I have absolutely loved reading all you comments on yesterday’s post! It is so fun for me to be able to give back to all of you who so faithfully read, comment, link up, and jump through hoops to restart your browser/computer/internet just to be able to see my site!
Before I jump into today’s giveaways I wanted to invite you – if you haven’t already – to sign up to subscribe to this site by email. I’ve moved everything over to a snazzy Mail Chimp set up, and once you’ve subscribed & confirmed your email address, you’ll get a lovely little note with a link to download my free “Behind the Scenes” eBook 🙂
On to the giveaways!
One very lucky winner of today’s giveaway will win a lovely set to get you ready for the holidays:
A copy of Amanda White’s fabulous Christmas Advent eBook “Truth in the Tinsel,” a copy of “Why Do We Call it Christmas?” from What’s in the Bible, and a copy of “Begin,” the first in the Growly series from Erin & Phil Ulrich.
About Truth in the Tinsel: (affiliate links used) This ebook will lead you and your children on your own experience through the Christmas Story. You’ll take a few minutes each day in reading the Christmas Story directly from the Bible, making a fun ornament craft and talking about it together. Though intended, quite wisely by my faux-hawk rocking friend Amanda, to be done with your kiddos, I have to admit that I did some of the crafts on my own and had so much fun. When my little one is older we will definitely be doing this as part of our Christmas tradition! Amanda inspires me daily 🙂
BONUS: Just for you, my lovely readers, you can get 20% off Truth in the Tinsel when you visit Amanda’s site & use code CRYSTALSTINE!
And when Madison is old enough for chapter books, do you want to know which series I’m going to start with? While you might guess The Babysitters Club (side note: I totally wanted to be Claudia. Minus the diabetes thing.) it’s actually the Growly books. I read the first in the series, “Begin,” as soon as it came out and was thrilled to see that the second installment, “Widewater,” has just been released! The books are written by Phil & Erin, incredibly creative, talented, and kind friends I’m blessed to have met in real life. Here’s more from the Growly Book site: For centuries the bears of Haven have lived quiet lives, high in the mountains at the edge of the great Precipice. That all changes for a young cub named Growly when he receives a mysterious message. With just his backpack and glider, Growly sets out on a desperate journey to find his grandfather’s long lost friend . . . and to find a way back home.
Have you heard of What’s in the Bible? If you are a Veggie Tales fan, you will love these videos by Veggie Tales creator Phil Vischer. In his first new project since VeggieTales, Vischer has set out to teach kids (and parents!) the story of the Bible – God’s great rescue plan! We know the stories of Moses, Noah, David, and Jesus, but in this groundbreaking new Bible DVD series, we learn how they all fit together to tell one big, redemptive story.
So there you have it! A fun-filled, Christmas-themed day 2 for our giveaways! To enter, just complete the PunchTab actions, below (if you’re reading this via email you’ll need to click over to the site to enter). All giveaways will stay open through the 27th, so feel free to go back and enter yesterday’s if you missed it!
It’s a Wonderful Life. I don’t remember my first chapter book, but the first one I read to my girls was Catwings by Ursula LeGuin….There are three in the series and it is a beautiful story about flying cats.
My family HAS to watch A Christmas Story every year – such a classic! 🙂
My first chapter book was probably The Sleepover Friends. I don’t think they sell them anymore…kind of like The Babysitters’ Club but instead of babysitting, they have sleepovers. :p
My first chapter book was a Babysitter’s Little Sister. And my fave Christmas movie?? It’s a Wonderful Life!!
I don’t remember my very first chapter book, but the first one that made a huge impression (and turned me into a reader) was Where the Red Fern Grows. <3 My favorite Christmas movie is It's a Wonderful Life.
Aaaahhhh…the Babysitter’s Club. I bought the new one each month when it came out and read them faithfully until I was too embarrassed to buy them in public anymore! (But they’re still tucked away in the basement, and occasionally I’ll pull one out for a read down memory lane.) 😉 Too many Christmas movies to name…It’s a Wonderful Life, Home Alone 1 & 2 (watched them both this weekend!) but my favorite is probably Prancer. Totally cheesy, late 80’s, and the only time my dad ever took me to a movie. It’s one of my most special memories with him. 🙂
First Chapter book? Nancy Drew mysteries. Fave Christmas movie? It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, The Christmas Shoes, the Christmas Card, and others!
Cathy B*****y Palmbreezelife a tyahoodotcom
First chapter book? I think a Laura Ingalls Wilder book. My sisters and I loved doing “Little House” dress up and stories. Christmas movie? Then: Charlie Brown Christmas. Now: It’s A Wonderful Life.
I can’t remember what my 1st Chapter book was but I can tell you my kids & I love cuddling up before bed reading a couple of chapters out of Begin. They beg me each night to read more :-).
Growing up I loved the Sweet Valley High books & Little House on the Prairie series, I have a set from my MIL in the attic waiting to give to my daughter :-).
OK, so, my mom told me the other day my 9-year-old niece just started reading The Babysitter’s Club. And then I broke into stories about Claudia and Kristy. BUT I TOTALLY FORGOT CLAUDIA HAD DIABETES. (I’m a type 1 diabetic, so your comment there totally piqued my interest and jogged my memory!)
And I didn’t really even answer the question. I’m not sure what my first chapter books was – maybe the Ramona series? My 6-year-old girl has been reading Ramona, which totally warms my book-lovin’ heart. And The Holiday and Love Actually are my favorite Christmas movies.
Oh gosh, I think my first chapter book was something like Hardy Boy mysteries! Thanks for the giveaway!
First chapter book…I have no idea for sure, but Sweet Valley High and Babysitter’s Club were definitely my favorites! Favorite Christmas movie is ELF for sure. And we also like It’s a Wonderful Life. 🙂
Ah! Sweet Valley High! I loved those 🙂
First chapter book…wow, I started reading so early and so much I can’t remember. I DO remember getting the boxed set of Narnia Chronicles when I was 12 that I still have and cherish to this day! Christmas movies: The Grinch, Charlie Brown and Little Women is a christmas movie to me! 🙂
Christmas movie? Charlie Brown. Just because my kids latch onto the truth in it!
Can’t go wrong with a classic – especially one with a great message!
First chapter book? The Mandie Series by Lois Gladys Leopard!
HAHA, oh the BSC! I was mildly obsessed 🙂 What a cool giveaway!
My first chapter book was definitely one of the Ramona Quimby books. A couple years ago I went out and bought a box set for my then-future-children to read 🙂
Not a TYPICAL Christmas movie, but I l o v e “While You Were Sleeping” and watch it nearly every Christmastime 🙂 But a typical Christmas movie? Elf still makes me giggle 🙂
LOVE Elf 🙂 And I’m…ahem…already watching the cheesy Christmas movies on Lifetime & Hallmark…
Baby Sitter’s Club. I knew I liked you.
*smooch* thanks for making today such a fun giveaway 🙂
Favorite chapter book?? Probably the Little House series – or the Ramona series by Judy Blume!! Favorite Christmas movie?? The Christmas Carol! 🙂
Oh I was such a Judy Blume fan!