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St. Patrick’s Day – Free Coloring Sheet

Candace — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:08:59 +0000

St. Patrick’s Day will soon be here! Take the opportunity to learn about the color green on this day. Wear green clothes, read “Green Eggs and Ham”, go on a green hunt… the possibilities are FUN!

I just received this link – offering you a free shamrock coloring sheet here – http://galesgifts.windhavenweb.com/printouts.html . It’s not your typical coloring sheet, and after visiting through Gale’s website, I realized why…

Click through her pages, and see how when you color certain sections of her coloring sheets in patterns, they create a very unique creation that is really pretty neat!

Gale was also kind enough to share a little background to the shamrock:

Saint Patrick is said to have used the three leaves of a shamrock to explain the three parts of the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Just as the three separate leaves of the shamrock are part of one leaf, the three persons of the trinity are separate yet one.

While the shamrock has long been considered a symbol of luck, to those who believe in providence it can be a reminder of the One who guides what seems like chance.

— Isn’t that neat? I never realized there was a Christian take on St. Patrick’s Day! There’s a way to teach about the Lord all throughout His creation, even with this little leaf that we so often overlook.

Gale also has scribble print desktop backgrounds that she is selling to help with the Haiti victims. These have the same maze effect, and can be found here.

Mrs. Candace

Letters To God – Movie Review

Candace — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 03:42:40 +0000

Last Sunday night, my husband and I were able to attend a special showing of the movie, “Letters To God”, coming to theaters April 9, 2010. We don’t often get a date night, and since was free, the invitation was too good to pass up!

Let me just say, if you enjoyed “Fireproof”, then you will enjoy “Letters To God”. If you cried during “Fireproof”, then you will bawl during “Letters To God”.

Without giving away too much of the movie which is based on a true story, you’ll meet a young boy, Tyler, that has an aggressive form of cancer. Tyler is special in that he doesn’t dwell on the negative in his life, but instead is a boy full of happiness and love for others. He begins writing letters to God (his way of praying), which find their way into the hands of a mailman that has no idea what to do with them.

As you watch the film, you begin to the see a bigger picture – you begin to see how God is using Tyler and circumstances in the lives of those close to him to bring them closer to Him. Tyler loves those around him dearly, and with his dear friend, Sam, they set out on a mission for the Lord.

It was a blessing to see how clearly the plan of salvation is presented, how clear Tyler’s faith is, and how God used this little boy in the lives of others. I’m getting chill bumps just thinking about the movie as I type.

Possibility Pictures hosted the special showing, and they shared with us their mission. Just as “Fireproof” was a movie to minister to marriages, this movie is to support cancer and cancer awareness. They want to open doors for churches to reach out and offer support to cancer patients. They intend to create more movies that bring awareness to and ministry opportunities to others.

To be completely honest, I feel I must add that there was 1 mention of the Lord’s name at the beginning that disappointed me. It’s in the opening scene, so you could just walk in 1 minute late.

From that moment on though, you become drawn to this dear little boy. And don’t forget to bring plenty of tissues and you’re heart is touched deeply!

So churches, let’s be sure to mark your calendars to see this one! Show the movie industry that clean, Godly movies CAN succeed! And thank you so much, Big Finish and Possibility Pictures for opening the doors for us to watch this amazing film!

Oh, and P.S. – we gave the children an overview of the movie when we got home. Our oldest wanted to know if he could write a letter to God, too. I had forgotten about it, but he saw the papers and posters today and asked once more if he could write a letter to God.

I walked by his room later to find him standing on the top bunk, glue on his hands, trying to glue his note to the ceiling. It was the highest place, and he wanted God to be able to see it. You’d better believe I’m keeping this note!

But what an amazing thing, if you think about it. This movie will open doors for children to realize how God is ‘right there’ and how they can communicate with the God of the universe. As we left, we were encouraged to write our own letters to God. So I encourage you to watch the film, and see how YOU will begin to see how writing a simple note to the Lord can be such an amazing thing. “Dear God,….”

Mrs. Candace

Just for Mom & A Craft for Children

Candace — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:03:45 +0000

I have 2 links to share with you today – one link is something ‘just for mom’ (that will only be available for a short time, so act quick!) and the other one is a really cute craft for little ones.

Debra from NotebookingPages.com has graciously offered this freebie, Mom’s Home Journal – Spring Pages Sampler, which can be found at http://www.notebookingpages.com:80/index.php?page=nn-ssf-022010 . You’ll enjoy getting organized with this booklet, just by looking at the cute cover.

The craft idea was sent to me by Diane Hurst, from Gentle Shepherd – www.gentleshepherdweavings.blogspot.com . You’ll find a creative use for those empty toilet paper rolls, and you’re little ones will be thrilled as their TP people grow hair.

Thanks Debra and Diane for passing along these links!

Mrs. Candace

Candace @ Sonbeams.com

Something Good is About to Happen

Candace — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:21:13 +0000

I know you’ve probably noticed that I haven’t been around on here or FB as much lately, there’s good reason. Besides a whole bunch of cooties (LOL), I’ve been working on something you’ll hopefully see very soon!

Yes, there are a million and one problems with this website – and yes, they will be fixed soon. I’m so excited, and have been staying up many a night working on the new site. Please bear with me, it’ll be worth it.

Mrs. Candace

Candace @ Sonbeams.com

Sonbeams – Homeschool Preschool (on Facebook)

She Has Childlike Faith

Candace — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:21:20 +0000

How precious it is to see 100% faith in our children! I have to share this story with you…

A little background info – our daughter is 4 and our son is 5 1/2.

We were sitting around the table this afternoon having a snack when, out of the blue, my daughter stated, “I wish Aunt Debbie would have a baby”. Now, Aunt Debbie is her great aunt (I won’t reveal ages – LOL), but she’s not going to be having any babies.

Our son quickly replied, very matter-of-factly, “She’s too old”. Without missing a beat, DD replied back, “No she’s not, don’t you remember Sarah had a baby when she was old”. (Sarah as in the OT, Abraham’s wife)

I’ll leave out the part when DS replied back how old he thought his aunt is, but it still wasn’t as old as Sarah….

THIS is what Jesus was referring to when He spoke of us having childlike faith, a faith that knows that NOTHING is impossible with God!

Shaking Away the Winter Blues

Candace — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 03:25:09 +0000

This past weekend was VERY much needed around here! We enjoyed temps in the high 50’s and low 60’s vs. highs in the 30’s and 40’s. I hadn’t realized how stressful the past few months have been until we spent a good part of the weekend outdoors together.

You can probably relate, if you have small children. Between living in our living room for nearly 3 weeks trying to keep the power bill down, fighting off viruses, dealing w/ other health issues that PRAISE THE LORD haven’t bothered me but 1 day in the past month – well, it’s been a hard time for me. So much so that I gave up at times, simply surviving one day at a time.

Having the spring like temps flirting with us, we headed outdoors (with a roll of tissue paper – LOL). THIS was what we moved for – having room to run, preparing boxes for a raised garden, working together on something that actually matters (our food!) – it was just what I needed after months of being indoors.

While watching the children run and play, the Lord renewed my mind and gave me new strength to get back on track. As He showed me recently, and then my dad confirmed last week – how can my children live out discipline if they don’t see it in me? Yes, I have known that for ages, but then – with all that’s gone on the past year, I had my plate too full and have just been making it.

So. JUMP UP – Yes, we’re getting this show on the road – and it’s gonna be fun!

1) Last week we started slow. My dear husband felt so sorry for us being stuck in the living room, so he bought a mobile heater so we could venture out a little. This just might’ve been the best $40 ever spent.

Since we didn’t sleep w/ the logs on anyway, it hit me that we didn’t really have to sleep in the LR anymore! So last Friday, the children helped me move everyone’s mattresses back to the bedrooms (we surprised DH). We then put the living room back in order, as well as the boys’ room AND school room. Just being given a little room to move worked wonders for my attitude.

I could see light at the end of the tunnel. Over the next few posts, I’d like to share where some of this new energy the Lord has given me is being directed – household, gardening, and more.

Until next time,

Mrs. Candace

Email: Candace @ Sonbeams.com

Facebook: Sonbeams – Homeschool Preschool

The Fussy Toddler: Turn that frown upside down!

Candace — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:51:58 +0000

Screaming, yelling, crying for no known reason – this being your toddler. Embarrassed, frustrated, angry even – this would be you. Have you ever been here? I have, and can say without a doubt that it’s NO fun for you or your child.

My 3rd child is the one that showed us this side of toddler life, and at times it’s been that way since Day 1. I’ve even gone so far as to say that now I understand why so many parents stop having children after their 3rd one, in a joking/ yet somewhat serious manner.

But I’d like to encourage you should you have a child like this, because things CAN get better. I had to begin with myself before I saw any change in our son. Let me share some questions I asked myself for starters:

1) Do I act this way at times? If so, why – what is really upsetting me? Most of the time there are only a few reasons. I’m tired, I’m misunderstood, or I’m not feeling well.

2) Based on my answers above, could my child be tired, misunderstood, or not feeling well?

3) More times than not, I truly believe the issue with us falls into the misunderstood category. We expect #3 to just go with the flow all the time, when sometimes he needs something different than his older brother and sister.

I forget that HE needs the same attention that the older two needed and got when they were his age. Many times, he just needs a little cuddle time with Mommy. His eyes light up should I mention reading a book with him. “Okay Mommy!”, said with the most enthusiasm is what I hear should I ask him if he wants to help me clean or cook.

I’ve started to see a pattern that should I distract him from fussing and instead take the time to show some extra affection and/or attention - his frown turns upside down!

I’ll not say it’s always easy to do this, because at least as a mommy of 4 little ones, it’s not for me. It takes a lot of effort at times, especially when he chooses to get upset at times that aren’t convenient for me. That’s when it helps to be proactive at times – giving that extra loving BEFORE the meltdowns.

We’re still nowhere close to being perfect parents, but this IS something that I’ve found to be consistently true for us. Think about it from our relationship with God.

We’re needy. We complain. We fuss. What are we really looking for? Are we looking for God to yell at us? To tell us to get our act together and be a big girl/ boy? Are we wanting him to sigh and turn away/ ignore us?

Are we looking for His comfort? His peace? The simplicity of knowing the HE is there holding us?

When I look at things in this manner, how can I as a parent try to be anything other than our loving Heavenly Father is to me?

Mrs. Candace

Candace @ Sonbeams.com

Facebook: Sonbeams – Homeschool Preschool

We’re Roughin’ It

Candace — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:31:55 +0000

Thanks to a power bill over $400, I had NO reservations about marching straight to our thermostat and turning our central heat OFF last weekend! We were shocked to pay over $300 last month, and so we turned our heat down to 63 – and I thought that was drastic. So yes, I was completely caught off guard when Alabama Power hit us this month. We’re nearly tripled what we’re used to.

Being the fun, exciting little wife that I am (ha ha), I laid out my plan to my husband…. “Let’s turn off the heat, move all of our beds into the living room, close off the doorways with blankets/ tarps (held with tacks), and we’ll just live in there until it warms up.” Good idea, huh? :)

I was all excited about it, and DH didn’t say a word… I could see the wheels starting to turn in his head not too much later. I really didn’t think he’d go for it, but before long, he started closing vents in the back of the house and closing the doors off – then I knew we were about to go back in time!

I can remember going to my great grandmother’s house as a child. It was FRIGID as you walked in the front door. But as soon as you opened the door into her den, it was nice and toasty. Before long you would forget how cold it was, until you had to go to the bathroom – LOL.

Another thought was to Little House on the Prairie – we would be in a one room house in a way, close quarters just like they were. We’d be spending our evenings together, in a much closer sense.

Our children were excited, to say the least, as we began bringing their mattresses into the room – lining them up side by side. (And what child wouldn’t come up with the bright idea of jumping across said mattresses??) I kinda hated to have to scold them, since I could see myself doing the same thing as a child.

Well, it’s been an interesting 8 days so far. Yes, 8 DAYS! We’ve used only 5% of our gas tank, using the logs only as needed. The good news is we’ve only used about $55 of power in 12 days too – 4 of which the heat was on. Whew, this month is going to be much easier to deal with.

Part of this reminds me of trips when I was a child – when my whole extended family would stay in a chalet at a state park over the weekend. Sleeping bags all lined up, fire blazing, time to spend with one another. This is the part of our week that has been nice, this is what I will miss should the weather ever decide to warm up above high 40’s and low 20’s! (Not this next week…)

We’ve pulled out one or two big toys to play with each day. We’ve had meals in here, played music, jumped around, snuggled up… All in all, it has been like going back in time, and it’s been kinda nice. We don’t need a lot of the stuff we ‘think’ we need. We can enjoy one another, though the length of the closeness sometimes has us ‘not’ enjoying one another, ha ha (I must be honest).

It’s been fun, it’s been hard – but roughin’ it to save a little cash has definitely been worth it, and the memories we’ll have for a long time. But I wouldn’t recommend asking me about these ‘fond’ memories as we start our 2nd full week in here… ever heard of cabin fever? Wait until spring.

It’s about time to put the fire out – ’til next time,

Mrs. Candace

Candace @ Sonbeams.com

Facebook: Sonbeams – Homeschool Preschool

Valentine’s Day and February’s Freebie

Candace — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 04:56:23 +0000

Love is in the air – and don’t forget it started with God’s love!

For us, our children know this is a day where we tell those dear to us how much we love them. We also show them love – by making them Valentines! It’s not just about husband/ wife at our house – we make it a family event. Although, it IS good to show your children how special your spouse is to you. This provides them with a Godly example of a marriage.

My parents already got a jumpstart with our kiddos on making Valentines this week. I love how excited our oldest son is about telling people he loves them – he can hardly wait. If possible, let your child(ren) make these in private, so they will be a surprise for others.

Do you have any special ways of showing love to your children/ spouse? I’d like to share a few ideas with you, and would love to hear from you if you have some to share with us!

1) You can make heart shaped pancakes. You can also use a heart shaped cookie cutter to make hearts/ heart outlines in toast. Add strawberries for that splash of red (for love). You can place these on the plate, or chop up finely and mix with some maple syrup.

2) Create Valentine’s with your children to share with one another. You can also have them their own special Valentine by their breakfast plate! *Hint – the more glitter the better.

3) Bake cookies together and add red sprinkles. You can also use heart shaped cutters for this.

4) If you are like us and unable to have a special date night – make dinner at home just as fancy! Pull out the tablecloth, light some candles, dress up, and maybe grill some steaks. You and your child can make special heart shaped placecards for everyone, too.

5) For daughters – why not have Daddy bring them home a single rose. For sons – Mommy could give them a chocolate.

But before you think this is a secular holiday all around – let’s share how to share the Lord! God showed us the greatest gift of love through Jesus Christ. Jesus came to this earth and loved EVERYONE – not just the ones that loved him, or gave him gifts/ cards/ candy/ flowers.

He loved the ones that nailed Him to the cross, He loved the ones that betrayed Him, and He even loved those that beat Him and mocked Him. How amazing is our Father’s love for us! Be sure to share this with your child – how we can only know love because of the love of God.

Now to the freebies!!

This is simple – to receive special freebies now and then, simply sign up for our newsletter on the sidebar. Your name is not given to others, it is strictly for Sonbeams and you can be removed by simply asking.

This month, newsletter readers are receiving “The Counting Hearts Game”. This simple heart game teaches/ reviews counting for children ages 2 to 4, and offers suggestions of how to use it for each age.

Subscribers will also receive the G song from our ABC Bible Memory Verse Songs CD, “God Is Love”, 1 John 4:16. As the words to this song teach us, God created everything in this world because He loves us – and now we praise Him because He is love.

Mrs. Candace

Email – Candace @ Sonbeams.com

Facebook: Sonbeams – Homeschool Preschool

sonbeams.com

St. Patrick’s Day – Free Coloring Sheet

More Freebies and Prizes Links

Letters To God – Movie Review

Just for Mom & A Craft for Children

Something Good is About to Happen

She Has Childlike Faith

Shaking Away the Winter Blues

The Fussy Toddler: Turn that frown upside down!

We’re Roughin’ It

Valentine’s Day and February’s Freebie