25 Days of Christmas 2012-December 24th: The Legend of the Candy Cane

I am thrilled to be able to share so many great posts this month in anticipation of Christmas with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare. Today it is my turn to share again. 

It is very important to me to teach the children the true meaning of the Christmas holiday. There are so many traditions surrounding Christmas and I want to make sure the ones we choose to share with our children are meaningful and focused on the birth of Jesus. One tradition I used to love growing up was that my mother would put candy canes on the tree for Christmas morning while we slept. Of course, we thought it was Santa Claus when he brought the presents. Though we don't put up a tree or teach our children about Santa Claus, I still love to give the children real peppermint candy canes. I didn't realize growing up (and I don't think my mother did either) that there is a Legend surrounding the Candy Cane. Though I am sure this is just a story, I love that it focuses on Jesus.

We have a book titled, The Candymaker's Gift: The Inspirational Legend of the Candy Cane by David and Helen Haidle. It tells the story of a candymaker who wants to give a special gift to his granddaughter and her friends for Christmas, one that focuses on the true gift of Christmas.  So, he makes a new candy.

It is:

White because Jesus is the Holy, sinless Son of God.

Hard because Jesus is our rock.

Peppermint to remind us of the gift of spices from the wise men.

Shaped like a cane to represent the shepherd's staff, a reminder that Jesus is our "Good Shepherd"

(and though it isn't mentioned in the book I would say to remind us that the shepherds are the first people the angels told the Good News to).

Shaped like a "J" to stand for Jesus, our Savior.

Red to remind us that it was God's love that sent Jesus to give his life.

and

Striped to remind us of Jesus' suffering.

I thought it was really cool that his granddaughter ended up helping him figure out what it would look like while pondering what each attribute represented. Then, at the back of the book there are ideas for a Candy Cane party, Candy Cane celebrations, Candy Cane decorating, and a candy cane cookie recipe. We used to make these cookies to place on our church's Christmas caroling cookie gift plates. 

You will also find the Meaning of the Candy Cane in the back of the book plus the Plan for Salvation. 

So, how are we incorporating candy canes into our Christmas?

• We read the book and looked up the verses that talk about each of the different meanings of the candy cane. 
• The girls will be getting candy canes in their stockings.
• We may play a game focused on the meaning of the candy cane on Christmas morning. 
• We made a Birthday Cake for Jesus. I am still debating if we are going to eat it before our Christmas Eve Candle Light church service or with Christmas dinner. 

Here is a picture of the almost finished cake. The candy cane on the top is the "J" in Jesus. 

Here is the finished cake.

If you would like more details on how we made the cake and what is in it, please see this week's Kids and a Mom in the Kitchen post.

25 Days of Christmas 2012- December 23rd: Easy & Clever Ways to Wrap Christmas Presents

I am thrilled to be able to share so many great posts this month in anticipation of Christmas with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare. 

Today's post is brought to you by Alyson at 3 Ps in a Pod!

     Aren't you excited?!  It is almost Christmas!!  The featured post is about some easy and clever ways to wrap beautiful  Christmas gifts ~ And who doesn't love the look of all the gifts neatly wrapped under the tree?
   Alyson has put together a terrific set of ideas using items you probably already have, right in your own home. The beautiful package pictured above is just one of the simple yet appealing ideas offered! 
To check out the whole post and enter today's fun-filled giveaway, go here! 

Enter to win a different prize each day, from Nov. 29th through Dec.24th, with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare Giveaways! Each day we will be highlighting a post from one of our blog partners. Look for the link daily that will take you to the blogshare post of the day. By clicking on the day link you will find the rafflecopter form to enter each of the 25 Days of Christmas Giveaways!

The featured giveaway is a fun, retro game system featuring 12 Pac Man and Pac Man related games!

And don't miss out on all the giveaways from the previous posts. Each giveaway is open for 7 days! 

Fogless Shower Mirror ends tonight

Smiley Cookies ends 12/24

Nielson-Massey Vanilla Flavorings and cookbook ends 12/25

Gift Bag filled with Flora by Gucci ends 12/26

Electric Stainless Steel Fondue Pot ends 12/27

Happy on Purpose Book ends 12/28

25 Days of Christmas 2012- December 22nd: Guyanese Celebration with Food

I am thrilled to be able to share so many great posts this month in anticipation of Christmas with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare. 

Today's post is brought to you by Christine at Mama Papa Barn!

Photo from Food.com

Have you ever thought about what other cultures and nations consume during the holidays? Well, you are going to learn about how ¤Guyanese¤ celebrate the holidays through food! Get the tasty bits here!

Enter to win a different prize each day, from Nov. 29th through Dec.24th, with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare Giveaways! Each day we will be highlighting a post from one of our blog partners. Look for the link daily that will take you to the blogshare post of the day. By clicking on the day link you will find the rafflecopter form to enter each of the 25 Days of Christmas Giveaways!

Today's giveaway is for the book, Happy on Purpose!

And don't miss out on all the giveaways from the previous posts. Each giveaway is open for 7 days! 

My Twins' First Birthday Book ends tonight.

Fogless Shower Mirror ends 12/23

Smiley Cookies ends 12/24

Nielson-Massey Vanilla Flavorings and cookbook ends 12/25

Gift Bag filled with Flora by Gucci ends 12/26

Electric Stainless Steel Fondue Pot ends 12/27

25 Days of Christmas 2012- December 21st

I am thrilled to be able to share so many great posts this month in anticipation of Christmas with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare. 

Today's post is brought to you by Sweeping the USA!

Today Sweeping The USA is giving away an Electric Stainless Steel Fondue Pot!! Mmmmm fondue......

Enter to win a different prize each day, from Nov. 29th through Dec.24th, with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare Giveaways! Each day we will be highlighting a post from one of our blog partners. Look for the link daily that will take you to the blogshare post of the day. By clicking on the day link you will find the rafflecopter form to enter each of the 25 Days of Christmas Giveaways!

Today's giveaway is for an Electric Stainless Steel Fondue Pot!

Go HERE for your chance to win today's giveaway!

And don't miss out on all the giveaways from the previous posts. Each giveaway is open for 7 days! 

My Twins' First Birthday Book ends tonight.

Fogless Shower Mirror ends 12/23

Smiley Cookies ends 12/24

Nielson-Massey Vanilla Flavorings and cookbook ends 12/25

Gift Bag filled with Flora by Gucci ends 12/26

25 Days of Christmas 2012- December 20th: Sweet Treats for You

I am thrilled to be able to share so many great posts this month in anticipation of Christmas with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare. 

Today's post is brought to you by Asha at Asha Butterflys

During the Christmas holiday it is a big thing for our family. Ever since I was a young child my mother always made the holidays so special decorating the house, making cookies and treats. Now, that I am older I am doing the same thing, making the holidays bright and cheery.

For this holiday season and part of the
25 Days of Chistmas
I am going to making it special .
With sweet treats to eat and a sweet giveaway for you.

A Gift Purse Bag filled with
Flora :: The Garden Gucci Perfum,
Jewery and a few other goodies.

Click here to find today's giveaway!

Enter to win a different prize each day, from Nov. 29th through Dec.24th, with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare Giveaways! Each day we will be highlighting a post from one of our blog partners. Look for the link daily that will take you to the blogshare post of the day. By clicking on the day link you will find the rafflecopter form to enter each of the 25 Days of Christmas Giveaways!

Today's giveaway is for Flora by Gucci!

Click on the link above to enter this giveaway (and check out her yummy recipe)!

And don't miss out on all the giveaways from the previous posts. Each giveaway is open for 7 days! 

$20 KFC GC ends 12/20

The Three Gifts book ends 12/21

My Twins' First Birthday Book ends 12/22

Fogless Shower Mirror ends 12/23

Smiley Cookies ends 12/24

Nielson-Massey Vanilla Flavorings and cookbook ends 12/25

25 Days of Christmas 2012- December 19th: Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas

I am thrilled to be able to share so many great posts this month in anticipation of Christmas with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare. 

Today's post is brought to you by Rena at An Ordinary Housewife!

     Today's featured post and giveaway is over at An Ordinary Housewife. The featured giveaway is for a Nielson-Massey Vanilla Flavorings and cookbook and the featured post is about last minute Christmas gifts from things you probably already have on hand.
     After all, who wants to go out in the Christmas rush for some random item? So she has compiled a list of gifts you can make that you probably already have materials for.
     The bath salt pictured above is just one of the suggestions offered! To check out the whole post and enter today's fabulous giveaway, go here!

Enter to win a different prize each day, from Nov. 29th through Dec.24th, with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare Giveaways! Each day we will be highlighting a post from one of our blog partners. Look for the link daily that will take you to the blogshare post of the day. By clicking on the day link you will find the rafflecopter form to enter each of the 25 Days of Christmas Giveaways!

Today's giveaway is for a Nielson-Massey Vanilla Flavorings and cookbook!

Click on the link above to enter this giveaway (and check out her last minute Christmas gift ideas)!

And don't miss out on all the giveaways from the previous posts. Each giveaway is open for 7 days! 

$20 KFC GC ends 12/20

The Three Gifts book ends 12/21

My Twins' First Birthday Book ends 12/22

Fogless Shower Mirror ends 12/23

25 Days of Christmas 2012- December 18th:Decorating with Popcorn and Cranberries

I am thrilled to be able to share so many great posts this month in anticipation of Christmas with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare. 

Today's post is brought to you by Phaedra at Identity Discovery!

Stringing popcorn and cranberries for our Christmas tree has been a tradition my entire life. We have done it to bring the family closer and to save money in decorating. However, when I looked at other people's idea of how to string these garlands, I learned that my family does it a little differently than others. Check out my post on what we do differently and how you too can decorate inexpensively with an old fashioned flair. Also be sure you enter today's giveaway for Smiley Cookies (click here for the review). Enter Here

Enter to win a different prize each day, from Nov. 29th through Dec.24th, with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare Giveaways! Each day we will be highlighting a post from one of our blog partners. Look for the link daily that will take you to the blogshare post of the day. By clicking on the day link you will find the rafflecopter form to enter each of the 25 Days of Christmas Giveaways!

Today's giveaway is for a Smiley Cookies!

Click on the link above to enter this giveaway (and check out her unique way to string popcorn and cranberries)!

And don't miss out on all the giveaways from the previous posts. Each giveaway is open for 7 days! 

Biblical Beauty Book ends tonight

Snow Globe Memories Book ends 12/19

$20 KFC GC ends 12/20

The Three Gifts book ends 12/21

My Twins' First Birthday Book ends 12/22

Fogless Shower Mirror ends 12/23

25 Days of Christmas 2012- December 17th:Christmas Eve Recipes

I am thrilled to be able to share so many great posts this month in anticipation of Christmas with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare. 

Today's post is brought to you by Sonya at Parga's Junkyard!

Have you planned your Christmas or Christmas Eve Dinner yet? For Christmas Eve I usually like to plan something easy to prepare, like Taco's! Check out my Menu ideas and recipes for Christmas Eve 2012 at the Junkyard HERE! While you are there make sure to enter today's 25 Days of Christmas Giveaway of the Day!

Enter to win a different prize each day, from Nov. 29th through Dec.24th, with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare Giveaways! Each day we will be highlighting a post from one of our blog partners. Look for the link daily that will take you to the blogshare post of the day. By clicking on the day link you will find the rafflecopter form to enter each of the 25 Days of Christmas Giveaways!

Today's giveaway is for a Fogless Shower Mirror!

Click on the link above to enter this giveaway (and check out some great recipes)!

And don't miss out on all the giveaways from the previous posts. Each giveaway is open for 7 days! 

The Scented Adventures of The Bouquet Sisters in Fairyland  ends tonight

Biblical Beauty Book ends 12/18

Snow Globe Memories Book ends 12/19

$20 KFC GC ends 12/20

The Three Gifts book ends 12/21

My Twins' First Birthday Book ends 12/22

25 Days of Christmas 2012- December 16th:Christmas Trees: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly and the Huh?

I am thrilled to be able to share so many great posts this month in anticipation of Christmas with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare. 

Today's post is brought to you by Dani Sue at Dani Sue Dreams!

The Christmas Tree is probably the most iconic image of Christmas. Every year millions of people all in the United States, Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world either dig out that dusty old faux tree, cut down a fresh one, and sometimes even invent their own! I remember my Grandma Ann did a different theme every year...one year she just had 2 columns of faux white pine leaves with all pink tinsel and ornaments. Throughout the years she had many different themes, some good and some outlandish...but always full of Christmas cheer. I scoured the Internet to bring you some of the best in show, worst in show, and everything in between...of Christmas trees. Get inspired or see what not to do! Click here for the entire post.

Enter to win a different prize each day, from Nov. 29th through Dec.24th, with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare Giveaways! Each day we will be highlighting a post from one of our blog partners. Look for the link daily that will take you to the blogshare post of the day. By clicking on the day link you will find the rafflecopter form to enter each of the 25 Days of Christmas Giveaways!

Today's giveaway is for My Twins' First Birthday book!

Click on the link above to enter this giveaway (and see some...interesting trees)!

And don't miss out on all the giveaways from the previous posts. Each giveaway is open for 7 days! 

The Soylicious Melter Gems/Candle Giveaway ends 12/16

The Scented Adventures of The Bouquet Sisters in Fairyland  ends 12/17

Biblical Beauty Book ends 12/18

Snow Globe Memories Book ends 12/19

$20 KFC GC ends 12/20

The Three Gifts book ends 12/21

25 Days of Christmas 2012- December 15th: Family Friendly Christmas Movies

I am thrilled to be able to share so many great posts this month in anticipation of Christmas with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare. 

Today's post is brought to you by Missy at Simply Raising 8!

Click HERE to read about some Great Family Friendly Christmas Movies to watch with the family.  I will be having a giveaway for The Three Gifts Book by Daris Howard so be sure to click and stop by. (You can read the book review HERE)

Enter to win a different prize each day, from Nov. 29th through Dec.24th, with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare Giveaways! Each day we will be highlighting a post from one of our blog partners. Look for the link daily that will take you to the blogshare post of the day. By clicking on the day link you will find the rafflecopter form to enter each of the 25 Days of Christmas Giveaways!

Today's giveaway is for The Three Gifts book!
Click on the link above to enter this giveaway!

And don't miss out on all the giveaways from the previous posts. Each giveaway is open for 7 days! 

The Soylicious Melter Gems/Candle Giveaway ends 12/16

The Scented Adventures of The Bouquet Sisters in Fairyland  ends 12/17

Biblical Beauty Book ends 12/18

Snow Globe Memories Book ends 12/19

$20 KFC GC ends 12/20

25 Days of Christmas 2012- December 14th: Swedish Christmas Traditions

I am thrilled to be able to share so many great posts this month in anticipation of Christmas with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare. 

Today's post is brought to you by Christine from Mama Papa Barn!

Photo from Skogsviola

Have you ever thought about how other cultures celebrate the holiday season? Are you a  multi-cultural family who observes different traditions? Well, you are about to find out about three uniquely Swedish traditions, all starting with the letter 'L'! Get the lovely details here!

¤God Jul¤

Enter to win a different prize each day, from Nov. 29th through Dec.24th, with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare Giveaways! Each day we will be highlighting a post from one of our blog partners. Look for the link daily that will take you to the blogshare post of the day. By clicking on the day link you will find the rafflecopter form to enter each of the 25 Days of Christmas Giveaways!

Today's giveaway is for a $20 KFC GC!
Click on the link above to enter this giveaway (and check out some Swedish Christmas traditions)!

And don't miss out on all the giveaways from the previous posts. Each giveaway is open for 7 days! 

The "Bubbleride" CD Giveaway ends today

The Black and Decker Food Processor Giveaway ends 12/15

The Soylicious Melter Gems/Candle Giveaway ends 12/16

The Scented Adventures of The Bouquet Sisters in Fairyland  ends 12/17

Biblical Beauty Book ends 12/18

Snow Globe Memories Book ends 12/19

25 Days of Christmas 2012- December 13th: Kolachki (Slovak Nut Roll) Recipe

I am thrilled to be able to share so many great posts this month in anticipation of Christmas with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare. 

Today's post is brought to you by Stacey from Couponing With Boys!

I can remember being probably 3 or 4 (or maybe I've just heard this story so many times that I *think* I remember this) and making Kolachki with my grandmother & mom. Kolachki's are a Slovak Nut Roll that we made every Christmas. usually to eat on Christmas morning, but we've also made them to have as breakfast on Thanksgiving too. So, I'm sharing the recipe that my Grandmother Dorothy used for these tasty, nutty rolls so you can share with your families! There are so many different recipes for these traditional Nut Rolls, and many filling variations including Poppy Seed and Jelly! Head over and check out this fantastic Christmas recipe. While you're there enter to win today's giveaway!

Enter to win a different prize each day, from Nov. 29th through Dec.24th, with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare Giveaways! Each day we will be highlighting a post from one of our blog partners. Look for the link daily that will take you to the blogshare post of the day. By clicking on the day link you will find the rafflecopter form to enter each of the 25 Days of Christmas Giveaways!

Today's giveaway is for the Snow Globe Memories Book

Click on the link above to enter this giveaway (and check out the recipe for Kolachki)!

25 Days of Christmas 2012- December 12th: Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

I am thrilled to be able to share so many great posts this month in anticipation of Christmas with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare. 

Today's post is brought to you by Rita from Rockin Rebel Deals!

My favorite holiday tradition is making Christmas candy with my dad and passing out goodie baskets to my friends.  Click HERE to see my Peanut Butter Fudge recipe.

While you're there, be sure to enter the Biblical Beauty Book giveaway.

Enter to win a different prize each day, from Nov. 29th through Dec.24th, with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare Giveaways! Each day we will be highlighting a post from one of our blog partners. Look for the link daily that will take you to the blogshare post of the day. By clicking on the day link you will find the rafflecopter form to enter each of the 25 Days of Christmas Giveaways!

And don't miss out on all the giveaways from the previous posts. Each giveaway is open for 7 days! 

The Christmas Star Book Giveaway ends today.

The $25 Amazon GC Giveaway ends 12/13

The "Bubbleride" CD Giveaway ends 12/14

The Black and Decker Food Processor Giveaway ends 12/15

The Soylicious Melter Gems/Candle Giveaway ends 12/16

The Scented Adventures of The Bouquet Sisters in Fairyland Giveaway ends 12/17

25 Days of Christmas 2012- December 11th: Homemade Ornaments

I am thrilled to be able to share so many great posts this month in anticipation of Christmas with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare. 

Today's post is brought to you by our co-host Rena at An Ordinary Housewife!

She shares a few ideas for homemade Christmas ornaments. These ornaments are fun and kid friendly. Today's giveaway is for the book, "Scented Adventures of the Bouquet Sisters in Fairyland." I hope you will check out the post and maybe enter to win a great prize! You can view the whole post here.

Enter to win a different prize each day, from Nov. 29th through Dec.24th, with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare Giveaways! Each day we will be highlighting a post from one of our blog partners. Look for the link daily that will take you to the blogshare post of the day. By clicking on the day link you will find the rafflecopter form to enter each of the 25 Days of Christmas Giveaways!

And don't miss out on all the giveaways from the previous posts. Each giveaway is open for 7 days! 

The GalloLea Pizza Kits Giveaway ends today

The Christmas Star Book Giveaway ends 12/12

The $25 Amazon GC Giveaway ends 12/13

The "Bubbleride" CD Giveaway ends 12/14

The Black and Decker Food Processor Giveaway ends 12/15

The Soylicious Melter Gems/Candle Giveaway ends 12/16

25 Days of Christmas 2012- December 10th: Pecan Brittle

I am thrilled to be able to share so many great posts this month in anticipation of Christmas with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare. 

Today's post is brought to you by Dixieland Mom Product Reviews

During the Christmas holidays, I make a ton of candy! My all time favorite is for Pecan Brittle.  I love the rich buttery flavor of Pecan Brittle and I'll be sharing my recipe for this brittle during the 25 Days of Christmas Event! So come over and visit me on December 10th and I'll be sharing this awesome recipe! 

We will be giving away a Soylicious Melter and 2 Melter Gems of your choice! To see all the choices you will have, visit Soylicious!  Each package of melter gems contains a ring worth anywhere from $10-$1000! And One Candle of your choice!  ARV-$86 We have a fantastic range of scents to choose from and a huge variety of melters! Wouldn't someone on your gift list LOVE these for Christmas?

Merry Christmas!

Enter to win a different prize each day, from Nov. 29th through Dec.24th, with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare Giveaways! Each day we will be highlighting a post from one of our blog partners. Look for the link daily that will take you to the blogshare post of the day. By clicking on the day link you will find the rafflecopter form to enter each of the 25 Days of Christmas Giveaways!

And don't miss out on all the giveaways from the previous posts. Each giveaway is open for 7 days! 

The Anniversary Gold Slinky/Our America Game Giveaway ends today.

The GalloLea Pizza Kits Giveaway ends 12/11

The Christmas Star Book Giveaway ends 12/12

The $25 Amazon GC Giveaway ends 12/13

The "Bubbleride" CD Giveaway ends 12/14

The Black and Decker Food Processor Giveaway ends 12/15

The Soylicious Melter Gems/Candle Giveaway ends 12/16

25 Days of Christmas 2012- December 9th: Food Processor

I am thrilled to be able to share so many great posts this month in anticipation of Christmas with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare. 

Today's post is brought to you by Register Cents!

CHRISTMAS IS AROUND THE CORNER AND THAT MEANS LOTS OF DELICIOUS FOOD. I REMEMBER WAKING UP ON CHRISTMAS MORNING TO MY MOM AND OLDER SISTERS IN THE KITCHEN STARTING OUR FEAST. THE COUNTERS WERE FULL OF EVERY APPLIANCE IMAGINABLE. I COULD NEVER FIGURE OUT EXACTLY WHAT THE NEED WAS FOR ALL OF THESE MACHINES BUT THEY HELPED TO CREATE THIS FABULOUS FEAST. THE ONE MACHINE THAT CAUGHT MY ATTENTION MOST WAS THIS PROCESSOR. IT WAS AMAZING TO WATCH THIS MACHINE TAKE ON ALL SORTS OF TASK FROM CHOPPING TO MINCING. I LOOK FOOD, AND WHAT BETTER GIFT TO GIVE THAN AN APPLIANCE TO HELP CREATE ALL KINDS OF YUMMY DISHES.

 ENTER HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A BLACK AND DECKER FOOD PROCESSOR TO HELP MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS FEAST. BUT DON’T WORRY THERE ARE MANY GIFTS THAT WILL COME YOUR WAY AS WE HAVE A TOTAL OF 25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS WITH EACH DAY BRINGING A NEW PRIZE FOR YOU TO WIN AND ENJOY.

Enter to win a different prize each day, from Nov. 29th through Dec.24th, with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare Giveaways! Each day we will be highlighting a post from one of our blog partners. Look for the link daily that will take you to the blogshare post of the day. By clicking on the day link you will find the rafflecopter form to enter each of the 25 Days of Christmas Giveaways!

Today's giveaway is for a Black and Decker Food Processor
Click on the link above to enter this giveaway!

25 Days of Christmas 2012- December 8th: "It's No Puzzle" Picture Frame Gift and Giveaway

Christmas, a time of giving. 

I remember when I was growing up how much homemade gifts meant to my mom. I don't know if you feel the same way, but I can understand where she was coming from. In fact, I know she still feels the same way. A gift made specifically for a loved one is made from the heart. Our children LOVE to make things for us all the time and we accept them with such enthusiasm, because we know they were made out of love.

It is so easy to go to the store and pick out gifts for those on our list and  I realize it takes time to make a gift.   But, I hope you will think about helping your children make this special gift for the special people in their lives. We are making these photo frames for both my mom and hubby's parents because I feel they make great gifts for grandparents. I know my mom will love to have the little ones make one of these for her because she still has the frame the older children made for her 11 years ago.

They are really simple to make, yet they put a new spin on giving pictures as gifts.

Here is what you will need:
Old jigsaw puzzle (60 pc or 100 pc)
Red, Green and Glitter acrylic paint
White school glue
Cardstock or Poster board
Cardboard cut just a little bigger than the Card Stock/Poster Board
Picture(s)

We started out by painting the back of some puzzle pieces red and green.

When they were dry I gathered the glue, cardboard, cardstock, and pictures.

I made the cardboard just a little bit bigger than the cardstock because I wanted to have a little extra room for the puzzle pieces. I didn't want to pictures to be crowded.

Whatever you do, don't forget to paint some outer edge pieces. You will need the flat part for the bottom of the frame so it will sit flat on whatever surface the receiver of the gift places it. By the way, I almost forgot.

I showed the girls how to place the puzzle pieces so that the cardboard edge wasn't showing. 

Then we added the pictures and I wrote, "It's no puzzle" on one side, and "We love you" on the other side.

When it was dry I prepared to add a stand. I cut a strip of cardboard about 1 inch taller than the height of the frame. I had to play with it a bit and ended up cutting off 1/2 an inch to get it to sit right.

Fold the top of the strip at about 1 inch and attach almost to the top of the frame.

Then I cut a smaller strip to help hold the stand steady. I folded it 3 times because the ends are attached to the frame and the stand, then the middle fold helps it to bend to lay it flat for shipping.

I am linking this up with the Schoolhouse Review Crew Blog Cruise

This giveaway is now over. 

However, You can enter to win a different prize each day, from Nov. 29th through Dec.24th, with the 25 Days of Christmas Blogshare Giveaways!