For Christmas one year I got some cute shadow type frames from Ikea. Originally I put some of Lydia’s baby items in them and hung them in her nursery. Now that she’s a little older, we replaced the baby stuff and made something functional.

Supplies: Ikea’s RIBBA frame (or other shadow box), glue gun, ribbon, hair clips & blanket/background fabric

I found one of her old blankets and cut out a little square to line the back. Then we found some of her clippies–the ones that she had pulled from her hair and slobbered on. The ones that were falling apart but just TOO CUTE to throw away. (And ok, had a few memories connected to them.) We hot glued them on and shut the door.

How adorable is that? A sweet little memory of my baby Lydia, right?

Well, we added one more thing that made it even better! We grabbed some nice long ribbon and hot glued that to the back. And voila! We have instant clippie and barette holder!

How lovely not to have to dig through a pile of clips every morning. Plus–HOW CUTE IS THAT?!

I like the idea of taking something that is a memory and turning it into a craft or decoration–instead of just cluttering up a drawer or closet. I also thought this idea would be fun to use for artwork or Bible verses. You could attach ribbon to any picture and clip on papers with clothespins to show off or help you memorize!

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The following is a guest post from one of my best and longest friends, Mandi from Its Come 2 This. Enjoy…

“Repeat them again & again to your children”

In Deuteronomy 6:4-9 God gives this word to the Israelites and He is reminding us that we must commit ourselves wholeheartedly to the commands that He gives. But when He spoke about teaching the commands to our children He said “repeat them again & again”. He even went further to say ” … talk about them when you are getting up.” Why? Because He knew that our five year old, our eight year old and even our eighteen year old would need it!!

I know as a 30-something year old adult God is constantly having to remind me of the same truths. So why should I be surprised when I have to remind my five-year old of the same thing?

We’ve just started a great new series at church and I’ve been reminded once again that our children will be inconsistent, but that doesn’t mean we, as parents, should be! We have the perfect example in our Heavenly Father as a consistent, loving, parent.

James 1:17 – “He never changes or casts a shifting shadow”

I cannot allow myself to drop down to a five year old level. Even if I’ve repeated myself over and over and over {insert many times over} again. Even if he deliberately disobeyed or did something he knows he should not have. I must stay consistent – in discipline and in unconditional love.

After all, we have the most perfect example to follow!!

Romans 5:8 – “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

“While we were still sinners”. In the very act of our disobedience Christ died for us! He didn’t wait until we cleaned up our act on our own. He didn’t wait until we were back on perfect behavior to show us his love. While we were still sinners, Christ showed us the ultimate love, the ultimate patience, the ULTIMATE!

Love and discipline can be a very tricky balance to find. But I can say, I’ve failed many times!! It’s hard to show the consistent love and patience in the very act of my children’s disobedience. But it’s in those moments that I need to think about my relationship with my Heavenly Father and most importantly His relationship with me!

While Evan was throwing a tantrum, Mandi remained patient and calm.

While Megan refused her nap and bedtime, Mandi continued to show love and grace to her daughter.

:: :: ::

Mandi is the author of “it’s come 2 this …” – A life blog detailing her personal story from double dates to play dates, business meetings to potty training. Along the way she realized she used to be a really good Mother before she had kids! Now, she’s trying to eat healthier, exercise more, save more & drop her desire for perfection! Because 2 kids later … it’s come 2 this!

***Impress Your Kids has some new digs at ohAmanda.com! Come visit us there for all the Impress Your Kids archives and all our new posts–including our Easter newsblast with fabulous tips for celebrating a meaningful Easter with your kids!***

Bubble Painting at Whimsy Love {I must do this!}

Back To School Photo Name Labels from Frugal Family Fun Blog {I was thinking you could turn this into a gift somehow…}

How To Feel Connected Instead of Guilty by the Gypsy Mama {The Compassion Bloggers are traveling to Guatemala next week, this is a get-ready post. Please follow their journeys!}

What’s a Motto With You? by Ordinary Sarah {Great idea for a yearly family motto!}

Homeschooling Interview with Kelsey at Our Hartbeat {I just love the thoughts in there…not even so much about homeschooling but about training your children. Also, the photos make me happy.}

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***Impress Your Kids has some new digs at ohAmanda.com! Come visit us there for all the Impress Your Kids archives and all our new posts–including our Easter newsblast with fabulous tips for celebrating a meaningful Easter with your kids!***