About thirteen years ago, I was teaching 3rd grade. During the month of December I gave each of my students a chance to share their favorite family Christmas tradition. One of the young men in my class shared about his family's favorite tradition--The Jesse Tree. I had never … Read More
Our favorite Christmas Cookie Recipe (Shhh…TOP SECRET!)
This week, the kids and I all got messy and dug our hands into a bowl of one of the yummiest Christmas memories I have from childhood. My Grandma's peanut butter balls. She made hundreds of these in her lifetime and I'm pretty sure I have eaten hundreds in mine! They are a favorite in our … Read More
10 Ways to Make the Jesse Tree Fun and Memorable
This Christmas will be our family's 9th year to celebrate the Jesse Tree together. We have come a long way from our first Jesse Tree. Although the stories of the Jesse Tree remain the same each year, our family's experiences have not. Some of it has to do with their ages. They are … Read More
Your Invitation This Season
What part of the Christmas story speaks the most to you? I think I like the way Jesus came the most. In the stillness and darkness of night...inside a lowly stable...the long awaited Savior was born as a helpless babe...born into a humble family...first greeted by the animals and … Read More
What does Advent Look Like with Older Kids? (FREE Pocket Cards)
{Today I am so excited to welcome back as a guest writer, my mentor, a dear friend, and a fellow mom who has raised four boys and now helps those of us in the "little" years, Leslie! This year we have so many families doing the Jesse Tree with teens and tweens. I get questions often about how to … Read More
10 Tips for an Awesome Jesse Tree Experience with Little Ones (FREE Printable)
On our first night to start the Jesse Tree eight years ago, our little Jesse Tree came crashing down to the floor after our daughter decided it would be fun to look closer at all the ornaments. After we swept up the broken balls, and hung back up the ornaments and decorations that could be saved, … Read More
Making a List, Checking it Twice
I can't believe I am about to do this. I'm about to share with you one of my most treasured secrets. I'm almost afraid to because if we all start to share this secret, it might catch on, and well....then it's not a secret anymore. But it's a risk I am willing to take-- It's time to go … Read More
Why the Ornament Exchange?
Each year moms from our local area get together for an ornament exchange. Here are some of the results... They're beautiful, and so creative. When I met with these moms initially, there was some worry and hesitation. Many of them said, "I'm not creative. I'm not really an artist. I don't … Read More
Using the Jesse Tree to Share the Gospel
It's so easy to get caught up in all the details that sometimes you miss the BIG picture. I am guilty of diving into the excitement and anticipation of the Jesse Tree but often forgetting the ONE THING that is most important. THE GOSPEL. We tell lots of Bible stories around our house … Read More
What’s in the Sacks?
First impressions can make quite an impact. When introducing the Jesse Tree, we wanted our children to LOVE it, and want to do more. Most nights we cuddle up on the couch in our jammies, turn the Christmas tree lights on, and listen to Daddy read the story. On special nights, we might add … Read More