On the Bookshelf: The Big Book of Bugs

Here in Minnesota, we are smack dab in the middle of winter. Although many parts of winter are draining (like zipping up winter jackets over and over, squishing little feet into boots, spending 25 minutes looking for a lost mitten, and days of grey skies), I do love that winter affords me the excuse to stay home a little more and get cozy. One winter rhythm we have is daily snuggle and reading time on the couch. We often find ourselves there after afternoon naps and snacks -- or maybe after I've called in the troops when the noise level enters into crazy-loud territory ;) We gather under the warm blankets and the boys grab some of their favorite books.

Recently, the book my oldest has been reaching for over and over to read is The Big Book of Bugs by Yuval Zommer* Although it's a hefty book, it's one that I certainly don't mind reading. The illustrations are beautiful and the bug facts included are interesting, but sometimes a little more than I want to know about dust mites and centipedes--ha! My four-year-old always gets a kick out of the dung beetle rolling poo ;)

I also love to use this book as a conversation starter for talking about the intricate and amazing ways that God put together nature. I find myself often saying "Wow! God made that bug super cool!" Even though we've looked through and read this book over and over, something surprises me or reminds me of God's character every time we flip it open.

I look forward to referencing it this spring when more of the creepy crawlies come out, and the boys can go bug hunting, dirt digging, and nature exploring. In the meantime, we'll keep enjoying our bug book during reading time and maybe pulling out some butterfly and caterpillar craft mats to remind us that spring is coming. Maybe you need a little spring in your days too? If you do, download these prints for a some afternoon fun. Decorate them with craft supplies, use them as a play dough mat, add fabric for texture, etc--just have fun :) 

Have a good one, friends!

-- Nicole 

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Easter Freebies

Maybe you are like me and always have visions of doing fancy Easter activities, but then end up buying a bag of plastic Easter eggs and calling it done. Both kids think plastic eggs are the best--I guess there is something fun about opening them, filling them with random items, and then losing them all over the house for me to find six months after Easter ;)

We may try dyeing eggs this year, but if that fails, we can stick with coloring ;)

I thought it would fun to create some coloring pages (as well as an 8x10 and verse cards) for you  to do as an easy and mess-free activity to do as Easter nears. Plus, it's a simple way to bring up a conversation about the meaning of Easter with your kids.

What traditions do you have to celebrate Easter? 

What I Want you to Know

When my son was three, I asked him where Jesus was born. His response, "the hospital?" It was the logical response, but it seemed like a good time to refresh his memory about the Christmas story.

So I snuggled him close and read the first part of the Christmas story in the Jesus Storybook Bible. Afterward I asked him the same question. His response this time, "That place? Starbucks?" At least he understood that a star was involved, right? 

Then we went to the page about God creating space, and I asked him, "Luke, who created the stars and outer space?" And you know what he says? "Darth Vader"

Part of me giggled at his sweet little three-year-old self and part of me panicked. My thoughts went something like this:

Has nothing I taught him sunk in? He should really know how to sing "Jesus Loves Me" and "This Little Light of Mine." Should I start doing more scripture memory? Shouldn't he be able to recite at least one verse? But would if he knows all the verses but not Jesus? What if he knows the rules but not the rescuer? 

Maybe you've had similar thoughts? It's easy to get caught up in the overwhelming "how to" roundabout of how to teach children about the Bible. I've merged onto the circle plenty of times and quickly feel stuck. When I do, here's my exit strategy that helps guide me:

Know Jesus

Love Jesus

Reflect Jesus

Talk about Jesus + the Gospel

Trust Jesus with their hearts

I have to remember that it's not my job (and I can't do it even if I tried) to make my kids into Christ-followers. Only God can change their hearts. But, I can show and tell them how the gospel changes me. I can talk to them about how Jesus loves them. I can teach them the truths of the Bible in our everyday life. I can read from the Bible to my children and show them that I believe it.

Certainly, God doesn't expect me to do it perfectly. He knows I'll teach my kids about being patient with one another and then have a "moment" five minutes later when I reflect everything but patience and grace. But God is a good good Father--one who leads me gently and guides me (Isaiah 40:11). He doesn't say, "Well, Nicole, you missed the mark. Your kids will never trust me." He can use my efforts sourced from pride, and He can use my lowest and most feeble efforts. He can use everything and anything to draw my children towards Himself. Remembering that lifts a tremendous amount of pressure from my mom-shoulders. Whew!

So, this is what I want you to know: every single resource, idea, or product I share with you is never meant to be another thing that you should do, get, or buy. The last thing I want to do is overwhelm you, launch you onto that roundabout, or make you question if you're doing enough. 

Rather, my hope and prayer is that they are simply a creative tool that your family can use if it fits and works for you. They are meant to be life-giving, playful, fun, and interactive. I truly LOVE creating and sharing them with you. 

I can't wait to share some new resources and favorite finds with you! Stay tuned!

-- Nicole