Family Archives - Page 18 of 26 - The Sparrow's Home

2016: Top 10 Posts

January 2, 2017 by Susan 20 Comments

So here we are, all having to get used to writing 2017. How’re you doing so far? Me? It’s usually at least March before I don’t have to think about it. But I’m the girl who forgets how old I am. (I know what year I was born, and have to calculate it every time I’m asked.) Anyone else?

As I was compiling this list of your favorite posts of 2016, based on the number of visits to each post, I was pleased to see a variety of topics represented. That’s what The Sparrow’s Home is all about, after all. Our homes are made up of many different spheres.

So here they are…the Top 10 Posts of 2016

Small Ways to Serve Close to Home this Christmas

December 21, 2016 by Susan 13 Comments

There are loads of ways your family can help your community without traveling far from home! Parents and kids can serve together, helping others as a family.

Did you know that you don’t have to trek downtown into the inner city to scoop soup for the homeless to serve others this Christmas? I mean, that would be great. Totally do that if you want. But there are other ways, smaller ways, that are no less meaningful.

All of us strive to teach our children that Christmas is about more than presents for me – me – me. Jesus, whose birth we celebrate, served. And he told us to serve. Certainly we should be doing this all year long. But we would be remiss to ignore the fact that Christmastime is a season in which many people feel forgotten, lonely, and quite frankly…sad.

Two New Games We’re Loving!

December 19, 2016 by Susan 11 Comments

We are a game playing family. Recently, we’ve gotten two new games that we’ve been playing–a lot– that I want to share with you. We’ve had a tradition for years that we get a family game for Christmas. This year, we were kind of impatient and couldn’t wait to play them. (We did buy an expansion for one of the games to wrap and put under the tree…shhhh)

If you’re looking for some new games for Christmas, maybe one of these will fit the bill.

Food for Thought #11

December 15, 2016 by Susan 11 Comments

Marriage, parenting, homeschooling and faith…that kind of sums up the bulk of my online reading typically. Throw in some politics for good measure. What have you been reading?

I would love to hear what you think, and see what you’ve had open on your desktop this week.

Yummy Handmade Gifts

December 12, 2016 by Susan 14 Comments

I really love handmade gifts. Love to give ’em – – Love to get ’em.

‘Cause here’s the thing…even if the gift ends up being a stinker, you still have the gift of knowing that someone cared enough about you to invest time in you.

I’ve done some sewing projects as gifts over the years: hooded towels, blankets, hanging hand towels. And I frequently gift This Herbal Salve and This Tea for Ladies. But my go-to handmade gifts tend to fall in the “kitchen made” area.

I want to share some yummy things that I like to make and give at Christmas. I’ve given every one of these as gifts. And many times, I’ll make extra as a little “gift” for my family!

Christmas Cookies: Host a Cookie Baking Day

December 7, 2016 by Susan 12 Comments

Tips, tricks, ideas and recipes to help you host a Christmas cookie party this holiday season!

Everyone has their family favorites when it comes to Christmas cookies. I am an avid baker, but even I get overwhelmed at the idea of making all the varieties of cookies that my family has come to expect at Christmas. And that’s not even mentioning the things that I make for gifts!

Years ago, when we moved back to Minnesota, I was blessed to be invited to join a group of ladies for a day of cookie baking. Everyone brought ingredients to make one or two kinds. We made them all together, then we divided them up. So we each went home with a huge variety. Genius!

Over the years, the group of ladies has changed somewhat, as has the location. I’m the current host (you must know how much I love hosting gatherings).