Traditions :: Birthday Book

As our family has grown, adopting new & meaningful traditions has been something really special to me. 

And I think this one takes the #1 spot on my list of favorites. 

So I just had to share with all of you! 

The Birthday Book

Each year for the kids birthday, I buy a book that goes along with the theme of their party.

 It many times becomes one of their birthday presents. Um, readers are leaders.

And many of these have become among our favorite books to read!

In other words, sometimes we read them over & over & over. And over. 

If you don't already have a book in mind, it's pretty simple to just google, search on pinterest, or amazon. 

"cupcake book" "artist picture book" "tractor kids books"

One year I even got a vintage book off etsy!

 Birds by Kevin Henkes

Grandpa's Tractor by Michael Garland

Every Cowgirl Needs Dancing Boots by Rebecca Janni 

Camilla the Cupcake Fairy by Tim Bugbird

 Curious George Book :: Vintage Book from Etsy

Bridget's Beret by Tom Lichtenheld

The Little Mermaid found at Home Goods

At the party I always have the book right by the door with a sign, asking all the guests to sign their name, and even write a message if they want. 

I attach the invitation on the inside front cover & have a pen ready for signing. 

It is such a fun keepsake & so fun to reminisce about the party each time we read it!

I just love this lasting memory & keepsake!

Traditions :: Christmas {part 2}

I just love the fun of traditions. Especially now that I have kids!

This is a new one I started this year & has quickly become a favorite. 

I didn't have the "official" elf on the shelf, but a cute little elf that my mom had given us a few years ago. She also gave Emma these cute little elf dolls. When I saw this post on pinterest, I decided I liked the whole idea of this...and we had the perfect dolls already!

Every morning they are hiding somewhere new. Sometimes just a fun hiding place, sometimes by something we are going to do that day {like be KIND and make hot chocolate mix for teachers at school}, or sometimes are hiding somewhere with a note about something kind they saw Emma doing the day before. It's been a fun way of helping her remember to always be kind to others, and to be looking for ways to help or make someone smile. And it's an easy to way to help her remember how God loves it when we are kind toward each other. Great lessons for little hearts! And big hearts, too!

I am loving all the fun Christmas & holiday activities this year, because Emma is just so excited & thrilled about everything. However, I am trying really hard to not get stressed by all the "to-dos!" I can't seem to keep up with everything on a normal day, and then here I go adding more things to do each day. :) But it's way more fun to do these things than clean my house, so I'll just do my best & try to enjoy these sweet moments that I only get once. Just please call before you come over so I can hide some of our messes, or you might never speak to me again! ;)