so much from us. I hope she learns all the good stuff and look beyond (and forget) our flaws.

Happy 27th month, sweetheart. I love you so much!

Christmas 2.0 : Keeping Christ in Christmas

"I’m participating in the KEEP CHRIST in CHRISTMAS Blog Link-Up 2013

sponsored by the Catholic Bloggers Network.

Be sure to visit as many links as possible,

listed at the bottom of this post.

  

It's the time again of the year where we can make season specific themed crafts while teaching our little one (one of the joyful parts of ) the customs and traditions of our faith. It's our second Christmas living in a non-catholic country. And it is difficult to show our child a more tangible experience of our faith -- we can't make the sign of the cross before meals when dining out, we can't celebrate Sunday mass, we can't display religious figurines and ornaments, etc. So we try to make extra effort of showing (displays) and doing something (rituals) more Catholic like practices especially during Christmas season. Christ, our Savior, being born is the reason for it all anyway.

We started this season with our advent wreath. I have seen too many craft ideas on pinterest. And this is the most appropriate and easiest to do with my 2 year old. We used the little one's feet for the wreath and my fingers for candles. The hubby and our child put on stickers to "light" the candle each week of advent.

We also have prepared hand and other shapes cut outs to make our nativity scene. As of the moment, our little one can identify Jesus and Mama Mary (in different pictures she sees in different forms). It'll be easier for her to understand the story of Christmas when we finally make our Nativity craft. I'll post in a week or 2 when it's all done. Shapes in our trial homeschooling set-up is not in our lesson plan yet. 

We'll also be doing the same holiday traditions as we have done during our first Christmas together -- Simbang Gabi, good deeds, Jesus' "birthday menu", etc.

I hope these traditions will help us make our child realize and believe in Christ and our faith, not just during these festive season but always.

Have a blessed Christmas!

Equipping Catholic Families: Keep Christ in Christmas

Simply Homeschool  Living Advent Series 12/1 - 12/25

Fifth of Five    Keeping Christ in Christmas - Blog Link-up 2013

Coffee Moments with Sam     The Light of Hope

Hand-Maid With Love: CHRISTmas Presence: Keep Christ in Christmas 2013 Edition

Open Window            Making hay while the Advent wreath shines

Faith Filled Freebies: Keep Christ in Christmas

Written by the Finger of God: Not Christmas as Usual

On the Way Home:  Keep Christ in Christmas

Sue Elvis Writes: Bring Christ to Others

Mommy Bares All       Why Celebrate Christmas Even After #YolandaPH

 Canadian Catholic Mom         Keeping The Little Ones Focused: An Advent Link-Up

Mountain of Grace Homeschooling    Keep Christ in Christmas

Em’s Estuary: Keeping Christ in Christmas

Happy Little Homemaker: December Devotion: Immaculate Conception 

Adoro Ergo Sum:  How We Keep Christ in Christmas

JoyAlive.net: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Home to 4 Kiddos      Keep Christ in Christmas

Embedded Faith         Boldly Be the Christ in Christmas

City Girl, Country Home        Emmanuel Is With Us. Are we WITH HIM?

Journey to Wisdom: Trusting in your Awkward Fiats

Joy of Nine9   Waiting in Joyful Expectation Like a Child

 Splendor in the Home Ideas For Keeping Advent and Christmas Holy

Training Happy Hearts            10 Ways to Celebrate the New Liturgical Year

A Catholic Life           Advent: The Beginning of the Liturgical Year & Source of Rich Meditations

Designs by Birgit: Elf on a Shelf and Santa Claus

Catholic Inspired: Faith-Centered Family Christmas

A Slice of Smith Life: How we keep Christ in Christmas

Catholic All Year: Three Reasons I love Advent

Mary the Defender: Christmas The Battle Begins

Truly Rich Mom: Keep Christ in Christmas

Day By Day in Our World: 40 Days Seeking Him and Keeping Christ in Christmas

Diapers and Drivel: Keeping Christ in Christmas

 Raising Soldiers 4 Christ: Keeping Christ in Christmas

Rosary Mom   Keep Christ In Christmas With A Teenager

Tercets:            Keeping Christ in Christmas: Join Church Ministries

Campfires and Cleats  How We Keep Christ in Christmas

Life Unabridged: Celebrating the Fullness of the Advent and Christmas Season

Homeschooling With Joy        Keeping Christ in Christmas

Mrs Domestic Bliss     Gingerbread Nativity

The Chic Traveller       Keeping Christ in Christmas

California to Korea     Keeping Christ in Christmas

Dominique's Desk       Keeping Christ in Christmas

Our ABC Life: An Advent Update

Journey Living: Anno Domini

The Road to Rome: Advent Prayer and Reflection Resources

Life of Fortunate Chances: Keeping Christ in Christmas

Quidquid Est, Est!: Reblog: Advent Posts

Revisiting the Bible

The hubby has been leisurely reading the Bible. The Church also encourages us, Catholics, to read the Scripture to have a deeper relationship with God. I guess he also wanted to make sure he knows what he will teach our little one as we would like to raise her a good Catholic. 

He had some questions regarding what he was reading which it is quite impossible to find answers outside our home since we are living in a non-Christian country. My teachers would be really disappointed for I was only able to answer SOME..not all. I should know more of these since I went to Catholic school for 10 years.

I guess, it's time to revisit the Bible again.

The Bible is a collection "divinely inspired" texts considered sacred by Christians. It is divided in 2 sections -- The Old, which has 39 books and New testament, which has 27 books.

The first 5 books of the old testament is called Pentateuch, forms the theological foundations of the bible. The next 12 books are accounts of Israel's history where there are stories of great leader, prophets, heroes and villains. The next 5 books, the poetry and wisdom books of the bible, are my favorite. These are collection of stories were we can somehow relate with our struggles in our faith.The rest of the old Testament books are the major and minor prophets.

The new Testament is all about the life of Jesus Christ. The Gospels, the first 4 books of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) gives different perspectives about Christ's life and works. The Epistles of Paul, the next 13 books of the new Testament, are letters for the believers of Christianity. While the Letters of Paul addresses specific situations, the next 8 books are general epistles/ letters which gives us basic principles of living as Christians. And the last book, Revelation, is one book I am personally hesitant to read. I tend to over think symbolisms and give me unnecessary worries.

With the general view out of the way, we can now just (enjoy) read the many stories of love, hope and faith of the Holy Bible.

And as Ms. Perry, associate director for Utilization of the New American Bible, said, "reading is not enough." One must not simply read but meditate and put into actions the lessons from the greatest book of all time.

*All texts are from my point of view, as a Catholic, from reading other sources. See links below:

Understanding the Bible

Books of the Bible

General Epistles

Love is Fun: Keeping Love in Lent

“I’m participating in the Keeping LOVE in LENT Blog Link-Up 2013, hosted by

Raising (& Teaching) Little Saints, Truly Rich Mom and Arma Dei: Equipping Catholic Families. We’ll be sharing different ways, tips, stories and real-life experiences that will help us focus on Lenten sacrifices, prayer and good deeds, and how to carry them out with LOVE instead of a GRUMBLE. Please scroll down to the end of the post to see the list of link-up entries.”

Time really flies fast when you're having fun -- and juggling keeping the house clean while taking care of a toddler. I didn't realize it's almost Ash Wednesday already 'til I got an invite from the hosts of this Keeping LOVE in LENT Blog Link-Up 2013. This means Lent is just around the corner. Lent is the preparation of the faithful through prayer, penance, alms giving, and fasting for Christ's Resurrection. Observing Lent in the 21st century might be unnecessary and a burden to others. Only those who truly love Christ and their faith/ religion will surely be "enthusiastic" during this season. 

I normally do 3 things during this season:

Prayer. More time for prayer and doing Stations of the Cross. Since I am away from home during Lenten season, I do Stations of The Cross/ Visita Iglesia online. Looks like it will be like that this year too. 

Fasting or reducing the amount of food eaten on normal days. Though in modern times this can be anything from internet time, smoking, or doing things you would normally like. I'll probably lessen drinking coffee (my body runs on caffeine) as my sacrifice this Lent. I'll probably suggest to hubby not to smoke too. The Lenten /Fasting season might be a better motivation for him to stop smoking and for me to stop drinking TOO MUCH COFFEE. This is good for our bodies (and our faith).

Abstinence or abstaining eating meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent.

So here's my share on how to survive the "no meat season". You can make extra servings of these and share to your neighbors.

My version of Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera (based on the recipe I found at the back of the box of All-Purpose cream)
Saute garlic and onions in oil then add 1 cup chicken broth (or shrimp broth since its Lent).  Bring to boil. Add thinly sliced vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, bell pepper. Simmer. Then add 1 cup evaporated milk and All-Purpose Cream. Cook until sauce thickens. Pour over cooked pasta. Top with parsley and/or basil before serving. (Maybe you can top with grated cheese when lent is over.)

My Version of Deep Fried Donuts (Sticks)

Deep Fried Donuts (from my Indonesian friend)

Just mix and make a dough from 3 cups flour, 1/2 cup oil, 1 tsp salt, 5 tbsp sugar, 6 tbsp milk powder, 2 tsp yeast (dissolved in 1/2 cup warm water), 2 medium size potato (pre-boiled and mashed). Shape the dough into rings, balls or stick (like in the picture) and deep fry them for approximately 6 minutes or until they are golden brown. You may sprinkle with sugar or choco powder before serving.

my version of the potato gratin

Potato Gratin (from Martha Stewart)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Layer 3lbs thinly sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish. Then combine 2 1/2 cups cream, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and pinch of nutmeg in a saucepan; bring to a simmer. Pour cream mixture into dish to just cover potatoes; cover dish with foil. Bake for 40 mins or until potatoes are tender when pierced. Remove foil and continue to bake for another 30mins or until top of gratin is golden.

It's really not as difficult to observe Lent as it seems when you hear the words Sacrifice, Fasting and Abstinence. When you do these for the ones you love (and for this particular season, love for Christ), it's just like having fun and spending a "special time" with Him.

Have a blessed and LOVEly Lenten Season!

Check out the Lent reflections participating in the Keep LOVE in LENT Blog Link-Up 2013! We'll be sharing different ways, tips, stories and real-life experiences that will help us focus on Lenten sacrifices, prayer and good deeds, and how to carry them out with LOVE instead of a GRUMBLE.

Discover new Catholic Blogs to follow!

Equipping CatholicFamilies: Keep LOVE in LENT

Call Her Happy:40 Simple Lenten Activities for Kids

Lenten Love: Little Acts of Love

Building Rocks

Grow the Roses: Keep Love in Lent

Family At The Foot Of The Cross: Loving Service

Catholic Homeschooling Joy: A Lenten Activity

JOY:Keep the Love in Lent

Twenty Tuesday Afternoons: Tuesday # 11: Pancake Tuesday / Keeping Love in Lent

Campfires and Cleats: Why a Failing Lent Really Isn't

Harrington Harmonies: Make a Lenten Holy Hour

A Mommy of Three:Good Deeds for Lent

Loving the Semi Country Life: Lent:special time to reflect and keep the love in lent

Written By the Finger of God: A 7 Step Lenten Plan

Mommy Bares All: Giving Up and Making Space for Love this Lent

The Irish Lassie Shop: Seek God Everywhere

Hand-Maid with Love: Living Lent, Loving Lent

Words On Heaven: IN THE DESERT FOR 40 DAYS

On The Way Home: Keeping LOVE in Lent

Homeschooling with Joy: Keep Love in Lent

Mountain Grace: Keep Love in Lent

Eyes On Heaven: I am Choosing to Live

Joy Alive in Our Hearts:"God's Love at Work"

Life of Fortunate Chances: Love is Fun: Keeping Love in Lent

Fifth of Five: Keep the LOVE in Lent

I Blog Jesus: for Praying our Loud!

Overflow: Loving Lent with Little Ones

This Cross I Embrace: Keep LOVE In Lent

Sole Searching Mamma: 15 Ways to Experience a More Meaningful Lent

Catholic All Year: My Biggest Lent Fails and How I Learned Mortification...

Four Little Ones: Keeping Love in Lent

Gaels Crafty Treasures Keeping Love in Lent

Bear Wrongs Patiently: Lent for the Scrupulous

Rosary Mom: Keeping Love in Lent

LoveLetters 7.10: Teacups {Keeping the Love in Lent}

Little Saints in the Making: Keep Love in Lent

Blessed with Full Hands: Keeping love in Lent- Praise Him

Normal Chaos: Our Own Personalized Lenten Journey

These Little Blessings: Gifting Love this Lent

The Cajun Catholic: The our Father; a lenten reflection

Truly Rich Mom: Keeping Love in Lent... Even When It Is Difficult

GATHERING GRACES:Keeping LOVE in LENT

SaIsa Pang Sulyap - Fullness Of His Love

LiturgicalTime: Keeping Love in Lent - Finding Balance

Grace Loves Iggy: love in lent

Sacred Oysters: Empty (Keeping LOVE in LENT)

Tercets:Make Heart Rosary Decades to Pray for Others

The Diary of a Sower: Our Lenten Prayer Tree

A Living Garden -- Giving for Others with Love: Keeping LOVE in LENT

Homegrown Catholics: Motivated by my childrens' activities {Lent}

MyBroken Fiat: Keeping Love in Lent... Barely

Journey to Wisdom: Keeping Love in Lent: Bands of Love

Softening My Heart: An Anniversary Lesson duringLent

Our First Ever Christmas: Keeping Christ in Christmas

"I’m participating in the Keeping Christ in Christmas Blog Carnival, hosted by Raising (& Teaching) Little Saints, Truly Rich Mom and Arma Dei: Equipping Catholic Families. We'll be sharing different ways, tips, stories and real-life experiences that will help us focus on Jesus as the Reason for the Christmas season. Please scroll down to the end of the post to see the list of carnival entries.”

Last year, it was only me and my baby celebrating her first Christmas as hubby was an OFW. Waking very early and bringing my then 3 month old baby to the 9 days Misa de Gallo/ Simbang Gabi was a challenge. That was a sacrifice I had to make to keep Christ in our Christmas alive. I don't want me and my baby to get caught up with the consumerism the holiday season (unintentionally, i hope) brings and forget what Christmas is really about. It is tempting to drown ourselves with material things and short-lived happiness with our current set-up. I get guilty sometimes that my then newborn has to spend the most wonderful time of the year without her dad and buy her a lot of stuff to compensate. But I have to be wiser (in spending) and be stronger in faith... For this season is not about me or my baby. It is about the birth of baby Jesus and visiting Him is the best gift we could give Him.

This year will be the first Christmas we will spend together as a family-- me, hubby and baby. And I want it to be a special one since it will be the start of our family being together every holiday season. My mind is busy combining my family's and my husband's family's holiday tradition to make our own version of Christmas tradition --and of course, to still not stray away from the true meaning of Christmas. There is so many planning going through my head --From what we will serve during Christmas dinner, when to give gifts, when to go to mass, what we do on the eve of and on Christmas day, etc. However, we are now in a country without Christmas. Boo. We still intend to celebrate this season but with full respect for the rules and beliefs of the country we are in. No decors, parties and gift giving like the ones we do back home (Philippines). We will celebrate Christ's birth in a simple and meaningful way we can -- and start our Family Christmas Tradition.

I will try to find Simbang Gabi online and watch them together with my family... Like what we will probably do if we were back home. Since we can't visit Jesus in His home, we will just bring Him in our home. There are a lot of sites streaming TV programs online. I just hope they'll include Dawn Masses. Anyway, there's this site we always visit for our daily mass.

We will include birthday cake in our Christmas Dinner menu to celebrate Jesus' birthday. I got the idea from my aunt-in-law. No birthday is ever complete without the cake. Hihi. Pansit or spaghetti will most probably be on the table too as it is a Filipino/Chinese tradition to have such during birthdays to have  long life. Christmas dinner will be Jesus' birthday party. I'll probably let my toddler make a wish as she blows the candle on the cake.

We will do a 'good deed of the year' before the 25th. It will be like the grand(est) sacrifice or deed in return for the life Jesus gave for us. This I think will be our ultimate Family Christmas tradition that we will do for the years to come. I'm thinking sending donations to the 'victors' of typhoon pablo. Or maybe send gifts for the Filipinos in prison here.

We will not forego of the Christmas carols (volume minimized of course) and gift giving with our small family and some friends.

We have put up our simple and very discreet Christmas tree and some handmade decors inside our home just to have that holiday vibe amidst this Christmas-celebration-is-unpopular-part-of-the-world. No religious items though as they are forbidden here (and we totally respect that. We don't really need relics and icons when we practice our faith anyway.)

We are watching "Baby Jesus is Born"  every night with our little one. It's another kiddie way of introducing and keeping Christ in Christmas.



Keeping Christ in our Christmas is a challenge with all the worldly things and the twisted morals (in my opinion) around us and the geographic location we are in. I just do hope that in our simple ways, my family will not forget about Christ in Christmas or in any season, no matter where we are in the world.

Let me end this post with a wonderful Yuletide carols:


Have a Happy CHRISTmas!

You might want to read:

Homeschool Mosaics: Keeping Christ in Christmas
Joy: Keeping Christ in Christmas: Advent Interruptions
The Breadbox Letters: Interrupted by Glory
TwentyTuesdayAfternoons: Keeping Christ in Christmas/ The Season of Giving / A Wee Bit of Beach Holiday Angst
The Learning Basket: Staying With the Nativity Story
Tercets: Keeping Christ in Christmas
Rosary Mom: Keeping Christ in Christmas
Ate Maui: Hoping and Bringing Hope
Written By the Finger of God: 12 Traditions for Keeping Christ in Christmas
Dominique's Desk: Keeping Christ in Christmas
Felix at Fifty: What Jesus Wants for Christmas
Mommy Bares All: Birthday Cake for the Birthday Boy on Christmas Day
Between Now and Later: Keeping Christ in Christmas, I am trying...
Lique's Antics: Family Antics: Christmas Reflection
Life of Fortunate Chances: Our First Ever Christmas: Keeping Christ in Christmas
The Mommy Journey: Keeping Christ in Christmas
Roller Coaster Ride: How to Remind Your Kids of Jesus Christ This Christmas
Cymplified: Christ -Centered Christmas: Cymplified!
Mountain Grace: Keeping Christ in Christmas
Touring Kitty: Grown-up Christmas List
Mommy Chinkysoup for the Soul: A Very Special Christmas
City Girl, Country Home: Finding Jesus in a Flurry
Coffee Moments with Sam: Christmas Unwrapped: 5 Presents Our Kids Truly Deserve
Raising Lifelong Learners: Keeping Christ in Christmas
The Diary of a Sower: Keeping Christ in Christmas: Celebrating the Golden Days
Arma Dei: Equipping Catholic Families: Keeping Christ in Christmas
Raising (and Teaching) Little Saints: Keeping Christ in Christmas
Truly Rich Mom: The Greatest Gift of All This Christmas
Joy-Filled Family: CHRIST in Christmas
Blueberry 010: Keeping Christ in Christmas: Jesus is the Reason for the Season
Deeper Truth Blog: Keeping Christ in Christmas Carnival
Holy Ducklings: 10 Ways to Make Advent Special for Your Little Ducklings
Green Eggs and Moms: Keeping Christ in Christmas: Green Eggs & Moms Style!