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Merry Christmas
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Three Wise Gifts
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 One Christmas we were feeling financially and mentally
overwhelmed with the frenzy of gift giving. I was reading a book about
holiday traditions and learned of one family’s idea that refocused
time and attention to the spirit of Christmas. The parents gave their
children three simple gifts, just as Jesus received three gifts from the
Wise Men. We gathered together and talked about starting this tradition
in our own family. Everyone agreed that this tradition would help us
focus on other aspects of Christmas and free up time and money for the
entire family.
The new tradition was welcomed by all. We knew exactly when our shopping
was complete, the girls quickly stopped asking for every new toy they
saw, and there was an absence of panic that often flooded our December
days. Everyone began to think more about the gifts they were giving
rather than receiving. The three gifts are not wrapped, but rather set
out in the living room on Christmas morning. We still placed presents
from grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, friends, and neighbors
under our tree and the kids receive a stocking with basic items like
socks, batteries, and new toothbrushes.
This has become one of our favorite holiday traditions. We love the
simplicity of our gift giving and the peace that has filled our home. We
often hear our kids telling others how they receive three gifts at
Christmas, just like Jesus. It has led to many inspiring questions from
our children.
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Introducting the Book Corner
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 Accountable Kids is continually introduced to great
children’s books that touch our hearts through simple and inspiring
messages. In 2007 the Accountable Kids web-site will offer a Book Corner
where parents can share their favorite books and find new favorites to
bring into the home. We will also provide links to sites that offer good
prices, discounts, or coupon codes to our customers. We invite you to
visit our Book Corner to discover new books, learn new stories, and share
your favorite books with other families.
Share Your Favorite Book
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Family of the Month: The Kimball Family
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 We love the Accountable Kids program! Before we started I
was always constantly reminding our four boys what needed to be done. I
felt like I was always getting after them. It was exhausting! We started
the program more than a year ago and it has been AWESOME! They know just
what needs to be done! I'm not the nagging mother anymore! It's so nice
to have a routine! The boys love being in charge of their jobs, and their
time!
We also really love the special dates! We had been wanting to do this for
awhile, but never seemed to fit it in. We love that they get to earn the
dates. It's great because now we schedule in the one-on-one time. It's
now a priority! They count down how many days they have left before they
earn their next special date. They plan each one out days in advance.
It's a real joy!
One evening my 6 year old son was really looking forward to the next day.
He had big plans with his friends. I heard some bustling right before
bedtime and went in his room. There he was dressed in his clothes for the
next day. He had combed his hair and had carefully placed his toothpaste
and toothbrush on his dresser. His room was clean and his bed was made. I
got a good laugh out of that!
I told him that was really great, but that he'd probably need his hair
combed again after sleeping on it. So he put the squirt bottle and comb
on the dresser as well. He did decide it was okay to put his pajamas on
and sleep in his bed. We love this program! It has been fabulous!
Rachelle Kimball
Share your Story
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Just A Thought
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“We tend to forget that happiness
doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather
of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”
Frederick Keonig
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It is going to be a great day!
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Book of the Month
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Giraffes
Can't Dance Giles Andreae
Gerald learns to dance to his own beat. Issues include overcoming
obstacles, discovering individual talents and feeling good about oneself.
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