The Chalkboard

So this summer I found a small chalkboard at a garage sale for $0.50.  I've been meaning to try it out.  And who doesn't love incorporating new traditions into Christmas???

Here's what I've done with the chalkboard the last few days...

I realized a couple days in, just having words wasn't working for the kids.  So from this point on it's just pictures and maybe a word or two.  They knew exactly what the Gingerbread house meant and they were so excited to see it.  It's a good opportunity for me to brush up on my drawing skills too.  As you can see by said Gingerbread house, they are quite rusty! 

Solstice

Happy Solstice!  On this the shortest day of the year, we give thanks for the Sun!

Here is our Winter Nature Table which pays homage to all our Winter traditions.  Which ones can you spot?

 

And our newest idea (could be a tradition) was sparklers!  We had a small box left over from the 4th of July.  The kids loved getting bundled up after dark and playing with the sparklers.  It was a good opportunity to tell them that this is the shortest day of year and we want to celebrate and welcome back the Sun! 

 

 

Frugal Friday

Kid clothes! 

An adorable Baby Gap Sweater, a pair of leggings, and a dress.  I also got a pair of Kamik snowboots for the little man.  Salvation Army again.

Grand total: just under $10

Crafting: Part One

There's been a lot of crafting between finals and work around here.  Here's a brief breakdown:

Swaps:
Martinmas (which seems like ages ago) Hats

Note: I am still waiting to get my Martinmas package, there was an issue with shipping from Canada, but I expect it any day. 

 

The next swap I did was the one-on-one Winter where I made the Tomten and trees.

 

Then there was another one-on-one Autumn swap where I made some fall themed wood goodies, but I forgot to take a picture.  I am also still waiting on to find out what that mama made for me.

 

Facebook Waldorf Swap - theme Winter Nature Table Swap:

 

 

 

 

 

 I made wooden owls with little tiny owl books and placed them in these little bags. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are the amazing things I got back from this swap

A wooden snowflake candle holder, a bear in his den, a "icicle gnome" who I have renamed Jack Frost, and this lovely playsilk (the background).  There was a beautiful heart ornament, but my rotten dog ate it right away. 








 

Etsy Stocking Stuffer Swap:

 

I made bean bags - two to a set, ten sets.  It was a lot of sewing. 

 

 



I just got back my items and I'm sad to say that I will only be able to use a few of the 10 items I got back as actual stocking stuffers.  Some are just not a good fit for the ages of my kids and some aren't what I would think of as stocking stuffers.  So a little disappointed here. 





R's photography

It's about time for another round of R's photography.  Here are his most recent photos.  I suspect there are a few themes...

Quite frankly, I am beginning to think he is a better photographer than me and he's only 5. 

Stitch

Yes, we are insane.  When the vet's office called and told us they had a four month old tabby male that needed a home, well, we caved.

He came with the name Stitch and looks like he'll be keeping it. 

First Christmas Craft of 2013

Upcycled Christmas cards.  I saved last years cards to repurpose into cards this year.  The process and results were really fun. 

Frugal Friday

Score of the century!  I got this for $1.00 while I was volunteering at the Recycling Center Book Sale.  I even got 'em to deliver it!  Guess it pays to be a dedicated volunteer. 

 

 

It's an old cabinet from the University's Gym.  It even has a little shelf inside.  It's the perfect craft cabinet.  Once I get it all organized, I'll take another photo. 

Putting up the tree

Sunday was pretty lazy, but we did put up the tree.

Messing around

This is S driving the train...

That's a couch cushion fort in the background.  Gotta love the imagination 'round these parts. 

Frugal Friday

I'd like to start a new trend 'round these parts.  Frugal Friday. 

You know my motto is "Use it up.  Wear it out.  Make it do, or do without!"  If you added, "Scour thrift store" somewhere in there it would be more accurate.  I'd like to remember my finds and share my tips with you.  So here goes:

Thrift Store Score

This lovely Pottery Barn Kids quilt was $3.99 and the beautiful book (Marushka and the Month Brothers) was $0.49.  Thank you Salvation Army! 

Tip:  I have three thrift stores I visit.  I try to thrift once a week, rotating which I visit.  There is a fourth one that I will occasionally visit, but I may turn it into the store I donate to.  I pick one that I like the cause and donate there.  But I don't donate much as I have a good network for hand-me downs and Freecycle.  As a rule, I don't usually shop where I donate.  Otherwise, I'm looking at our old stuff.  :)

Thanksgiving at Grandad's

For Thanksgiving we made the long haul to Kentucky.  It was a brutal 11+ hours in the car there and nearly that long home.  We left Wednesday morning and arrived that night.  We had a lovely visit with the family and left again Saturday morning.  It really was a whirlwind, but I'm so glad we got to spend some time with the Kentucky family! 

Here are a few shots:

After dinner on Thursday, we did our Christmas exchange:

R was thrilled to get a scooter and a helmet for Christmas:

 This is the sunrise right before we left.  Not only is Kentucky beautiful, but Grandad's place is especially beautiful.