Barnwood and Tulips Christmas Books---a family tradition!

As a mother of five young children, I think I enjoy Christmas as much as they do. I am also married to a right jolly young elf. In fact this year he is trying to see how many hours he can wear his elf hat collectively throughout the holiday. As of yesterday, day two, he had worn his hat nearly 22 hours- I told you he was a jolly elf. Christmas is also a great time for traditions and we have our fair share. But one of my favorites is our Christmas book.
Each year, I buy a Christmas book for our children at the beginning of the season. My husband or I make an inscription on the inside of the book making sure to include the year. Our oldest is now fifteen so our library has grown over the years. Our hope is that is one day as our children marry and have children of their own that we can divide the library amongst the five of them and then they can continue the tradition with their own families. I have to admit after the hustle and bustle of the season, there is nothing better than curling up with a beautiful Christmas story and one or more of our fabulous five.
I have included below a list of some our favorite Christmas books, a brief summary of the books, and what I enjoyed most about the specific book. Hopefully, you too, can take a little time out from the holiday craze and cuddle up with the little or big one in your life.

The Christmas Prayer writtenby Rian Anderson.  This is the book I have chosen for this year.  I can't wait to give it to the kids tomorrow before bedtime... Shh,  don't tell!

The Three Gifts written by Patricia Cook Orr, illustrated by Wilson Ong
”The Three Gifts” is our 2010 book. Although it is longer than most of our Christmas books, this book is a page turner. Orr follows the history of the three gifts brought to the new born baby Jesus and speculates as to what happens to each of them. This book will warm your heart and remind you of the true meaning of Christmas.

I Believe in Santa Claus
written by Diane G. Adamson, illustrated by M. Chad Randall
A short read, wonderfully illustrated- this is the book I give my children to read when they ask me if I believe in Santa Claus. It relates the religious symbolism of Christmas to the commercialized ones. If you are not a believer in Santa, you will be when you close the pages of this book.

Christmas Oranges
retold by Linda Bethers
Illustrated by Ben Sowards
Bethers does a wonderful job as she recreates this traditional tale. Sowards illustrations are masterfully created and compliment Bethers’ text. This story captures the simplicity of Christmas and leaves you longing to give away your own Christmas orange.
Snowmen at Night
written by Caralyn Buehner, illustrated by Mark Buehner
This husband wife Utah duo does a marvelous job with this FUN Christmas tale. Surely all of us have wondered what snowmen do at night. My two year old simply loves this book. In fact, it has ignited a snowman craze in our home.


I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
written by Lloyd and Karmell Newell and illustrated by Dan Burr
I absolutely adore this story and my children have enjoyed the accompanying DVD. The text of this book explores the life of Henry Longfellow and the creation of his beautifully written song, “I heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” The Newells also describe how the poem became a song. Furthermore, it provides a quick history and cultural lesson of the Civil War era. The illustrations are magnificent and draw the reader into the Longfellow home and life. This book is a must have…

A Christmas Bell for Anya
written by Chris and Evie Steward, illustrated by Ben Sowards
The reader is immediately drawn into the 1917 world of Siberia in a small village. Its short text depicts the beautiful tradition of the Christmas bell and the love of a father for his daughter, Anya. You will need a kleenex!


The Miracle of the Wooden Shoes
written by Deborah Pace Rowley, illustrated by Dan burr
This story portrays the German tradition of the wooden Shoes as one boy named Walter comes to find his greatest treasure, his faith. This story will leave you wanting to add this German tradition to your holiday season.


The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
written by Susan Wojciechowksi, illustrated by P.J. Lynch
This is our very first book in our Christmas collection. We read it to our children every Christmas morning before the opening of gifts. Mr. Gloomy, Jonathan Toomey, overcomes his past heartaches and regrets as he carves a nativity set for a widow and her son. As Jonathan carves the nativity, his heart is opened and healed as he comes to feel the love of Jesus Christ. Every child big or small should hear this story– this miracle.

 

 

 Happy Reading!

 

Currenty Craving- memories and the spirit of Christmas

Currently Craving - memories and the spirit of Christmas!  We enjoyed the best Thanksgiving break (I will update soon).  Along our memory making mission I of course found a few cravings.... mostly memories, small moments... that stirred my senses.  Here are a pics of a few!

 

 Craving No #1- The lights at temple square drew throngs of families...stirring all of my senses!

Craving #2- dinner at the Lion's House- 

Craving #3-  The Brigham Young Home-- Doesn't this House just SING of Christmas!

    Happy Holidays.... love all of us at Barnwood and Tulips!  Visiting temple square was the perfect way to show our gratitude for the Savior and usher in the holiday season!

A non- traditional Thanksgiving

Still no plans for Thanksgiving?  Scroll down to Meanderings and check out our non traditional Thanksgiving.  It remains as one of our family's favorite Thanksgivings ever!

Thankful to be an aunt!

If I wasn't blessed to be a mom, I would take refuge in being an aunt... I absolutely love these guys!

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

So thankful to be mommy!

The first snowflakes have left a blanket of beautiful white snow in our yard.  It glisten and twinkles in the sunlight.  I love to hear their giggles as they bundle up in their snow gear.  "Mommy,"  they call as they ask for help with their gloves and boots.  They are simply delighted by the majesty of winter and the adventure it brings.  So lucky am I to be their mommy and to have two little ones left for such adventures.  Older brothers seemed to have left the days of childhood magic behind, but these two wear it so well as their eyes dance with magic.

I breathe it in slowly  realizing that these days pass all to quickly.  I watch from the kitchen window as they approach the hill in the backyard (Daddy was so wise to build it into the landscape design... it's perfect for snow sledding and slip and sliding). They squeal in delight as they zoom down their own sled run. There are giggles and laughter as they find icicles and make snow angels.  This is a perfect day and for me it is a perfect memory. 

The cold pinches their noses and cheeks but they remain undeterred.  Attempts to build a snow fort and snow angels are drawn to a close as the horizon bursts in colors of brilliance signaling the end of their adventures.  I have hot cocoa with marshmallows

 

 

waiting for them.  I help them undress and kiss their cheeks with my warm lips.  I savor this memory.  So, thankful am I to be called mommy!

Sisters and sno cones!

This picture was taken on the 4th of July in 1977- it was a sno cone balloon day.  Scroll down to moments for more...

Trifold Card

Trifold Card

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Making Thanksgiving memories in the kitchen with the kids

Thanksgiving is it  on its way.  Menus have been planned, assignments made, and activities organized.  As a child, my favorite part of Thanksgiving was the gathering of the family.  However,  it seems that most of the meal preparation was left to the women.  switch things up in your home a bit  and get everyone into the kitchen.  Make memories with you little ones as you put together family recipes.  Scroll down to Tasty Traditions to view more.

 

Currently craving- gold in harvest home decor

I love Autumn orange... the way it engulfs my senses and stirs my memories.   But I also love the new trend of gold arriving from the Christmas "catwalk"  early.  Scroll down to vintage finds and see how Barnwood and Tulips transforms this pumpkin....

COMING HOME- - a visit to the home of Alberta Anne Ward and Willimam Leonard Evans

 My mother was born in this pioneer home-  the home of her grandfather William Leonard Evans and Alberta Anne Ward.  As a small girl, my mother used to dance on this porch pretending that each pillar was one of her beaus.  Around and around she would twirl from one to the other, and then pausing she would knock on the door and her grandfather would answer, "yes, Lady Astor?"

 We returned here to remember.  It was fun to listen to her recite the stories I have heard countless times.  She even twirled on the porch for me.  She told the stories with a different tone in her voice-- it was joyful and sad.  She is 72 now and with both parents gone and only one uncle remaining- she is left as the storyteller. 

My great grandfather died the year before I was born.  However, I have come to this home often as it has stayed in the Evans family.  Like  my mother,  I also have memories of running in the yard and playing under the trees.  I even remember descending into the old cellar.  These are memories I cherish. 

 The home was built by William Holyoak.  He was Alberta Anne's grandfather.  When it came time to sell, my great grandfather, William, bought it from the Holyoak family.  The boundary on the South side of the home stood near the original Parowan fort wall.  Adjacent to this home, is William's Harness shop  dating to the original fort times as well.  The barn, outhouse, and chicken coop are likewise original to the home as well.

I feel a closeness to these grandparents even though I never met them- they are mine. 

I saw this picture for the first time last week.  It made me weep.  William and Alberta wear youth so beautifully.  Their live were different than mine.  Their parents crossed the plains and were called to come settle in Parowan.  As recipients of that faith, they have passed it to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren- me.  I can't wait to tell them Thank You!