Joyful News for Today

"DON'T BE AFRAID!" HE SAID.

"I'LL BRING YOU THE MOST JOYFUL NEWS 
EVER ANNOUNCED, AND IT IS FOR EVERYONE! 

THE SAVIOR - YES, THE MESSIAH, THE LORD - 

HAS BEEN BORN TONIGHT IN BETHLEHEM!"

Luke 2:10, 11 TLB


May you find time to reflect and rejoice in the birth of our Savior. 
May you spend time thinking about what that means to you
 as you close out 2017 and begin 2018.

Merry Christmas to you!
May 2018 be a year full of blessings!

Children's Book Reviews: Weird But True! Christmas By National Geographic Kids

WEIRD BUT TRUE! CHRISTMAS
300 Festive FActs to Light Up the Holidays

Publisher: National Geographic Kids

Published: September 12, 2017

Non-Fiction

Click HERE and purchase this book for your child's stocking! It's the perfect size for stockings and will keep your child reading during your holiday break which your child's teacher will love! These WEIRD BUT TRUE books are the most popular books in the classrooms I am teaching in. They are always the first ones snagged from my book bag and the kids are sad to turn them back in at the end of the day.

In true "Weird but True" fashion, funny facts, antidotes, and witty tales are shared, complete with pictures and bright colors to keep kids turning the pages. Kids will love sharing these facts with family members. In fact, tidbits from this book would make for a great discussion at the holiday dinner table.

Some the fun facts that I found interesting included people in Mexico carve nativity scenes out of radishes. We can thank Thomas Edison for coming up with the idea of a strand of Christmas lights. Not quite as surprising since I am part of this group, 62% of us "re-gift" items to friends and family each year.  Also, clearly San Diego residents don't have to worry about snow and ice preventing them from taking down their Christmas lights. Did you know there is an Eggnog, Utah or a Jolly, Texas? What other towns can you find that have names related to Christmas?

As you can see, this little book is packed full of fun for kids and adults. Any kid will be thrilled to unwrap this gift!

Check out this fun video:

To purchase Weird But True! Christmas, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.



Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase the book through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Children's Book Review: Ronaldo The Reindeer Flying Academy By Maxine Sylvester

RONALDO
The Reindeer Flying Academy

By: Maxine Sylvester

Published: December 16, 2015

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services

Fiction/Juvenile Fiction

Get your kids in the Christmas spirit by reading this fresh take on the reindeer getting ready for the season at the North Pole. Ronaldo just wants to join the flying reindeer and has been training for months, getting stronger and eating Carrot Flakes every morning. His hero, Vixen, is one of the best flying reindeer and he wants to be just like him. During the difficult endurance challenge, Ronaldo stays focused on his goal of being one of Santa's elite reindeer and flying with Vixen. His body is so cold, his fur is stiff, and he can't feel his tail. But he remembers his grandad's advice, "Don't just think it. IMAGINE!" So, he keeps flying and you'll have to read to find out what happens to Ronaldo that leads to him meeting his idol Vixen.

Youngsters will love all the witty remarks and fun that Ronaldo has with his best friend Rudi and how he conquers the bully, Dancer. I am sure there will be laughs when the kids read about Ronaldo taking a warm bath with fizzing bath bombs. This story offers kids a different perspective on the story of the North Pole that is cute and full of action. The chapters are short and kids will enjoy the illustrations throughout the chapters.

This is the first in the series of three books about the Reindeer Flying Academy so kids can enjoy more of Ronaldo and his escapades. These books would be great for parents to read to younger elementary-aged kids or older, early chapter book readers can read it on their own. Ronaldo may inspire your child to work hard and follow their dreams....whatever they may be.

Maxine Sylvester - source

Maxine Sylvester was born in London, England. She grew up with a passion for Winnie the Pooh and Paddington Bear. She also loved anything Disney and enjoyed drawing the characters.
Maxine's love of 'fun' art grew and she had the privilege of being mentored by cartoonist and caricaturist, Steve Chadburn. She completed further studies in children's book illustration with talented artist and illustrator, Jan Nesbitt. To see all of Sylvester's books, click HERE. Visit her website, HERE. 

To purchase a copy of RONALDO THE REINDEER FLYING ACADEMY, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.



Thanks to the author for sending an eBook for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase the book through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

On this day....

And suddenly 

there was with the angel 

a multitude of the heavenly host 

praising God, and saying, 

Glory to God in the highest, 

and on earth peace, 

good will toward men.

Luke 2:13-14 KJV

May you be able to enjoy time with those whom you love today. 

May there be joy and laughter during your celebrations. 

Most importantly, 

may you remember the Christ child

who came to earth on this day

and the miracle of his saving grace for each one of us. 

Merry Christmas to each one of you. 

May 2017 be a year that you can share good will with everyone you meet.

Stacie🎄

#BringHappyHome with Jessie Steele and a Recipe

I absolutely love to bake, but it seems I never get to do it as much as I want because I don't have the time. Holiday baking is my favorite because I love taking some of our favorite treats to all our family gatherings.

This weekend I hosted the high school Madrigal singers after one of their performances and so I wanted to make a lot of cookies for them. So, as soon as I arrived home from church on Sunday, I got right to work. 

Jessie Steele (featured in Sex and the City 2 and in many live-casts from Magnolia's Bakeries) is wanting people to get back to bringing families together over the holidays through family meals and sharing goodies. Jessie Steele is the market leader in fashionable aprons by focusing on celebrations, femininity, style, and happiness. Her aprons, bags, totes, and kitchen textiles would make the perfect gift this holiday season! She offers aprons for adults as well as children like this cute Gingerbread Man Apron! 

I received this fun Paris Print Apron to wear during my holiday baking this season and I just love it. It's light and is fun to wear. I love the ruffles and the bow that set it off. This particular pattern has mini Eiffel Towers all over the apron. I can pretend I'm baking in Paris, right? What I like about this apron is that it is a heavier fabric, but NOT heavy. Does that make sense? I have another apron that I used to wear all the time but it is heavy. After wearing it for a couple hours, my neck gets sore from the weight around my neck. I wore this Jessie Steele apron for 4 hours and never even noticed. 

When I am starting a baking marathon, I love getting everything out at once so I am not constantly going to the fridge or cabinets to get an item out again. I can't imagine baking without my KitchenAid Mixer. It is a necessary item for marathon baking!

The first recipe I knew I wanted to make are my Grandma Hazel's Spritz Cookies. They are a requirement at our family Christmas. Grandma Hazel is my mom's mom and she would have been 100 this year, but sadly passed away when my mom was just 17. But, mom always told me that she would make these every year for Christmas and I want to do the same. They are a delicate cookie that is bite size and gives just a bit of sweetness. The other fun part is you can change up the flavors so easily and really have fun with it.

You do need a cookie press for this recipe. I use this one from Pampered Chef, but you could also try THIS ONE from Kuhn Rikon which is very similar.

Your cookie press will come with various plates to insert that will create different patterns of cookies. My favorites are always the flower, the wreath, and the Christmas tree.

Once you press them onto the pan, you can add sprinkles or sugars before baking. Since they are such a small cookie, they only take a few minutes to bake up. I set my timer for 6 minutes and that was perfect. (Except for the batch I completely forgot about and didn't hear the timer and they were quite burnt!) You can add food coloring to the dough also. I like adding green to the dough when I make the trees.

I also love to make cut-out sugar cookies. I always get compliments on them and even though I am not talented at decorating, they are still delicious. I love using my mother-in-law's cookie cutters when we make our Christmas cookies. She has been in heaven for 10 years this week and we still miss her presence every day.

My secret to making the cut-out sugar cookies is I use the Betty Crocker mix. I know, I know...I should be making them from scratch, but this recipe is so easy and delicious why recreate the wheel. These whip up super fast and I can have sugar cookies in the oven in just minutes. Once they cool I can frost/decorate them up in no time.

Our kids even love to help decorate the cookies so it can really be a fun family time activity. Each child can choose their cookie cutter shape and decorate "their" cookies however they want. My tip for you though is to make sure you bake the same shape of cookies together in one pan. That way the cookies will all bake up at the same rate. For example, candy cane cookies are skinny and bake up quicker than these bell shaped cookies. You don't want your cookies to have brown edges. 

Using my new Christmas plate from my dear friend, Becky makes the holidays even more special. Seeing all the kids in our home having fun and enjoying the cookies made my heart overflow with joy.  If there would happen to be any leftovers, you can place both of these in a container between layers of wax paper and freeze them til your next gathering.  They will stay fresh like you just baked them.

GRANDMA HAZEL'S SPRITZ COOKIES
3/4 Cup Butter
1/2 C Sugar
1 Egg
1/2 tsp Almond Extract
2 C Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp Salt

Cream Butter and Sugar until fluffy, beating well. Add egg and extract, then beat until fluffy. Gradually add dry ingredients. Beat well. Put dough into cookie press and press onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Decorate with colored sugars and sprinkles if desired. Bake at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes watching closely. Makes about 3 dozen cookies depending on your chosen shape. 

Additional variations include:
Chocolate Cookies: Add 1 Tbsp cocoa with 1 tsp of water.
Add Peppermint or orange extract for a different flavored cookie

I hope your holidays are full of laughter, the joy of being with family, and delicious food. May you have the merriest of Christmases and a new year full of blessings.

To see all of Jessie Steeles products, check out her website, HERE.

I will be linking up this post on Beth Fish Reads Weekend Cooking. Every Saturday she offers a place for bloggers to share any kind of food-related posts such as book reviews (novel, nonfiction), cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs, restaurant reviews, travel information, or fun food facts. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. To see all the posts, click HERE. 

Thanks to SheBlogs and Jessie Steele for sending me this apron and helping to promote #BringHappyHomefortheHolidays. This is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase a product through some of the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Children's Book Reviews: How the Grandmas and Grandpas Saved Christmas Book II and Book III By Richard J. Gausselin

HOW THE GRANDMAS AND GRANDPAS SAVED CHRISTMAS AGAIN
Book II

By: Richard J. Gausselin

Published: November 14, 2015

Publisher: Outskirts Press

Fiction

Santa has returned to the North Pole after another successful Christmas Eve trip around the world delivering gifts to all the boys and girls. He couldn't have done it all without the help of his trusty elves and the Grandmas and Grandpas that fly in to help Santa get all the toys made.  He has a saying that is important to him "Toys are to be made with hands and heart" and had to get the Grandmas and Grandpas to help him meet the needs of all the boys and girls in his first story. See my review, HERE.

In Book II, the elves and Santa realize kids want more electronic gadgets and gizmos and Santa's workshop is going to need "THEM" or what Santa calls Thoughtless, Heartless, Emotionless Machines. He hates to admit it, but there is no way the elves can produce electronic gadgets the kids want without machines. So, he and the elves take off to Argentina for a machine show to purchase the machines. After returning, Santa runs into some serious trouble and calls in the Grandmas and Grandpas, hoping they can save Christmas yet again!

Much like Book I, this is a book with short chapters and one you could read over a couple of nights with your child. The illustrations are excellent and give kids a lot to look at. The story also has some grown-up humor to keep the parents entertained as well.

This story has a wonderful lesson on helping others, working together as a team and that sometimes change is okay. This is a story to get kids excited about the magic of Santa and Christmas Eve.

HOW THE GRANDMAS AND GRANDPAS SAVED CHRISTMAS YET AGAIN
Book III

By: Richard J. Gausselin

Published: June 2, 2016

Publisher: Xlibris

Fiction

In the 3rd edition of Gausselin's children's Christmas series, a natural tragedy strikes the North Pole and Santa doesn't think there is any way for them to recover and still make the toys on time for Christmas Eve. But, thankfully the Grandmas and the Grandpas are willing and able to make the trip North to help Santa and the elves bring Christmas to all the children around the world.

Just like in the other books, there is a lesson for the readers, this time focusing on overcoming tragedy and eating healthy. Of course, there is the ongoing lesson of coming together as a team to help each other.

This story is a bit longer than the other two books and again is one read to younger children over a few nights or one for older children to read to themselves. The colorful and detailed illustrations will keep kids interested and get them excited about what is happening at the North Pole.

Gausselin has created a fun series of books for families to share with their children over Christmas....especially for grandparents to share with their grandchildren.  

Richard J. Gausselin’s books are inspired by his childhood Christmases of the 1940s and ’50s when toys were “made with hands and hearts.” As a father of six and grandfather to thirteen, he has enjoyed reading ’TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS on Christmas Eve for over fifty years. He hopes adults and children will enjoy HOW THE GRANDMAS AND GRANDPAS SAVED CHRISTMAS (Books I, II, and III) and make them part of their holiday tradition. For more on his books, visit his website, HERE. 

To purchase a copy of HOW THE GRANDMAS AND GRANDPAS SAVED CHRISTMAS Book I, Book II, and Book III, click the photos below:

I will be linking up this review with Booking Mama and other bloggers on her regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. Click HERE to see posts related to children's and YA books. 


Thanks to the author for sending copies of his books for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase these books through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Children's Book Review: Pee Wee the Christmas Tree By George Wells

PEE WEE 
THE CHRISTMAS TREE

By: George Wells

Illustrated by: Denis Proulx

Published: July 5, 2016

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Fiction

 I'm participating in the blog tour for PEE WEE THE CHRISTMAS TREE with several other bloggers through Authoright.com. Be sure to visit the other stops on the tour for reviews and posts about PEE WEE THE CHRISTMAS TREE.

George Wells has been a songwriter for many years and recently came across some sheet music for a song he wrote long ago. It reminded him of the sweet and simple song he wrote for Christmas and decided to make it into a children's story.

Pee Wee has lived in the forest for years and each time the Christmas tree season rolls around, he hopes to be chosen as one of the trees to be cut and taken to the store. Sadly, year after year, he is overlooked because of his size. He is just too small to be an adequate Christmas tree. Until, finally, he is chosen and taken to a store, where again he sits and waits and is overlooked by those who want the biggest and the best trees.

Pee Wee is sad, but doesn't lose hope. You'll have to read to find out if Pee Wee's Christmas wish comes true! Will a family realize he is the perfect size and allow him to bring them joy on Christmas morning?

This is a very sweet story and a reminder that big or small, there is a job and a place for everyone. Pee Wee encourages the reader to never give up and to remain hopeful.

It's a quick read with large print and colorful illustrations. It definitely put me in the mood for the Christmas season. I like that it has a positive message that works for anytime of year as well.

George Wells has been a songwriter for over fifty years with over 100 of his songs having been recorded. He has worked with artists including Charlie Walker, Neil Bonnett and Patsy Trigg and has had a song featured in the 1969 film, "From Nashville With Music", as well as numerous television and radio programs over the course of his career. Wells currently resides in Huntsville, Alabama with his wife of 58 years. 

Denis Proulx is an illustrator of many children's books. Too see more of his work, check out his website, HERE. 

To purchase a copy of PEE WEE THE CHRISTMAS TREE, click the photo below:

I'll be linking up this review with Booking Mama and other bloggers on her regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. To see posts related to children's and YA books, click HERE. 

A post from today, 8 years ago - Christmas Carols

A post from today, 7 years ago - Saying Grace 

A post from today, 6 years ago - Blessing #19

A post from today, 4 years ago - A Little Monday Inspiration

A post from today, 2 years ago - Too Many Things - eerily similar to my life right now.

Thanks to the author for sending a copy of his book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Product Review: Starry String Lights and Globe Lights from Divine LED

I am thrilled to share this fun string of lights with you from Divine LED. These lights are teeny tiny and are on a bendable, shapeable wire that is easily wound around items or laid across a mantel. I used these lights on our basement staircase banister. I wound the string of lights along with my greenery and it was lovely.

There was plenty of string to wind all the way through the spindles and then back. The only downside? That the lights had to be plugged in. I would love to use these above my kitchen cabinets, but I can't plug them in anywhere. If these lights were battery operated, I would have many more uses for them

I was surprised how bright the lights were and my husband commented how much he liked having them on the banister as it really brightened up the stairway....and was pretty. For tiny bulbs, they put out a lot of light.

I had also considered putting these inside a hurricane with a candle and tulle, but again, since they are not battery operated, that option wasn't going to work. But, aside from that, I really liked these lights and besides using them at Christmastime, I hope to find other opportunities to bring them out.

I was also sent a box of these Globe Lights. I have been wanting to string lights on my porch but just haven't gotten around to it. Even though I didn't take a picture, these globe lights are the perfect length for the east or west side of my porch. I had my son help me hold them up and plugged them in and they are just what I have been looking for. I am anxious to hang these up as soon as the weather turns warm this spring.

I am thrilled with both of these lights and highly recommend Divine LED for all your specialty lighting needs.  To see more of these products, click HERE or HERE.  

A post from today, 7 years ago - Mondays Matter - Week 4

A post from today, 6 years ago - Walking it Out

A post from today, 4 years ago - It's Going to Be One of Those Kind of Days

Thanks to Divine LED for sending these lights to me for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for this review. If you choose to purchase these products through the above photo links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Book Review: The 13th Gift By Joanne Huist Smith

THE 13TH GIFT
A True Story of a Christmas Miracle

By: Joanne Huist Smith

Published: October 28, 2014

Publisher: Harmony

Nonfiction/Memoir



I won this book last year through Bookreporter.com, but since it arrived after Christmas, I decided to save it to read this Christmas. I like reading at least one Christmas story over the holidays and this one didn't disappoint. I read it in just a few hours between tears of sadness and joy. It's one I recommend.

Just a couple months before Christmas, Joanne's husband died unexpectedly from a heart condition. Joanne and her three children, a tween girl and two teenage sons, were left to manage school and work along with the upcoming holiday season while grieving deeply for their father. Even though Joanne knew she needed to find some Christmas spirit for her young daughter, she just couldn't muster the energy it took to decorate and shop. Then, thirteen days before Christmas, gifts started arriving at their doorstep. Nothing extravangant, but gifts like ornaments and Christmas wrap, helped open their hearts to allowing joy back in their home. Nearly fifteen years later, Joanne brought their story of a Christmas miracle to readers. It offers a lesson for us at any time of year.

Joanne and her children's grief filled the pages. They missed their husband and father and were angry that he left them behind. Joanne had no interest in being part of the Christmas hoopla and found herself hiding behind her work, avoiding the home and parenting responsibilities that seemed too overwhelming. Her oldest child was missing curfew and her youngest was dreaming of the kind of Christmas all young girls hope for. I felt their pain and yearned for them to find hope in amongst the gifts of strangers.

This true story offers a a number of reminders: there is still kindness in our world, that not everyone is excited about Christmas, and that there is still hope even among the sadness.  Even though this is a Christmas story, it offers ideas to care for those who are suffering at any time of year. Small ways to offer a smile or a glimmer of hope to someone will pay the giver back in multiple ways.

By sharing a little kindness with others, every day can be Christmas in your heart.

Side note:

Favorite quote from the book: "I feel very much the way I did on Ben's fourth Christmas, when he was so excited about a gift he had made for me that he uwrapped the present himself. His eyes had glowed when he handed me the red scarf cut from the fold of my very best dress with kid scissors." Page 87

Cover: LOVE IT! It fits this book perfectly and jumps out when amongst others on the shelves. It's one you can set out at Christmas time, year after year.

Joanne Huist Smith - source

Joanne (Jo) Huist Smith was an award-winning journalist for the Dayton Daily News where she chronicled the lives of people and issues shaping her Ohio community. She began writing short stories and journaling at age nine. Jo was awarded first place from the Ohio Associated Press for Best Community Service for her 2009 package of stories on heroin’s destructive path through rural and suburban neighborhoods. The judges said her series “delivers information straight to the bloodstream.” Jo’s career has been guided by advice given to her by former Dayton Daily News Managing Editor Steve Sidlo: “Love truth and you’ll be alright.” Those words are echoed in everything she writes, including THE 13TH GIFT.

She is a life-long resident of the Dayton area and a graduate of Wright State University. She has three adult children and two absolutely adorable red-headed grandchildren.  For more information, check out her website, HERE. 

To purchase a copy of THE 13TH GIFT, click the photo below:

Thanks to the publisher for sending copy of this book through the contest at Bookreporter.com. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase the book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

A post from today, 8 years ago - Our Purpose

A post from today, 6 years ago - An Inspiring Start

A post from today, 5 years ago - My Favorite Reads from 2010