Recently, while planning a trip to Pasadena, I realized we would be there during the time of float-preparation for the Rose Parade. How cool would it be to see some of that?! I remembered that my elementary school teacher/principal (also a Vacation Bible School teacher to our kiddos) was involved in float-decorating. Having never been…
I notice at the end of every year, people hope for the best from the coming year, and also complain about the ending year being their worst ever. After a few years of this, it is clear no year will ever be good enough for those people. Why can’t we acknowledge every year will have…
I was reading my old blog I started around this time eight years ago, with descriptions of what my oldest was like as a baby. There are so many similarities to how he is now. It has me thinking about who my children are, and the adults they may become. They have so many individual…
I usually avoid projects like this, because I anticipate the boys fighting over it. They even asked if I got them each one, when I told them we would be doing this. Nope. This household only needs one gingerbread house. This may just have to be another learning experience. To my delight, the squabbling was…
This craft is special to me because my first time seeing it or making one was when my mom was our Brownie leader and taught all of us. I love the smells and process of making it. This is a wonderful all-around sensory experience. Materials: Oranges Cloves Ground spices (e.g. cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger,…
While we’re making Christmas crafts, how about some proper ornaments? I found these red, sparkly ornaments and decided to do a little more with them. All you need: Ball ornament Black felt White felt Glue gun I cut a little strip of black felt, long enough to wrap around the ball ornament and serve…
I don’t know about you, but I love my memories of making Christmas crafts, however kitchy they may be. Remember candy cane reindeer?! I’m bringing those babies back to life! So simple, right? All you need is: Candy cane Googly eyes Red pom pom Pipe cleaner Glue gun I plugged in my glue gun…
When Christmas was approaching with my first baby, it suddenly dawned on me that I needed to get him a Christmas stocking. I couldn’t imagine buying one from the store. Mine is still the one my mom made me. My husband said his mom made his. I had to make this baby! Up until this…
We have been so busy with school and soccer commitments, I have to schedule family time to make sure it happens. Today was a beach day. We went to a new beach the boys haven’t been to before. I went as a kid, and wanted my kids to have some of the same experiences there. …
Last year, we got together with my extended family for Thanksgiving. We were so excited! We wanted to bring something festive that would show everyone how grateful we were to be family and to be together, so I came up with a craft for us to share. It is a turkey that is later taken…