Craft Fair 2011

A while back I was asked if I wanted to be in a craft fair in April.  It was a couple months ago and I told myself that I wasn't going to stress out.  I have quite a bit in stock right now in my shop that I plan on taking out for just that day.  Right now I'm offering free shipping on orders over $30.00 to U.S. addresses.   I do want to make a few other items for the fair (it's 1 week from today).  I plan on adding some Easter bunnies, spring wreaths, button rings, and a few needle felted pillows.  I'll post a preview here next week.  Most importantly I'm going to tell myself not to stress out.  O.k. that will be hard not to do!   

The moment has arrived

Hunter came home yesterday with a certificate that she has now mastered the next level in reading.  We were very excited about this.  All the girls love books.  Maybe going to the library every week has helped.   We enrolled them in storytime when they were 3 and they loved going.  Now, back to the big moment that happened last night.  I suggested to Elara that she bring her sister upstairs to check out the Junie B. Jones books.  I got busy picking up the dishes after supper and then made some brownies.  Next thing I know, Hunter comes down having read quite a few pages of Junie B.   She snuggled up on the couch and kept reading even with the t.v. on one of her favorite shows.  This morning she was walking while reading.  She kind of reminded us of Brick from the Middle for a second!  I'm so proud of her.  I hope this love for reading continues.

Childhood Treasures

Playdoh was a big deal when I was growing up.  I loved getting a new container.  The smell to this day brings back so many memories.  My grandmother had these cookie cutters at her house.  Each of them is labeled with who they are.  I found these the other day when my girls were playing with all the other Playdoh accessories.  I think I'll place them on a string and  hang them in my kitchen.  Then I'll be able to look at them everyday and think of those simple days spent at my grandma's house.

Inspiration

We didn't have school today so we went to the library.  It was fun to take our time and look through the books.  I came home with a few just for me.  I have a hard time reading these days.  My mind has a hard time focusing on just one thing.  I've been sticking to blogs because they are usually a quick read, kind of like a magazine.  One of the books I got today is called the "The Happiness Project".  Have you read it?   

An important date with the littlest

This afternoon it was just me and the littlest.  My hubby and the other two girls went skiing.  They are taking advantage of this day because it might possibly be the last time they go this season (umm, fingers crossed).  I'm tired of the snow.  I'm so ready for Spring!  Since the time change earlier this week, I have felt so much better.  We have been going on walks at night.  Soon, we'll be getting the bikes out. 

I decided to let Hunter plan our time outside.  She has great ideas anyways!  Remember the winter picnic?  First, we built a penguin in  the snow.  Boy. am I ever glad that I bought some snow pants earlier in the year.  The snow was very wet!  Next, we made a soup in a huge mud puddle (pothole).  We added all kinds of things for seasonings.  Then, we tried to play hopscotch but sank in the snow.

I couldn't help but take some pictures of the area we enjoy during the summer.  Our deck by the pool that we eat many meals on.  Our pool that is used so many days and evenings.  Our garden and raspberry bushes that I can't wait for.  So much to look forward to.  This moment though, was the most important to me right now,  Just me and my girl.  She was leading me this afternoon.  Teaching me to slow down and I loved it! 

P.S. Did you notice the chicken and cat within close proximity in the puddle picture?  

Childhood Treasures

This is another item that I played with at my grandma's house.  It is quite old.  I always found it challenging when I was little because depending on how I placed the cubes it would make one of six puzzles.  Many times I would get frustrated with it and set it aside.  The other day I got it out and the girls did a few of the puzzles.  I'd love to know how old it is!  I did notice on the back that it is made in Germany.  Has anyone seen one like this? 

Catching up

The winner is.....!

Thank you to all who entered the giveaway.  Lindsey you won!  I'll contact you with the details. I'll be back tomorrow with a post.  Happy Friday everyone!

Giveaway!!

All this snow has gotten me down.  Yes, I know Spring is almost here but when you  get nearly 30 inches it stinks!  So how about a nice little giveaway to make things a bit happier?!  This time I was thinking of letting you pick out what you want (if you win!).  I'm giving away a $20 gift certificate to my shop (before shipping).  I'll pay the shipping too (only U.S. and Canada).  Only one comment per person please.  Also, be sure I can reach you if you win.  I'll post the winner in this Friday's post.  If I don't here from you after I contact you, I'll pick another winner Friday the 18 th.  What are you looking forward to do this spring? 

A little giveaway

Tomorrow, I'm holding another giveaway from my shop.  I think you'll like it!  Be sure to come back and leave a comment on tomorrow's post to enter to win.  I'll keep it open until 7 p.m. Thursday night.  Giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada only.  Hope to see you back here tomorrow!   

Childhood Treasures

I remember sitting beside my Mickey Mouse record player and listening to these books.  I would follow along and turn the page when it told me to.  I'm glad I kept these for my girls to listen to.  I only wish I still had that record player.  Probably one of my younger brothers broke it.  Hmmmm. 

Dear Snow,

Dear Snow,
You have been nice to us this winter.  We have had lots of you.  The kids have went skiing,sledding,built forts, and made snowmen.  We even had a winter picnic.  Yesterday you melted a lot.  It rained and I thought we were going to see some grass.  The chickens were looking for bare ground, I think they might have found some.  Today, you are back.  We are all a little sad.  Everything is beautiful again.  The ground is covered in white fluffy mounds of snow. We are expecting between 6-10 inches, but I'm starting to think that if you keep up we'll have much more.  We hope you enjoy your stay today and then come back and visit us in December. 

                          

Huge difference

For the past couple weeks, we have been using a chore chart.  It has worked out great.  Last week, I didn't get around to making it.  When I kept getting asked, "Mom when are you going to make the chore chart?",  I knew I was caught not keeping up with my own responsibilities.  How am I suppose to teach them when I can't keep up with it on my end?  I took a few minutes to organize the front of our fridge.  The menu for next week is posted along with the chart.  I made out the grocery list for next weeks groceries.  I feel so. much. better.  What works for you? 

Corners in my home

I have a bad habit.  Actually, I have a few.  I create lists and then I get overwhelmed bacause I don't get everthing done.  Am I the only one that feels like that?  Today, I decided to just try and clean the livingroom.  Kind of spring clean but without all the preasure of making it perfect.  I'm almost done, and I'm happy with I got accomplished.  Here is what I put up over our big windows that overlook the brook.  Little pops of color.  I love these little hoops.

A little thrifting

Yesterday I stopped at a little shop in a nearby town and did a little thrifting.  About a month ago, I had seen a couple lamps that I thought would be perfect for our nightstands.  I passed them up but they kept coming back to me.  We made a trip to Ikea on the weekend.  I was on a mission to find some lamps there.  No luck.  I realized that I needed to go back and get those lamps.  Luckily they were still there.  Plus they were only $8 each!  When I was putting in the light bulbs, I noticed that they are both marked "made in England' on the amber colored glass.  This made me even happier! What do you think?

Another snowday?

We get lots of snow here but our school hardly ever closes.  Yesterday was our second snow day of the year!  I whispered in my girls' ears, "No school".  They bolted straight up.  Loved that moment.  Love having them home with me.  We just had winter break last week.  Today was a bonus day.  We stayed in our jammies and then  they played outside.  They put their snow things on top of their p.j.'s.  Well, not my oldest.  She is getting OLDER!  I did a little sewing, then made some pumpkin muffins (a staple around here).  I'm so thankful for that extra bit of time.