What My Kids are "Into"

Juniper over at Hope Studios asked what my kids are "into".  I haven't been able to get on to the computer all evening, because the kids jumped on it as soon as they got home from school to check their Moshi Monsters.  It's an online computer game where you build your own monster.  It lives in a "world" much like the forerunner, Webkinz.  I'm not really sure what else happens.  I'm usually trying to come up with something for dinner at this time.  I know there has been some lamenting about seeds that have not grown, and pets that have not been received.

By Popular Demand: Custom Order Your Own Bead Necklace

So many of you have asked about the custom made bead necklaces! I have decided to add them to my Etsy shop. I will ask you to design your own bead, using colored pencils. Add dots, swirls, a metallic finish! We'll make your bead as you have designed it. Think about your Mom's favorite colors, your favorite sports team, go crazy! We'll make the bead, string it on an 18" sterling silver chain and add two sterling silver accent beads. The chain allows the beads to be interchanged, so be sure to order some extra beads!

I Made the Front Page!

I made Etsy's front page a few days ago. I guess everyone is looking for some green around this time of year, and if you toss in a little LUCK,then it's all for the better!

Get Your Friends Together for a Groupon

Here's the idea: local businesses offer a great deal on their products and or services.  If enough people participate in "the deal" (this is pre-set by the business), then "the deal" is a GO. 

I recently bought a $35 gift card to a place my kids go all of the time for $15!  Be sure to read the fine print, my certificate is good for a year, but is not valid on weekends. 

Check out your local Groupon HERE!

Oh, Alabama: Thank You.

Oh, Alamaba, you know me, don't you?  We were once friends, or are future friends, or maybe just of like minds. 

After a rough day yesterday, I found this bundle of love on my front porch.   Do you see the box is stenciled! (also note the inches of snow outside the window).

And here's a peek inside.  Who doesn't love a brown paper package tied up with string? 

                         

 And, Oh, Alabama, Here's what's inside:  As a thank you for ordering your beautiful NEW book, you sent me a whole yard of 100% green cotton Jaquard fabric and a thick card describing how to make a chair pillow with it.

The book itself was plenty, but thank you, thank you for the surprise.  I am inspired not only by your creativity but also by your generosity.  You clearly love what you do.

You can visit Alabama HERE, We can make some beautiful things together if you do. In the words of Natalie (aka Alabama): "May the book-and the projects that you will make-fill your home with warmth and great stories..."  It already has.

Why Our Kids Need Dads

Our kids need Dads beacause Dads don't think it's crazy to spend an icy afternoon building an igloo with the kids. (Click Here for the full story) Then, when the kids think it would be "cool" to sleep in it,  Dads will say: "Yeah! Let's Sleep Out There!"  (Moms say: "Are You Nuts?")

Dads will also spend an enormous amount of energy shovelling a ginormous pond so that the kids have a really big place to go ice skating, and to play hockey.  Dads will also take the kids to get ice skates, think nothing of getting the truck stuck in the woods near this pond, and just completely ignore the fact that it's 20 degrees.  (In my experience, Moms would notice this stuff, and would not be amused.)

So, I'm glad that my kids have such a great Dad.  One that does the "crazy stuff" that I would never even dream of. I've been thinking a lot about all of the "crazy stuff" that my Dad did when we were kids.
Tell me what your Dad did, or what your husband does with your kids.

Big Love

Valentines Day is another "Rite of Passage" holiday for kids.  In my mind, it carries the same weight as Halloween.  And we all know how much planning, and preparation, and mind-changing happens at Halloween. 

Valentine's Day is all about decorating the ever important Valentine's Box.  It has to be "just so".  And, the even more important cards.  It's always a huge decision making process for them to decide who gets which Valentine card.  And when the kids get home from school on that day, it's fun to listen to them speculate as to why they got the cute kitten card from a boy that is funny, and other significant details that they notice. 

My daughter decided to cut some felt "love letters" for her box this year.  She stitched the L and the O, then ran out of steam.  I stitched  the V and the E.  I "loved" how htey looked on my windowsill yesterday with the sun streaming in. 

What kind of Valentine's Prep are you up to?