bellmom[9:02:14 AM]: Whew...made it to the right place. Aadel[9:02:34 AM]: Hello everyone! Aadel[9:02:43 AM]: I just got my coffee refilled bellmom[9:03:30 AM]: dd is making a nest for her lovie (a bunny blanket) out of tinsel. Merry Christmas VanessaP[10:03:44 AM]: hi everyone! Aadel[9:03:50 AM]: How is everyone? We got snow last night and it is still coming down! ek99fish[9:03:57 AM]: I have a sick, w/another cold, 20 mo. old girl wailing. Background noise. bellmom[9:04:07 AM]: awww, jealous, I wish we had snow! VanessaP[10:04:21 AM]: aw sick babies are no fun bellmom[9:04:33 AM]: ds just now eating breakfast Aadel[9:04:38 AM]: That is no fun Erin- sick kiddos bellmom[9:04:44 AM]: sorry about your sick little one DevinaF Has entered the room ek99fish[9:05:56 AM]: at least it cleaned out her nose. now she's nursing. Aadel[9:06:16 AM]: Hi Devina! DevinaF[9:06:29 AM]: Good morning everyone! VanessaP[10:07:01 AM]: I have sugar cookie dough in the fridge, we are going to cut them out later! DevinaF[9:07:49 AM]: Cookie dough does not last long in our house. Most of it is eaten even before the cookies are made! bellmom[9:07:59 AM]: mmm...cookies. Aadel[9:08:06 AM]: We made homemade chex mix last night VanessaP[10:08:24 AM]: num num that's my fav Aadel[9:08:17 AM]: planning on doing some cookies or candy today Aadel[9:08:24 AM]: when hubby gets home VanessaP[10:08:56 AM]: Older 2 boys are playing snoopy airplane VanessaP[10:09:02 AM]: What are everyone's kids doing? ek99fish[9:09:31 AM]: sick 9 & 4 yr. olds, too. fun times. DevinaF[9:09:34 AM]: Only 3 of my 6 are awake. The awake kids are playing Mario on the Wii. bellmom[9:10:13 AM]: oops, closed the wrong window. Aadel[9:10:19 AM]: The girls are upstairs playing in their room with baby brother Aadel[9:10:26 AM]: Listening to the radio and playing legos I think ek99fish[9:10:26 AM]: 6 yr, old is making a pot holder and just told me 6+6+6=18 & 6 Aadel[9:10:31 AM]: or dancing ek99fish[9:10:36 AM]: 6*3=18 bellmom[9:10:37 AM]: dd wants to take a bath brb Aadel[9:10:40 AM]: from the sounds on the ceiling bellmom[9:10:51 AM]: (JUST realized I have a tinsel tail...tinsel in back pocket) bellmom[9:11:41 AM]: nevermind, much more fun to play the hula hoop game her brother just created. VanessaP[10:11:52 AM]: Erin, isn't it neat how they do math in their head? ek99fish[9:12:35 AM]: yes. he's still asking addition & multiplication questions right now. VanessaP[10:13:08 AM]: Well, for those of us with tight wallets, and Christmas in just a few days, what ideas can we come up with for free and cheap last minute gift ideas? ek99fish[9:14:10 AM]: i liked patrice's dollar store idea 4 siblings 2 fill each others' stockings. bellmom[9:14:15 AM]: I love the idea someone had about giving them a few dollars for the Dollar Store and letting them stuff one another's stockings. bellmom[9:14:19 AM]: lol - YES! VanessaP[10:15:08 AM]: ya that's a fun idea. Especially if you have a Dollar Tree around, or something, where everythign is a dollar Aadel[9:15:23 AM]: Well I traded in some of our nicer used clothes at a local consignment store Aadel[9:15:26 AM]: and got store credit Aadel[9:15:40 AM]: and I am giving the girls the credit gift card for Christmas ek99fish[9:15:42 AM]: and then we talked last night about how some families don't have money to spend on presents so they're spending time together in whatever way works best for that family. i like that. Aadel[9:15:56 AM]: It is also a costume shop so they can choose out some dress up stuff or jewelry ek99fish[9:16:08 AM]: seriously aadel? ek99fish[9:16:24 AM]: oh, you mean the store credit @ the thrift store, right? VanessaP[10:16:32 AM]: sweet! store credit, that's cool Aadel[9:16:35 AM]: It's called Rockstar and Rogers ek99fish[9:16:38 AM]: i thought you were giving them your credit card. Aadel[9:16:40 AM]: It is like a high-end consignment shop Aadel[9:16:43 AM]: LOL Aadel[9:16:51 AM]: Erin THAT would be dangerous! ek99fish[9:16:57 AM]: for sure! DevinaF[9:17:04 AM]: This is not a complete gift, but my daughter has been making little homemade gift boxes. Here is a great video on making them. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Op15rZhsK8g Aadel[9:17:06 AM]: No- I said that weird Aadel[9:17:23 AM]: they gave me a little card with $18 credit on it VanessaP[10:17:45 AM]: oh I like the paper gift boxes! DevinaF[9:17:42 AM]: This year, my kids decided that they would buy gifts for each other. I was so shocked! Aadel[9:17:48 AM]: I know places like Once upon a Child do store credit ek99fish[9:17:50 AM]: i like that! i have some things i want to sell but they're more summer things so i'm waiting until march. Aadel[9:17:54 AM]: trade in your baby clothes ek99fish[9:18:40 AM]: last year my boys bought each other a gift worth $5. and it was a surprise that they all got each other nurf guns. this year they did it again but on purpose. VanessaP[10:18:50 AM]: Oh, some discount scrapbook paper for origami would be cool, and maybe print out some instructions bellmom[9:19:08 AM]: paper is always a great gift VanessaP[10:19:28 AM]: One thing I did this year, was go to Dollar Tree and just buy a bunch of craft supplies VanessaP[10:19:50 AM]: like pipe cleaners, pom poms, popsicle sticks, etc, and put those in a bag Aadel[9:20:34 AM]: You could make them a tub of recycled craft supplies bellmom Has exited the room DevinaF[9:20:42 AM]: Here is another link to make paper mache lanterns. Christmas lights are cheap, cheap right now!http://www.reesedixon.com/2009/06/paper-mache-party-lights.html Aadel[9:20:47 AM]: old socks, paper towel tubes, leftover christmas paper ek99fish[9:20:57 AM]: i'm going to need my Rise & Shine tea before I continue. My 6, a month shy of 7, yr. old keeps asking me multiplication and math questions. I'm not multi-tasking very well right now. Aadel[9:21:02 AM]: Scrap paper, interesting magazines, etc Aadel[9:21:51 AM]: we recycle all of our sour cream tubs to use for kids crafts VanessaP[10:22:56 AM]: Someone mentioned in the group that they did little homemade gift certificates for things, so I printed some out last night here http://www.freeprintablecertificates.net/showcover/christmas_gift_certificate_tree ek99fish[9:22:54 AM]: we have a cardboard box that they have resuable materials in it. basically, yogurt containers, paper towel rolls, that kind of thing. DevinaF[9:23:23 AM]: Sorry y'all, I like links. Here is one to make a jean material corsage http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/2010/01/tutorial-jean-corsage-got-old-jeans.html VanessaP[10:23:29 AM]: I filled them out with things like "Baking session with mom" "meal of choice", "lunch date with mom", etc Aadel[9:23:42 AM]: I saw a really cool marble run made from wrapping paper tubes on Pinterest yesterday DevinaF[9:23:43 AM]: That's a great idea Vanessa! Aadel[9:23:48 AM]: I'll see if I can find the link VanessaP[10:24:44 AM]: oh that sounds fun Liane Has entered the room VanessaP[10:25:12 AM]: Hi liane! VanessaP[10:25:30 AM]: we are just talking about free and cheap last minute Christmas gift ideas Liane[9:25:51 AM]: Hi, am I in now? VanessaP[10:26:03 AM]: you are! ek99fish[9:26:02 AM]: we've done coupons before. i like that. it was more for my husband. but it might be something we do in the future. Aadel[9:26:26 AM]: http://happyhomefairy.com/2011/07/09/marble-ous-marbles/ Aadel[9:26:34 AM]: towards the bottom of the post Aadel[9:26:59 AM]: And here is a treehouse out of cardboard scraps http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/make-a-treehouse-1024899/?CMP=NLC-NL_FFUN_Wkdr_100511_make-a-treehouse ek99fish[9:27:35 AM]: you women must like crafty stuff. not me but my kids have done well just figuring out things on their own. ek99fish[9:27:45 AM]: not that i haven't facilitated. Aadel[9:28:03 AM]: And these party bracelets look so cool! Maybe you could make them with your kids http://www.marthastewart.com/266277/paper-party-bracelet VanessaP[10:28:19 AM]: Erin, i'm not that crafty, but my kids love that kind of stuff Aadel[9:28:27 AM]: I am totally crafty VanessaP[10:28:38 AM]: I love to bake, though! Aadel[9:28:34 AM]: LOL DevinaF[9:28:35 AM]: Love the link to the marble crafts. It brought back memories of when I was a kid and we tried to get marbles into holes in a shoebox. Aadel[9:28:50 AM]: Ok- so for the not so crafty Aadel[9:28:58 AM]: What are some other free/cheap ideas? Liane[9:29:21 AM]: I'm at a total loss this year for ideas VanessaP[10:29:41 AM]: cookie mixes and hot cocoa mix, etc DevinaF[9:29:37 AM]: Making a silly diorama using pictures of family/friends. VanessaP[10:29:52 AM]: those are always easy to put together ek99fish[9:30:09 AM]: I would do coupons, in the future. And we are going to make some things like lip balms and my 9 yr. old is making these cookies called Pumpkin Gems, they don't use sugar but honey and applesauce as a sweetener. ek99fish[9:30:09 AM]: I would do coupons, in the future. And we are going to make some things like lip balms and my 9 yr. old is making these cookies called Pumpkin Gems, they don't use sugar but honey and applesauce as a sweetener. ek99fish[9:30:09 AM]: I would do coupons, in the future. And we are going to make some things like lip balms and my 9 yr. old is making these cookies called Pumpkin Gems, they don't use sugar but honey and applesauce as a sweetener. ek99fish[9:30:09 AM]: I would do coupons, in the future. And we are going to make some things like lip balms and my 9 yr. old is making these cookies called Pumpkin Gems, they don't use sugar but honey and applesauce as a sweetener. ek99fish[9:30:17 AM]: oh, and we're making finger paints for my nieces. Aadel[9:30:30 AM]: I like your idea of a $10 shopping spree Nessa- in your coupons VanessaP[10:30:38 AM]: You can just use a favorite recipe you have the things on hand for, put together the dry ingredients, and add directions on how to do the rest. Aadel[9:30:59 AM]: You could do a coupon "your choice of a redbox movie rental" VanessaP[10:31:10 AM]: oh ya. one of our coupons was for a $10 shopping spree for each of the older boys. That way, we can go at a later date and they can pick out what they want VanessaP[10:31:17 AM]: haha cute Aadel[9:31:13 AM]: my kids would love that! ek99fish[9:31:14 AM]: I like that, Aadel. ek99fish[9:31:36 AM]: And I'd rather my gifts, if they're coming from the children, be fair trade or benefit someone from a place like Trade As One. DevinaF[9:31:46 AM]: I made these rice filled heating/cooling pads one year. http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/ricefilledpad.htm VanessaP[10:32:23 AM]: Oh, and lets' not forget, regifting our own belongings, like one child could gift one of their toys they don't play with much anymore to a sibling Aadel[9:32:17 AM]: I am making slippers for Vanessa's boys- with my scrap yarn and a free pattern Aadel[9:32:26 AM]: oh wait- i said non crafty Aadel[9:32:30 AM]: LOL Aadel[9:32:34 AM]: I can't THINK non crafty! VanessaP[10:32:40 AM]: lol Rmiller Has entered the room VanessaP[10:32:58 AM]: Hi Rachel! ek99fish[9:32:51 AM]: Oh, we do that Vanessa, just not necessarily at the holiday season. Aadel[9:33:12 AM]: Well- one thing we did this year is burn cd's of kid's songs Aadel[9:33:12 AM]: Well- one thing we did this year is burn cd's of kid's songs Aadel[9:33:12 AM]: Well- one thing we did this year is burn cd's of kid's songs Aadel[9:33:12 AM]: Well- one thing we did this year is burn cd's of kid's songs Rmiller[9:33:16 AM]: Did I miss all the good stuff? Rmiller[9:33:20 AM]: Hi! Aadel[9:33:31 AM]: We got a cd holder at the dollar general and I already had blank CD's VanessaP[10:33:42 AM]: I'm going to try and get this chat posted asap, so everyone can see the ideas! Rmiller[9:33:31 AM]: Maybe I could get a transcript?? ek99fish[9:33:45 AM]: Just talking about how I'm not crafty & these women have crafty & baking ideas for gifts. Good ideas. VanessaP[10:33:51 AM]: sure Rachel DevinaF[9:34:11 AM]: Here is a link for drink mixes http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/mixes.htm VanessaP[10:34:35 AM]: oh, if you have the equipment, burning some audio books or music to CDs? Rmiller[9:34:40 AM]: Oooh! Baking. I tried to make the salt dough ornaments. I think I rolled them out too thin. Burned a lot of them! :-O Liane[9:34:53 AM]: Where will you post it - I probably missed some good stuff too VanessaP[10:35:18 AM]: My husband is going to be burning some of our movies for cousins this year (don't turn us in LOL) Rmiller[9:35:20 AM]: Where did you find music to download for free? VanessaP[10:35:35 AM]: oh I wanted to try those too VanessaP[10:35:42 AM]: the ornaments Aadel[9:36:06 AM]: Here is a bunch of free children's audio books http://www.kidsaudiobooks.co.uk/mp3_downloads.htm Rmiller[9:36:10 AM]: I used to burn Librivox to CD ~ but kids can listen on iPads, so I stopped. But would like more music ek99fish[9:36:13 AM]: i briefly thought of them making ornaments, but we've had various illnesses running through this house since the Sat. before Turkey Day. VanessaP[10:36:28 AM]: well I didn't get music, but I have tons of free audio books and series for kids that I have been meaning to get on CD Aadel[9:36:30 AM]: A whole bunch of old Muppets records http://muppetmusique.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2008-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2009-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=50 VanessaP[10:37:01 AM]: that old Star Wars Series, too. but you have to have a membership right Aadel? VanessaP[10:37:11 AM]: for the STar wars? Rmiller[9:37:20 AM]: STAR WARS!!! Cool ek99fish[9:37:47 AM]: Speaking of Muppets, anyone see the new movie? I'm curious about it b/c I have fond memories of the Muppets. But now that I'm a bit more conservative in what I put into my mind, don't know if I'd still like them. Aadel[9:38:20 AM]: yes Aadel[9:38:27 AM]: I'll look up the link Rmiller[9:40:17 AM]: Oh, I know about the movies. Had a conversation with a mom yesterday about how hubby & I have been showing kids movies we loved as kids & then saying, "I don't remember THAT in there!!!" ek99fish[9:40:35 AM]: That has happened to me, too, Rachel. Liane[9:40:53 AM]: same here Rmiller[9:40:53 AM]: Goonies. Liane[9:41:07 AM]: I think a lot passed over my head when I was younger ek99fish[9:41:18 AM]: For sure. We own Goonies. Have to fast forward some parts in there. Aadel[9:41:46 AM]: http://www.mysteryshows.com/index.htm#club ek99fish[9:41:54 AM]: I was exposed to some bad stuff that I can see how it negatively affected me like. Like soap operas, fighting/violent movies, etc. Aadel[9:41:57 AM]: You have to click "join mystery clubhouse" DevinaF[9:42:05 AM]: Yep, Goonies was one for us. But when I was a kid, I don't ever remember them saying "bad" words. Rmiller[9:42:05 AM]: Plus, most of the time I watched them on TV. I was 20 before I saw the part in breakfast club where they were smoking pot. Aadel[9:42:06 AM]: It is a donation- $10 for a lifetime membership Aadel[9:42:23 AM]: and they have the entire series of Star Wars audio drama Aadel[9:42:32 AM]: as well as thousands of old radio shows ek99fish[9:42:36 AM]: Breakfast club, too! And Sixteen Candles. Rmiller[9:42:42 AM]: Thanks Aadel! Aadel[9:43:08 AM]: I think a lot of stuff got blocked on regular TV back when we were kids Aadel[9:43:15 AM]: Like language- they would bleep it out Aadel[9:43:18 AM]: LOL Aadel[9:43:24 AM]: and cut parts out of movies VanessaP[10:43:29 AM]: I think it's just important to talk about those things with our kids when they see them ek99fish[9:43:25 AM]: Probably, right, Aadel! I was just thinking that. DevinaF[9:43:36 AM]: We have had a Clearplay DVD player and it has been awesome! It filters out the cussing and sex scenes and various other things. VanessaP[10:43:47 AM]: b/c it's impossible to protect them from everything ek99fish[9:43:47 AM]: But Goonies is also a little scary w/the bad guys and guns. At least it upset some of mine. Aadel[9:43:50 AM]: and it could be that were were young and naive too ;-) ek99fish[9:43:56 AM]: Tell me more about that Devina. DevinaF[9:44:13 AM]: Vaness, I agree. It is much better to do that than if they were exposed to that out in the world. Liane[9:44:15 AM]: clearplay dvd? I've never heard of that - sounds neat! ek99fish[9:44:24 AM]: Not trying to protect them from everything but I believe the verse take every thought captive and that your body is a temple of the Lord, means we should use the Spirit's filter as to what we put in our minds. Aadel[9:44:24 AM]: We watched Robin Hood Men in Tights and we talked about the bad words Rmiller[9:44:28 AM]: Yes, "d@**" isn't "bleeped" anymore. src="./smilies/unhappy.gif"> DevinaF[9:44:35 AM]: Go to clearplay.com and it will give you all the information. DevinaF[9:45:08 AM]: Basically you download filters to a memory stick and you can watch almost any movie that is out there. Rmiller[9:45:08 AM]: Yes, every family has to take their kids, sensitivities & such in mind VanessaP[10:45:33 AM]: what about printable stuff? if you have a printer and ink Rmiller[9:45:36 AM]: Devina ~ does it only work on DVDs? We watch a lot of Netflix VanessaP[10:45:44 AM]: I found a printable nativity scene to put together with my boys nboone Has entered the room ek99fish[9:45:56 AM]: My printer is broken. Can't afford to fix it right now. So either my husband prints or I use the library. DevinaF[9:45:58 AM]: Unfortunately, it only works for DVD's. DevinaF[9:46:06 AM]: I wish it worked for streaming on Netflix!! Aadel[9:46:27 AM]: Kid's vinyl records downloads http://www.artsreformation.com/records/ Aadel[9:46:45 AM]: I'm still finding audio download links Liane[9:47:31 AM]: I've never used Netflix - can you fast forward through bad parts on it? Rmiller[9:47:34 AM]: Aadel ~ can I come hang out at your house for a week?!?! So cool!!! Aadel[9:47:39 AM]: LOL Aadel[9:47:46 AM]: yes- Liane- you can fast forward Rmiller[9:47:55 AM]: Yes ~ can ff on netflix nboone[9:48:14 AM]: hi im new to the group i saw your post on Facebook Aadel and thought I would sign up Aadel[9:48:56 AM]: Hey NIcole! Rmiller[9:49:33 AM]: Hi nicole (I wouldn't know your name except Aadel just told me!) VanessaP[10:50:14 AM]: Hi Nicole! VanessaP[10:50:29 AM]: I'm guessing you are not on our facebook group? if you want I can post the link VanessaP[10:50:32 AM]: nboone[9:50:38 AM]: hi there so this year for Christmas we are only giving our kids 3 Christian gifts and on New Years they will get new toys and clothes for the new year. Liane[9:51:11 AM]: That's a neat idea nboone[9:51:14 AM]: if you would please post the link. Thank you Liane[9:51:42 AM]: Hi Nicole VanessaP[10:53:48 AM]: http://www.facebook.com/groups/93561561941/ here is the Facebook group Aadel[9:54:21 AM]: Nicole is my friend- in real life! Aadel[9:54:24 AM]: LOL Aadel[9:54:37 AM]: that sounded like all you other people are imaginary Rmiller[9:54:46 AM]: Oooh, a real live friend. That's nice! nboone Has exited the room VanessaP[10:55:14 AM]: Just a recap for Nicole, we have discussed homemade ornaments, audio books/music/movies burned on CD/DVD, coupons for experiences with mom and dad, etc, what else? Rmiller[9:55:09 AM]: Maybe we are....<> VanessaP[10:55:34 AM]: oh is she still here? nboone[9:55:33 AM]: lol youre funny Liane[9:56:03 AM]: we're just figments of your imagination nboone[9:56:06 AM]: im here serving lunch early so backy nboone[9:56:38 AM]: back and forth Aadel[9:56:54 AM]: I knew I heard voices in my head but this chat is pretty elaborate- even for me Rmiller[9:56:59 AM]: We're buying cheap "consumables". Markers, play dough, construction paper, scotch tape (this is a BIG hit at our house), yarn (for stringing across the house ~ my kids have no idea it can be turned into clothing), & paint nboone[9:57:22 AM]: back and forth Aadel[9:57:25 AM]: The girls were apparently upstairs making cheap/free presents for me VanessaP[10:57:37 AM]: oh I found a really cool idea... you take pop bottle caps, and then those foam stickers, and glue them to the caps to make little stamps Aadel[9:57:41 AM]: They have beads and jewelry making supplies in their room VanessaP[10:58:25 AM]: oh I'm making homemade playdough in lots of new colors... you can use kool aid if you want to make scented playdough! Aadel[9:58:32 AM]: Ok this is going to be a super long link because I had to search it Aadel[9:58:46 AM]: But I found a bunch of free MP3 albums for kids on Amazon Aadel[9:58:48 AM]: http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_nr_n_3?rh=n:163856011,p_36:-99,p_n_feature_browse-bin:625150011,n:!624868011,n:624899011&bbn=624868011&ie=UTF8&qid=1324399708&rnid=624868011 nboone[9:59:15 AM]: my oldest is 10 and she made scrapbooks for long distance family and the boys 7 & 4 put together homemade calendars with pictures of them throughout the year Aadel[10:00:06 AM]: Oops- maybe the link works VanessaP[11:00:25 AM]: worked for me , cool! Rmiller[10:00:22 AM]: Like the stampers. Great idea. Aadel[10:00:22 AM]: anyways sometimes you can find free Mp3 albums on Amazon Rmiller[10:00:26 AM]: Link worked fine for me Rmiller[10:00:48 AM]: (now I have 7 windows open!) nboone[10:01:06 AM]: My oldest also decorated the cover of the canvas books with shaving cream and food coloring and made prayer journals for her friends VanessaP[11:01:37 AM]: I was thinking, you could print out some free printable story books, or any activities your kids like, and put those as stocking stuffers VanessaP[11:01:45 AM]: flip books, etc VanessaP[11:02:01 AM]: My oldest son loves mazes, so I might print him some VanessaP[11:02:32 AM]: that's so sweet Nicole! Rmiller[10:02:38 AM]: We did mazes a few years back. That was fun. Rmiller[10:03:05 AM]: Shaving cream & food coloring? How does that work? nboone[10:03:30 AM]: flip books thats cute. Rmiller Has exited the room nboone Has entered the room Rmiller Has entered the room Aadel[10:04:06 AM]: Ok- even the non crafty people could do this Aadel[10:04:09 AM]: Make blank books! VanessaP[11:04:25 AM]: I'm actually gonna save the chat thus far and go, we are going to get ready to do sugar cookie cutouts! Rmiller[10:04:27 AM]: Aaacckkkk! I lost EVERYTHING! <>. Aadel[10:04:31 AM]: Just take some printer paper, cardstock, etc. and fold in half Aadel[10:04:31 AM]: or cut up into shapes