A few weeks ago, I joined the Christian mom bloggers who’ve been interviewed by the wonderful ladies at 5 Minutes for Mom. I love this site! Twin sisters Janice and Susan have so much going on over there.

I encourage you to take a peek and then stick around and do some Christmas shopping at all the fantastic Mom-Owned webstores they have listed. You’ll find everything from little rocking toys for toddlers, kids golf carts for preschoolers, to collectible coke machines for retro fans.

It’s a nice idea to shop with moms first and spread some extra Christmas cheer to work-at-home moms.

If you love photography, you’ll love the Wordless Wednesday gatherings at 5 Minutes for Mom. Bloggers may send a link to a photo they post on Wednesdays. Talk about inspiration — wow!

Tackle-it-Tuesday is another ongoing collection at 5 Minutes for Mom. I’ve been amazed at Janice’s basement and closet organizing projects — and I’m huffing and puffing along behind her, trying to tackle my own household hot spots. It’s nice to feel like we’re not alone when we’re plowing through STUFF that we hate to do. (It’s not so distasteful when we can blog about it. heh.)

Also, if you like to read positive, encouraging articles about growing in your faith, you’ll want to visit FaithLifts at 5 Minutes for Mom. You can be a guest contributing writer to Faithlifts by sending in an article for consideration here.

You can contact me at:

heather ivester at gmail dot com

It’s the end of the semester on college campuses, and once again I’m stunned at what students will try to turn in as their work. My husband has had to fail several of his students for plagiarizing. He hates doing this. But people must think professors have never heard of the internet.

It’s not just the teenagers (who of course should know better) but it’s the adults, who take classes in between busy family and work schedules. So here’s where it really stinks to have to give them a zero. But come on! If you cut and paste off Wikipedia and pass it off as your own work, you don’t deserve a college diploma. Period.

Anyway, my 6-year-old daughter has been overhearing our discussions about plagiarism, and she’s taken it all to heart. Last night, she was carrying her Bible and a little notebook around.

“What ‘cha writing?” I asked her.

“I’m writing a book about God,” she said.

“Can I read it?”

“OK, you can look at it. But I promise I didn’t copy it. I wrote it in my own words.”

Sure enough, when I began to read it, she was writing out the creation story from the book of Genesis in her own words.

After I read a couple of pages, I looked up at her and said, “This is wonderful. But you know, it’s OK if you copy the Bible. God likes it when we copy His Words. You don’t have to worry about getting in trouble for copying the Bible.”

I explained to her how people used to copy the Bible by hand a long time ago before we had copy machines.

Then I took my own message to heart. It’s OK if you copy the Bible.

Is my life copying the Bible? Do my thoughts and attitudes represent those of Christ? Are my actions worthy of a Christ-follower?

For all of us, “It’s OK to copy the Bible.”

This morning, I wiped away a tear as I dropped off a bag of little boy overalls and toddler-sized clothes at a friend’s house. Both my boys wore these adorable outfits, got their pictures made in them, and made me a proud Mama. But it’s time to pass them along as hand-me-downs.

I’m trying to keep FlyLady’s rules for organization in mind as I prepare for Christmas. When I bring in something new, I need to get rid of something old. OK, so I brought home a whole trunk full of Christmas presents a couple of days ago. (A lady in the parking lot saw my full cart and actually said, “Looks like you’re a last-minute shopper this year!” Huh? There are still 12 days until Christmas!)

Since I brought home a load of new, I filled up my trunk to take out a load of old. It felt great to give the Salvation Army ladies my boxes of good, used clothing — just in time for someone else’s Christmas. (If I’d had time, I would have shopped there too.)

But the overalls. Oh my. The only way I could part with those was to give them to my dear friend whose son is a year younger than mine. I know she understands how sentimental they are to me. She smocks and sews, so she appreciates the little rompers and such. These are NOT practical for a little boy who is now potty trained and independent.

Hand-me-downs make the world go round. When you bless others with your old things, you’re decluttering your house to make room for new memories.

Still, it’s hard. And in writing about it here, hopefully I’ll preserve what matters more than stuff: the images in my mind of my little boys in their overalls. Mary treasured all these things in her heart. Now we modern moms can treasure them in our blogs.

(sniff. sniff.)

The old idea was that you have to live an exciting life to write good books. I believe that you have to have a rich imaginative life. You don’t have to fight dragons to write books. You just have to live deeply the life you’ve been given.
Katherine Paterson, children’s author

If you’re participating in National Novel Writing Month, how’s it coming? I’ve read on a few people’s blogs the up-and-down woes of pounding the keys day after day, trying to reach that magical 50k mark at the end of the month. I’m simply amazed at people who can write, then blog about what they’re writing and get feedback from readers. I can’t do that!

In fact, I was feeling guilty a couple of weeks ago that I’m not telling anyone what I’m working on. Why do I feel this need to keep it all a secret? There’s nothing new under the sun, of course. My story is simply a recycled theme, coupled with my own life experiences and imagination.

Then I started doing some research on children’s author, Katherine Paterson, and I came across her acceptance speech for the Scott O’Dell Award. She started her speech by saying, “As many of you may know, I do not talk about a book while I am working on it. Even my husband is left in the dark until I present him with the messy first draft.”

Ah, relief! It’s OK not to talk about a work in process. It gives me freedom to create while my piece is still in the quiet darkness of my mind and heart. I’ve already changed some character’s names — and I’m sadly thinking about letting one of my characters go. It’s painful, but I think he might be better off in another story.

The more I’ve gotten into writing, the more I’ve realized my need to study how the masters do it. I thought it would come naturally from all the reading I’ve done, but there’s a craft to novel writing — and I don’t have it yet!

I read through Randy Ingermanson’s Snowflake Method, and I’ve worked on several of his steps with my plot and characters. He forced me to think about the design of my whole story, instead of letting my characters plod along and do as they pleased. And I’ve come to a horrible realization about my main character.

She’s too nice.

At least she’s too nice in the beginning. In fact, as I’ve plotted my book’s design using the Snowflake Method, I’m realizing that the problem with my book right now is that there’s not a major problem at all. I’ve just got some nice characters meeting each other, getting involved in a few humorous situations, helping each other, and then we tie things up nicely.

Nice does not a novel make.

I realize now I’ve got to go back and rewrite my first chapter and make my character not so nice. She’s got to have some flaws, some areas for growth — so that by the end of the novel, she’s changed a bit. And I’ve got to include more danger, more action, more antagonists. If everything is so nice and spiffy, then what will readers gain from reading the book? My readers don’t lead perfect, shiny lives — so they’re not going to care about characters who are polished up in the beginning.

It’s going to be hard. Since I’m the one writing the story, and I know how it’s going to end up, I don’t want to change the beginning and poke all these holes in my character. I love her, and I want readers to love her right away too. But she’s got to come to a “shocking realization” about herself (which appears in my one-sentence summary of the book).

So now I see how I must try to rewrite that opening chapter — actually much of the book will need to be rewritten. You see, my readers will be kids, and kids are smart. Especially kids who’d rather be reading a book than watching TV or playing boring video games.

As for my NaNoWriMo progress, I’ve decided to rename my file “The Process of Writing (Novel Title).” In this file, I’m tossing in everything I’ve worked on this month. My daily journal entries that go along with writing out scenes, my character’s autobiographies, my prayers (Lord, please help me write what you want me to write), a few emails from encouraging writerly friends, and bits of dialogue my own children say.

With all this, I’m up to 37,000 words. So I will hopefully keep going a few more days and reach the finish mark. But I’ll have to write by long-hand when we’re traveling to visit family this week because I don’t have a laptop. (sigh.)

Yet Robin Lee Hatcher says she writes her character autobiographies by long-hand, so maybe this will be good for me after all. I think you use a different part of your brain to write by hand as compared to typing.

Many times during this busy month of writing, I’ve felt God speak to me. I know it was Him because the experiences are so powerful, I’ve been overwhelmed to tears. For example, part of my story takes place in the 40s, and one day I was feeling frustrated that I needed so much more time to research.

Then I went to a meeting, and we had a guest speaker, a well-known writer in my hometown who writes a weekly newspaper column. (I’d met her once, when I bought a book she edited.) When she stood up to give her speech, she showed us all some newspapers from the 40s, with headlines screaming about important events that appear in my novel. She talked about what it was like for her. I hope no one in the meeting saw me scrunch down in my seat and wipe away tears.

Another time, I was thinking, This whole writing thing is such a waste of my time. I’m no good. I can’t possibly write a novel. There are several Japanese elements in my story, and I was thinking that there are tons of people who could write about this better than me. I was pushing my cart through Wal-Mart, blessedly alone, while I thought these things. Then I looked up, and I was standing in the Asian section of the store.

There were boxes, packages, and cans of my favorite foods that I remember eating in Japan! The Japanese words jumped out at me, and I could still read them. For example, Wal-Mart carries the “Sapporo Ichiban” brand of Ramen. I could hear the commercial in my head that I watched on TV hundreds of times when I lived there. Again, I was moved to tears, and even though the store was packed, there was no one but me on this aisle, so nobody saw me. Write, my child. Write what’s on your heart.

One day, I got an email from my husband, asking if I’d be interested in going to a particular writing conference next year. This was all his idea. We talked about it, and I decided to get up in the morning and use my NaNoWriMo word count goal to register for the conference. I also signed up for a one-day intensive writing workshop, where you read a part of your work out loud to an editor or agent.

A few days later, I got a package in the mail, confirming my registration. When I went back to the site to check something online, two words jumped out at me: SOLD OUT. The workshop I’m signed up for is now sold out. I couldn’t believe it. If it weren’t for my husband’s prodding, I wouldn’t have a spot. Again, I was overcome with tears!

So, as you see, I’ve become quite an emotional basket case this month! I have so little time to write, only in the wee morning hours, but as I go along my days, I’m listening to my children more closely than ever, jotting down their exact words on sticky notes, studying their actions … and moving … slowly … along … in my dream of writing a children’s novel.

In living this way, I’ve never felt such JOY of being a mom! It’s like my characters are alive in my own home!

And you? What are you dreaming about this week?

I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. May God bless you with a wonderful celebration of His love!

Thanks to Debbie for passing along the link to this video. It shows a Chinese birthmom’s tears as she gives up her baby to have a better life. You’ll need a tissue to watch this.

I’ve never done a “Works for Me Wednesday,” sponsored by Shannon of Rocks in My Dryer, because — frankly — I’m still learning from all of you out there what works for you. I don’t have my act together enough to offer much that works for me.

But in the spirit of Christmas, I’ve decided to jump in this week. Mainly because I want to go read through everyone else’s nifty Christmas ideas and try some new things this year.

What works for me?

A couple of years ago, I really became interested in trying to incorporate some type of simple Advent ceremony in our home. I remember doing this growing up — Mom had an Advent wreath and candles on the coffee table in our living room, and we’d take turns reading from a little Advent book and lighting the candles once a week.

But I didn’t want to do an adult-oriented ceremony with our young children who, at the time, were all eight and under. So I started asking around for ideas.

As it turns out, I got an assignment from HomeLife magazine to write an article on Advent, which gave me a reason to call everybody I could think of who might have some good advice. It was of course in the heat of July when I needed to do this!

One day, I was dropping off our pet hamster at a neighbor’s house who had agreed to “hamster-sit” while we were on vacation, and I happened to ask her about Advent. She’s a homeschooling mother of four, whose kids are some of the nicest people I know.

She’s the one who told me about Jotham’s Journey.

This is book one of a trilogy by Arnold Ytreeide, who has a website telling about each one. My neighbor said this is the best book for her family because it’s perfect to keep kids’ attention and the Advent ceremony is contained within each of the nightly readings. She said every night during Advent, her husband reads out loud to their four kids, then she lets each child have one whole week where they’re in charge of lighting the candle (so there’s no bickering.)

Then on Christmas morning, they all come down to the parents’ bedroom (so they won’t see the toys in the den) to light the white Christ candle and do their reading BEFORE the kids even go discover all their presents. “This keeps their focus all day on the celebration of Christ,” she said. “He’s the reason we give gifts to each other; He’s the reason for our JOY.”

She said they alternate every year between Jotham’s Journey and the sequel, Bartholemew’s Passage. Well, I also discovered Arnold Ytreeide has a third book out now, Tabitha’s Travels. We went ahead and bought all three. I loaned out Bartholemew’s Passage to a friend last year (who remembered to return it — YEA!), and we did Jotham’s Journey as a family.

Here’s how one reviewer describes it:

“Jotham’s Journey is an incredible family read for Christmas time. Each night you share a portion of the story with your family. And each nightly reading leaves you hanging ready for the next night’s passage. Follow Jotham’s journey, a story of a young boy, separated from his family by his neglect and selfish attitude. This separation leads him on a journey to find his family. Will he ever find his family again? Hold your breath when Jotham faces thieves, robbers, and kidnappers. Rejoice in his encounters with wise men, shepherds, and innkeepers until at last he finds his way to the Saviour born in Bethlehem.”

Each of the nightly readings includes a devotional thought with scripture, a prayer, and instruction for lighting the Advent candles.

We enjoyed Jotham’s Journey last year and plan on using Bartholemew’s Passage this year. I placed a very simple wreath on our coffee table, and bought three purple candles, one pink candle, and one white candle for the center.

I like this because it’s simple, all contained within one book — and it’s interesting enough to hold everyone’s attention. I’ve learned to let my 3-year-old color or play with some quiet toys during the reading because he’s not good at keeping STILL for 20 minutes.

***

Since this post is on the topic of Christmas, I’ll also add in one more “Works for Me” we’ve decided on for our family. We gave the Santa issue some serious thought a few years ago and didn’t feel right about telling our kids a big fat man in a red suit will come down our chimney to bring them toys on Christmas Eve. It just seemed too weird — when we’re completely honest with them on everything else.

If we tell our kids that Santa is real, how will they believe that Jesus is really real?

We don’t make a big deal of it, and we tell them that a lot of children like to play this Santa Claus game, so let’s keep it a secret so we don’t spoil it for them.

We’ve got a book about the real St. Nicholas which we read together, and we do pretend like Santa visits — but they run give their Daddy a hug to thank him because they know he’s the one who paid for everything! (Five kids on one income, you get the picture that our “Santa” is a little bit thrifty.)

Thankfully, with the politically correct atmosphere these days, most people tend to understand. In the past couple of years, we’ve seen a big shift at our children’s Christian preschool. There’s a lot more emphasis on “Jesus’ Birthday” than on “What’s Santa bringing you?”

I’m hoping to pick up some more good Christmas ideas at Rocks in My Dryer. Here’s the link to Works for Me Wednesday — Christmas edition.

The Royal Family has joined the blogosphere. Yes, it’s true. I heard about this from Melodee at The Amazing Shrinking Mom.

Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has joined the ClubMom blogging team. Can you believe it? Take a deep breath. If you’re a blogger, you’re now in royal company.

For some reason, I feel validated. Blogging is hip. Maybe the Queen herself will be posting one of these days — or at least leaving a comment.

Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, is passionately committed to improving the lives of children. The Duchess travels the world to build support for a number of children’s causes …

The Duchess of York balances being a mother to two daughters, Princess Beatrice of York (age 18) and Princess Eugenie of York (age 16), and charity work with a diverse international career.

Pour yourself a cup of hot tea and check out The Duchess Diaries. And remember, in England, they call us “mums,” which doesn’t mean a flower. Say that with a British accent, “I’m a mum. Would you care to join me for a cup of tea?”

Maybe I’ll invite her for a visit here someday, if she’s not too busy doing duchess-y things.

P.S. I left a comment at Duchess Diaries. hehe. I wonder if she’ll read it. I feel like I’ve chatted with a royal this morning (don’t tell her I’m in my bathrobe and slippers).

I went to the dentist this week, and the hygenist asked if I had any children.

“Yes, I have five.”

“Five? Well, you look pretty good for having five kids.”

Am I supposed to take this as a compliment?

– – – – –

My 18-month old loves to pull books off the bookshelf right next to my computer. Today, she walked around the house carrying a paperback book she couldn’t let go of. She sat in the floor and “read” it for a while, babbling and turning the pages.

The book? One I keep meaning to read when I have the time. The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell. The subtitle is “How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference.”

I thought about how my baby daughter is a little thing who’s made a big difference in my life. I wonder how many parents feel the same way. Becoming a parent is often a “tipping point” for many of us — we suddenly realize we can’t get through a day (a minute?) without God’s strength.

I’m curious — is trick-or-treating still popular in other parts of the world? Are y’all taking your kids around the block to knock on people’s doors tonight?

It’s waning in popularity here. It just doesn’t seem safe to let kids roam around knocking on people’s doors in costume and asking for candy. I remember we did this alone growing up — just me, my siblings, and friends. We’d come back with huge bags of candy. I remember even going inside a lady’s house where she told us to wait while she went and looked in her kitchen for some apples. It was fun — and she was nice. Now I wouldn’t want my kids doing that.

Churches in our area seem to be filling in the gaps. The new trend is to host huge “Fall Festivals” where the kids can come in costume or not. There are game booths, carnival rides, and cookouts. Our kids’ school had a fabulous petting zoo last weekend with horses, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, rabbits, and even a peacock.

Tonight, several big churches are hosting “Trunk or Treats” from their parking lot. So kids can go from car to car and get candy from people they know.

We’re continuing on with a tradition that just happened to get started a few years ago. My husband’s parents live right off the square in a historic section of town that attracts hundreds of trick-or-treaters. It’s really a safe, well-lit area, and it’s a great place to see people. We have just as much fun answering the door to pass out candy as we do walking around with the kids.

I can’t believe it, but I’m dressing up this year! My girls and I are all wearing Japanese kimonos — they’re really beautiful. I wore mine last weekend, and people stopped and bowed to me, giving me the chance to say, Konnichiwa. Hajimemashite. (Hello, nice to meet you.)

Yesterday, my three-year-old participated in his preschool costume parade — as a Storm Trooper, which he pronounces “Stoom Trooper.” He absolutely loved wearing his costume to school, and my husband even got off work a few minutes to come. While he and I were talking to a friend, we didn’t realize that our 18-month old daughter had escaped from her stroller and had joined in the parade. (It was indoors.) Oh my, she was adorable. We’ve found a hand-me-down cheerleader costume for her to wear tonight. And my oldest son, 10, has insisted on wearing a box, which he designed to look like a circuit board that lights up.

I’m not crazy about all the disgusting, scary things we see this time of year. I went to the grocery store yesterday and they had all these spooky green hands and ghoulish heads placed around the produce section. My youngest daughter looked scared and her eyes got big when some of the hands moved by motion sensors. That stuff is just plain evil to me.

But the costumes are fun. We plan on putting together some kind of play to perform at Christmas for the grandparents. It will be fun to see what we come up with that involves Japanese ladies in kimonos, a storm trooper, cheerleader, and a talking circuit board. Any ideas?