back to school shopping - shoe bargains for boys and girls

One thing my kids grow out of in about 2 seconds is shoes.  And, while we try to make use of hand-me-downs happily when we can, there are only so many kids who can wear a pair of shoes before they are just plain worn out.  Sometimes they make it through a few of the kids, sometimes, only one.  And, like I mentioned on the backpack post, we live on a pretty strict budget, so when the time comes to buy new shoes for a kid, you can bet I'm going to get them for as little money as I can, while still trying to not sacrifice on style.

Here are my picks, headed into the school year.

GIRLS

These at H&M - $12.95 and a variety of color options.

These and these at Old Navy - $10 - $12 and a variety of color and print options.

All of these, these , these, these, and these at Target. Prices range from $9.98- $14.99



BOYS

These at Old Navy.  $12.

These, again, at H&M - &12.95.  And these.

And, at Target, these, these, these, these, these, and these.  Between $12.99 and $14.99.





Nope, no compensation for this post.  Just sharing some finds I liked!

I hope you find this helpful!

back to school shopping - backpack bargains for boys and girls

As much as I hate to admit it, we are only a few weeks out from school starting for the fall, and this relatively carefree summer coming to an end.  I don't love the thought!  But, planner that I am, I'm already scheduling our school days, planning for fun traditions, and, of course, shopping.

We're on a pretty tight budget, so it many areas we'll be making do with what we already have.  Even so, there are some items that are just plain needed, and getting the best bargain I can find is necessary.

Today, I'm sharing with you a few good backpack deals I found, in case it's useful to you in any way.

GIRLS

This backpack seems lightweight, and somewhat less sturdy quality, according to reviews.  But, it's cute, simple, comes in 3 colors, and for a kinder or first grader is a great option, I think.  At $10.99, I call this a great buy.

Then there's this canvas backpack with leather straps.  Love!  Great for older girls who aren't feeling the bright pinks and purples they used to love.  $8.79 and I wish I saw this last week for Madelin!  It also comes in Beige.

Madelin loved this one, but opted for a tote instead.  I love the modern 'tribal' black and white pattern on it - very trendy!  Another decent buy with other colors and styles ranging from $20-$25.

You'll find other fun and reasonable options here, here, here, and here.

BOYS

Like the first backpack above, this backpack is simple, comes in a variety of colors, and is super affordable at $8.95.

I love the sporty look of this one, and think any of my boys would be happy with it. Plus, the side pockets for water bottles are always a plus to me! $9.00!

And this one, while a similar style, seems more sturdy and comes in colors that even a teen would be comfortable using.  $15.99!

Again, more reasonable and fun options here, here, here, here.

I hope these backpack bargains are helpful to you!  And, no, I don't get any compensation from Amazon.com - I've just found them to be the most consistent source of bargains for me.  Don't forget to pay attention to shipping prices - it's easy to have a good bargain go bad my paying too much for shipping!

3 tips for succeeding as a mom of little kids

Last week a group of ladies I'm lucky enough to rub shoulders with was asked by a friend of ours who blogs at  Chocolate on My Cranium for our opinion/advice about those early mom years, with lots of little ones around.  This group of ladies are such experts - every one of them stellar moms of large families.  I'm probably the most amateur of the bunch, but I still threw in my little ideas from my experience as a young mom.  I love those years, and treasure them, but they were sure hard and trying and stretched me in so many ways.  I'm glad I learned a thing or two...at least I hope I did, or those years wouldn't be worth quite as much.  I treasure that time - it was beautiful and simple and oh so very intensely hard.

our little family - Jan. 2008

Here's what I had to say -

my top 3 tips for succeeding as a mom of young children - 

1 - Involve your children is what you are doing.  If it's laundry, have them help load the machine and turn it on, or carry the folded clothes and put them away.  If it's cooking, bring them into the kitchen with you.  Babies love to play on the floor with utensils, toddlers and preschoolers are old enough to help add ingredients or "wash" dishes, and school-age kids can chop and help cook.

2 - When they are little, be flexible an let your life meet the shape of theirs.  They have very few wants, but some absolute needs, and this is a special time to give of yourself.  Pay attention to their hunger, sleepiness, and need for attention, and give them what they need when they need it.  Not only does this help them feel content and important, it helps you avoid unnecessary fits and tantrums.

3 - Bring them close to you.  We all have moments when we feel burnt out or overwhelmed.  If you try to push them away and get your space that way, they feel it and become more needy.  Just when you feel like pushing them away, pull them close to you - literally bring them into your arms, focus on your love for them, and show them that love.  Your capacity to give and to love is not finite - as you do this, it will grow.



I also completely recommend getting the perspectives of these other great moms.  We all have our own parenting styles and experiences, and everything has something great to offer.  You can read them here.

I'd also love to know what tips you've learned - if you got to give someone advice about being a mom of young kids, what would it be?

oh goodness I just want to eat up his watermelon cheekies!

So, I think we're all back to normal here.  I mean, mostly normal.  We're starting into our summer plans o' fun and frolicment, and enjoying the beautiful sunshine.  We're playing as much as we can with friends, and hoping to make a lot of memories.  There's still a lot of firefighting going on around here, and every so often a new cloud of smoke billows up, and then, sometimes, like today, we can even see flames.  We're just wishing and hoping and thinking and praying that no more homes will be lost in this fire, and that the other fires, particularly the one hitting the Sierra Vista area, will get under control soon.

I didn't spend much time on the internet this week, but here are some neat links I gathered together just for you!  Bon Appetit.



Um, I'm disproportionately excited to find out what this ends up being.  Do you have any guesses?

I'm moving things around in the house, and updating here and there.  Well, in theory more than in actuality.  But, I love this idea.  Now to get Tyler to agree to our first family picture in years.  (yeah, right.)

I just went through this site and window shopped (screen shopped?) for a bunch of my family and friends.  There were so many things that fit so many people, and, seriously, relatively great prices for art.  Plus, it's all on ridonkulous sale.

And oh my, am I holding my breath that the price on this is reasonable, because it's serious genius, and just plain fun.  Good for a mom to add to her bag of tricks if her kids are anything like mine - messy!

So, as always, I love peaking into kids' rooms and seeing the little details people come up with to make them personal.  This gallery is excellent, and most of the personal touches are fairly simple, which I love.

I just saw this, and I want to make it real bad.  It would be so much fun to play in during our huge Fourth of July family bash!

Check this out - the top ten most interesting abandoned places around the world. It's crazy to see how many of these places have been built and deserted because of mining.



Do you have any fun summer plans for the weekend?  Swimming? Camping?  Popsicle slurping?  Well, I hope you have a blast!

Whew!  It's been quite a week!  Tyler is back from his work trip, but he's working crazy hours around here.  At least we get a few minutes of face time with him.  The kids have been having such a great time playing with friends and enjoying that they are all on summer break.  Their days look kind of like this - play, eat, play, play, eat, play, movie, play, eat, play.  They are loving every moment!

Here are this weeks' links.  Enjoy!



Design Sponge is one of my favorite go-tos, and they've just gone live with a new site.  It's so well organized, and I particularly love this page of best loved peeks into amazing homes.  So many ideas and so much inspiration in one place!

Speaking of new sites, darling and endearing Zooey Deschanel has teamed up with some friends and started Hello Giggles, "the ultimate entertainment destination for smart, independent and creative females."  I'm definitely intrigued!

I adore this idea - a meaningful and memorable connection with someone far away, and a beautiful result all wrapped up into one.

Mademoiselle first read about this idea in her Daring Book for Girls, and immediately became obsessed.  Trouble is, we thought we needed to find candy with a straw-like hole already in it.  Turns out you don't.

This is a great graphic representation of what the White House garden would look like if they had to plant the crops the U.S. subsidizes.  Give it a look.  (and grrrrrrr...)

And this is the new food graphic - a revision of the old food pyramid.  I wonder what it would look like if someone made a plate graphic of subsidized foods? (Wishing I had the tools to accomplish it myself!)

The American Academy of Pediatrics released a modified policy concerning breastfeeding in the U.S.  Check it out!

This is part of a continuing series about healthy body image.  I thought its was particularly concise and poignant, and I really recommend visiting the site and  reading the author's other articles about healthy body image and thinking.


The fire that's been burning around here is growing so quickly.  If you could share some prayers for those with homes and businesses in danger of burning, I'd really appreciate it.  Because of the fire, some of our weekend plans are changing.  We'll see what we come up with a little closer to home.

What are you up to this weekend?

our chives, that seem to make it into an awful lot of our summer dinners.

It looks like we might be out of the winter weather.  We tend to think it might just be safe to plant a garden after Memorial Day around here, and would you look at that?  Memorial Day already passed!

Unfortunately, we're not at all prepared.  No big garden plan in hand, no seeds sent for, nothing. Way back in February, when we were super eager for spring and summer, we went through our seed catalogs and picked our bare minimum choices for a we're-doing-it-simply-this-year garden.  The list was so long!  We are not good at scaling back!

Last week when Tyler was gone, I wrote my own modified list of what I thought we could manage, what I thought would grow in our super-short season, and what I thought looked tasty and exciting.  We'll see what he thinks about it.

We always order from Seed Savers - a company that provides heirloom seeds of traditional and increasingly rare varieties of vegetables and herbs.  We've always loved everything we've gotten from them.

Here's (my version) of this years order list -

Lazy Housewife Green Beans

De Cicco Brocolli

Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts

Dragon Carrots

Double Yield Cucumbers

Orange Bell Peppers

Cheyenne Bush Pumpkins

Waltham Butternut Squash

Stupice Tomatoes

Mongolian Giant Sunflowers



Are you planting a garden this year?  Or maybe you're one of the lucky ones who is already well along in the season.  What is your favorite thing to grow?  I, for one, was getting really excited to plant some flowers this year, but some of our yard plans might mean that's not such a great idea.  Luckily our tiny, struggling peony bush took off this year and looks like it will bloom.  I can't wait.

Hello and happy day!  Over here, schools are getting out for summer, and many vacationers are arriving for camping and fishing and exploring and fun.  Here are some things I found this week that I thought were beautiful or interesting or both.  Enjoy!


This free printable is super.  I wish my printer worked in color! (a little Doris Day is always welcome, you know?)

I think this print is adorable and spunky.  Reminds me of a certain little four-year-old I know and love.

And this photo?  It's just beyond me.  I'm such a sucker for nostalgia.

I think this would make for a super-fun afternoon with the kids.  Maybe on one of those summer days when we get all worn out by noon from all the fun we're having, and just have to crash and relax for awhile?

I'm thinking these would be a fun project, and super useful for the kids.  They would get such a kick out of having their own portable workspace, and there are so many ways to make each one personalized!

Sweet?  Simple?  Delicious?  Summery?  I say yes, please.

Can I brag for a quick minute?  This is one of my super-awesome brothers and his work.  I hardly even know a thing about it, (excepting it has to do with Physics and stuff), that's how out of my league it is.

So. I've been hearing a lot about Chia - it seems to be a current health fad.  But, like many health fads, there's probably some legitimacy in it.  Have you added Chia into your diet?  Have you noticed any benefits to it?  I'm intrigued.

For kids clothes, we receive hand-me-downs (thankfully!), buy some items at thrift stores, and then a couple of store bought sale items.  It works for us.  But here's another great source of used clothing online and I'm sure I'll be using it in the future!

Did you know we live in a "no-vacation nation"?  I sure did.  I found this fascinating.

Ever since I read it, this post has been on my mind.  I've long subscribed to the idea that kids should spend hours outside everyday, but this last winter I gave in and hunkered down.  What do you think?



I hope you and your families have a wonderful weekend - maybe even some sunshine and warmth mixed in there for good measure?  We're going to be laying low while the world around us gets super busy for Memorial Day weekend.  Dad's out of town, and friends are off on adventures, so we'll come up with a plan or two to have our own fun here at home.  What are your fun plans?

our bathroom - post demo - you can see right into Mad's room!

Oh, Friday!  Wherever did you come from?  Here I felt all mid-weekish and the end is already nigh?  I guess that's what happens when time goes the way of plumbing and sick kids and snow and such.  I'm guessing the next two weeks are going to go much more slowly.  Tyler will be heading out of town again, and that always means life is a lot less fun for all of us.  As long as this weather warms up, we can head outside and distract ourselves!


It's that time of year! Time to BBQ - (I somehow lost my yummy homemade bun link)  And for desert - these look pretty delicious to me!

I love these.  And they totally inspired me to make state tangrams with the kids for geography - what a fun idea! I think we'll use paper cutout shapes to get the different sizes.

I'm moving here.  Okay, I'm not really.  But in my dreams I'm already there. I love it, for reals.

Did you know my very favorite food (besides maybe butter and cream) is tostadas?  A testament to my Tucson upbringing.  And probably not tacos only because when I eat tacos the mess is monumental.  Well, people, if you've never met a taco you loved, you are about to.  I think I might just try every single one of these.

 Here are some fun and simple ideas for activities to do with your little guys and gals, indoors - set to music, no less!  Just until this weather sorts itself out and becomes seasonal-appropriate.

For any party lovers - I love this party.  Detailed and simple all together.  It sounds like such a memorable day for all those lucky little kids!

I've been thinking about doing some dyeing with the kids.  Am I crazy?  Anyway, if you didn't already know, the ombre effect is way in, right?  So I'm kind of loving this dip-dyeing technique.  Maybe we'll give it a go.

Also, neon is big, but only if you use a little of it.  So, maybe some super-bright nailpolish like these for a pop of color without going overboard?

Oh, wait, what?  Not enough food links?  Okay, since you asked,  these tips totally streamline the homemade bread making process.  When I figured a few of these out, bread making became much more enjoyable.

For the kids, I highly recommend this website for current events and news.  We just found it, and are really into it!

And for you parents?  Give this a read.  I track all my math phobia and insecurity back to fourth grade and not getting those stinkin' times tables down pat.  Plus side?  It's never too late to brush up and become a master of basic math facts - for you OR your kids.



That about wraps things up.  I hope you wonderful people have a wonderful weekend - and maybe even some sunshine!  I may or may not be a little obsessed with the weather.  Or a lot.  Oh, and perhaps you would like to leave me a comment below, and let me know what subject of links are your personal favorite?  I'm just throwing out there anything I think is noteworthy or enjoyable.  So, do tell.

I'm really excited about the links I'm sharing with you today.  After a few weeks of feeling less than inspired, I felt like this whole week was one amazing things after another.  I hope you enjoy!



I need to get some clear contact paper and make some of  these with the kids.  I love the effort and creativity to impact ratio of this one!  Even Benefactor could make a pretty impressive piece of art.

And while we're on the subject of art, do you want to be like Pollack?  Try this out.  Endless fun!

I love every one of these necklaces.  Delicate, simple beauty.

My talented and creative sister threw this party for her 7 year old daughter.  So many fun details!

I just stumble onto this NYC mom's blog.  Her photos are so amazing that I'm going to have to go back later to get to reading her posts - my eyes jumped happily from one to another.  But, I especially loved her guide to dressing kids.  So smart!  So stylish!

I think these birth announcements are pure genius.  I've never seen one so clever or so cute!  What do you want to bet there will be a whole slew of similar announcements around in the next few years?

I love looking at these gorgeous and colorful kitchens.  Inspiring!

And, to continue my obsession with bunks and boy's bedrooms, you must check this out.  I love this room, and there is so much potential for growth and change built into it - smartly done!



I'm not sure what's on the calendar for this weekend - or rather, there's nothing on the calendar, so I don't know what we're doing this weekend.  I think I just heard Tyler's leaving town again?  I'll find out soon, I suppose!  We just fly by the seat of our pants around here, I tell you.  (Ask anyone who's been around us in real life - it's a true story.)  If Tyler IS gone, I'm pretty sure I'm going to fit in a Harry Potter marathon of sorts.  Yeah, I'm 12.  I just can't get enough!

What are your weekend plans?  Relaxing, working, or adventuring?

(and here's hoping Blogger sorts itself out, and my missing post magically return.  grrr.)

Mother's Day is coming.  So, here's the deal - I can't tell you what I GAVE for Mother's Day, because my own dear mom reads this here blog, and I goofed her gift, which won't actually arrive until a surprise moment AFTER Mother's Day.  I get the organized daughter award - I'm just that awesome.

But, I can tell you what I'm getting for my big day - I ordered it myself, because I knew what I wanted.  Isn't that so tacky?  But, seriously, if gifts come only so often, why not get something you love?  To give credit where it's due, Tyler and the kids come through for Mother's Day without fail, and I'm sure whatever they would have had in mind would have been lovely.



I love how this project turned out.  I don't have a stash of vintage buttons, but if I came into some, I think Mads and I would love doing it together - unless she took them all for necklace making, instead.  And I love the fact the the buttons are meaningful - connecting generations of women.

I love these simple, embroidered blue and white constellations, found here.  They're beautiful, I think perfect for my boys' room, and not too intimidating a project for this not-needle-talented mom to pull off.

And, if I were embroidery inclined, I'd also love to do this project.  The results are incredible.

This picture is surreal and ethereal.  It's hard to believe a place like this actually exists.  I'd love to picnic there, wouldn't you?

And, holy cow, I think we need to make these.  Mads would fweak out.  They look amazing!



Remember that yard sale I mentioned?  That's what I'm up to Saturday.  How about you?  Anything fun on the calendar?

stinker

So, the "intense week" is winding down.  The intensity hasn't exactly waned, but in time it will.  It sounded so very dramatic when I wrote that earlier in the week, that not one but THREE people were seriously concerned about me because I mentioned it. (smile.)  Truthfully, it was mostly normal.  Nothing much to it, but some mental and emotional exercise, and we're all due our fair share of that from time to time, are we not?  It helps us stretch and learn and grow.

So far we don't have much on tap for the weekend, but possibly a large amount of sorting and organizing in preparation for a yard sale I'm hoping to have next weekend.  Here are some things I enjoyed enough to share with you, my peeps.



A great article about how to TEACH.  Thought provoking, considering this discussion.

I found this website, with seriously the lowest cost clothes I've seen on these interwebs.  It's a mash of things, but, really, 5 dollars for a pretty dress?  That, I can handle.  I haven't ordered anything, but the shipping from China doubles the cost.  But, still, a nice dress for 10 dollars is still pretty gonga, right?

Want to watch a little concert in your living room that will make you feel happy and relaxed and remember a simpler time?  Head over here.

Here's something I could learn from! Watch how working together makes this unexpected group stronger - allows them to survive.  Question : How do they all know to do that?  Instinct is amazing.

Which, seriously, reminds me of this.  If you don't remember this from your childhood, I'm sorry.  Because it's pure awesomeness.

Our educational goals are not so much preparing for college as they are preparing for a fulfilled life.  Even so, here are some things that kids of any age can begin learning about themselves that will help them work toward more independent and lifelong learning.

Would love to some day visit these fields.  Or maybe even just the ones near my parents in northern Washington state.  Beautiful!

I love this, every little part of it - the perfect blend (in my opinion) of earthy and dreamy.

Have a wonderful weekend!  I hope it's sunny!



ps - do you like the little links banner (above) or is it annoying?

Yesterday we put on our mustaches and had a little fun.  Some of the neighborhood kids got in on it, too!  I just wish I'd thought of this idea during the long winter, because it sure bought a lot of giggles and enjoyment, and all it took was a Sharpie.

This weekend Tyler is hunting, and we are celebrating Easter.   On Sunday we'll attend church, and then have a big dinner - ham, sweet potatoes, asparagus, and more.  I'm looking forward to it, but I'm trying to meaningfully put the emphasis on remembering our Savior.  This helps.


Here are some great ideas to help you ease into reading aloud chapter books with your children.

This article about how we learn, and what kinds of information we retain was enlightening.

We made this this week, and I couldn't stop playing with it.  Always mesmerizing!

We're having a little Easter get-together with friends this morning.  I think we'll be making these after our egg dying and hunts are over.

I think this sounds like crazy fun.  As a kid, I would have been all over it!  Maybe Mademoiselle will want to come up with something to submit?


Have a wonderful weekend!

I never know whether to feel relieved that the weekend is here or not, with our crazy schedule and lifestyle.  There's not all that much going on, though.  I might get together with my friend and her family tonight while our husbands are off "working"/camping. And Saturday morning Madelin will be singing with a few other kids for a large women's group - she's both excited and nervous.  Other than that I plan on sitting outside and enjoying the sunshine as much as possible.

This would blow Mademoiselle's mind.  A clever and fun combination of two of her big obsessions is great, but if she saw this she would want to make one of her own.  Is it bad that I don't want to support her experimenting, just this once?

I've been a little obsessed, I have to admit, with the story of Bethany Hamilton, a young surfer who was attacked by a shark.  I remember seeing an interview with her shortly after the attack and just being amazed at her strength.  I think it's safe to say she's my opposite - brave, courageous, adventurous.  I'm really looking forward to the movie coming out soon about her life and triumphs (she's now a professional surfer!).

Reading this was super sweet.  I always wonder what memories our kids will have of their childhoods, and what will have slipped away.  What's your favorite childhood memory?

One of these days I've got to go through all of our film-developed photographs and organize them, and then choose digital photographs to print.  It's an incredibly daunting project!  I like the idea of organizing mementos and photos in categories like this.  Now, all I need is a few days without anything else to do, right?  Yeah, right.

Every Easter we do things a little bit differently.  We always give the kids a little something, usually a craft or activity to do together, and we usually give them a few treats.  I like the way this is packaged - kind of less is more, in that it looks spectacular, but doesn't hold too much candy inside.

Speaking of candy, I've read a lot over the last few years about sugar, and it's effect on especially young bodies. I really struggle with this!  I know it's such a danger, yet I haven't figured out how to raise my kids in such a sugar-saturated culture without consuming it pretty regularly.  And, honestly, I'm a big part of the problem, aren't I, since I just made our family cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting for breakfast?

Something I truly believe is that our biggest opportunities for growth and learning are found in our family relationships.  I thought this post was moving, and spot on in defining what I think a parent ought to be.  It reminded me of one of the best dad's I've ever met - my older brother.

And, by the way, have you heard about what Blogger's been up to?  Seems that they're about to release new ways of viewing your blog.  You can preview the new view styles here. (You'll find a drop-down menu on the top right of the page.  Click on each of the 5 styles to preview.) I like "flipcard", but it's hard for me to know if I'd change over to use one of these!


How about you?  Any big weekend plans?

i WILL figure out my camera - eventually.

We would have so much fun with a set of these at our table during meal times, and maybejustmaybe the kids would be distracted from their "I'mgonnadieifIdon'teatrightthissecond" hunger?

Mademoiselle is in awe of this party, making big plans for when she can use this as inspiration for her own party.

Tyler traveled again this week, so guess what I did in the evening?  Watch something just for me, of course.  It was fluffy and pretty and cute and love-filled.

In a couple of weeks, families across the country will be participating in a Screen-Free Week.  Here are some great ideas to help you, if you want to join in.  There were a few years in our life when we didn't have TV, videos, or internet access, and they were beautiful and difficult.  I think this might be what we need to get out of our winter mindset and into our outdoor, summery way of thinking?

We've been starting our mornings listening to the Angus and Julia Stone station on Pandora.  I highly recommend it - peaceful, beautiful, sunny sounding, happy.  It helps me feel a little bit more like a morning person (though I am decidedly not!)

Have a lovely weekend!  We're expecting snow (frown) but we get our dad back, so there's no complaining!
If you have a link you think I'd love, by all means, leave it for me in the comments - I love new and beautiful ideas!

Today we got everything on our schedule done, plus a little more.

Mademoiselle worked on multiplication review with me, and S.A.M. learned about the terms quarter to, quarter after, and half past.

Mademoiselle got her spelling words for the week, and copied them a few times on her whit board, and S.A.M.  got his and practiced spelling them out loud, then wrote them each down on paper.  Tomorrow they'll each be writing sentences or a story using their words.

Mademoiselle chose to listen to a LibriVox recording instead of reading with me.  She listened to the first chapter of Heidi, by Johanna Spyri, and drew pictures as she listened.  Meanwhile, S.A.M. read the first 17 pages of Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel, by Virginia Lee Burton, to me and Ben.

We did an art project together - marker outlines, filled with oil pastel, and washed with watercolors.  All four kids participated, and it was one of their favorite parts of the day.  Creating something is always rewarding!

We did a couple of science experiments together - we tried to explode a plastic baggy with vinegar and baking soda.  It didn't quite pop, but we had fun playing with it.  We also compared the difference between how damaged popcorn kernels and intact popcorn kernels act when heated.  We talked about the formation of gases, and what happens when gas forms in enclosed spaces.  Mademoiselle also did another project, trying to identify 3 mysterious white powders.  She recorded their various properties, mixed them with water to see how they reacted, and even tasted the.  She got 2 out of three correct, and pretty quickly, but the third I knew she probably wouldn't get since she's not too familiar with it. (they were flour, salt, and corn starch)  She endlessly wants to do chemistry experiments, and I'm getting to the point where my resource (of kitchen supplies) are probably not quite meeting her needs anymore.

We fixed up our double stroller and went for a walk.  Poor Benefactor hurt his foot on Sunday, and though he was doing much better, I knew a long walk on it wouldn't help at all.  He and James rode together, then S.A.M. hopped in towards the end just for fun.  The walk back was great exercise -  slightly uphill the whole way, and pushing the heavy stroller really made my legs feel great.

S.A.M. spent some time on the Classics for Kids website making songs with notes and listening to them.  Mademoiselle and S.A.M. together worked together on some spacial and cause and effect games online, too.

Together we watched an episode of Liberty Kids, a cartoon about pre-Revolutionary America.  Mademoiselle seemed to enjoy it, and get something out of it, but S.A.M. wasn't much into it.  Benefactor love it, though.

It was the kind of day that just feels good, you know?  We got a lot done, but more importantly than that, we were able to do so many things that were engaging and interesting to all of us.  I wish I could do that every day, but the truth is that I just haven't been able to.  I tend to be able to get great days here and there, and normal or very difficult days in between.  But, that's real life, isn't it?

Aside from schoolish work, the kids are blessed to have great friends in the neighborhood, and we had kids running in and out of the house all afternoon.  They had a lot of fun, and headed to bed tired an happy.

One of my very favorite things about having all my kids here all day is that they get to work on their relationships with each other.  Two of my children tend to resist each other, but after days like this, they end up arm in arm for family pray, hugging each other afterwards, and asking to all sleep in the same bed for the night.  There's nothing sweeter to me as a mother than to see my kids like each other, love each other, care for each other, and serve each other.  Does my heart good!

First off, watch this.  Melts my heart.

Have you seen this project of prints and short films called Live Colorfully, commissioned by Kate Spade?  It's PRETTY.  I love the film inspired by yellow the best.

I love the idea of natural, real soaps, but when it comes down to it I don't want to spend a lot of money on something I might not love.  This is the a great solution - not so costly, and so many to choose from.

Easter is coming soon, and Mademoiselle wants to forgo the traditional basket and make this, instead.  I'm all for it!  I love when fun activities also result in something with purpose or function.

I watched this movie last weekend.  The kids were all cozy in bed, Tyler was out of town, and I had full reign over the media options.  Have you seen it?  The song has always been a favorite, and the movie is even better.  It's now maybe just maybe my very favorite movie.  Maybe.  At least Top5, for now. (and don't even get me going about Sidney Poitier.)

I want these REAL BAD.  For the kids, you know.  (And pretty much everything else on handmade charlotte.)

On a serious note, this interactive map shines some light on those who are under-fed in America.  There's so much I could say about this issue.  (We live in the county with the most food insecurity in our state.)

This is incredibly humbling and inspiring.  Some situations in life seem to have no rhyme or reason to them, but, then, somehow, people create beauty in the midst of them.   I simply hope I can learn a little from their wisdom and example.

I'm here with my family, enjoying our little vacation.  We're having such a great time with our family members and friends.  Two weeks can seem so long and short at the same time!  We have so many things we want to fit into our time here, but what always wins out for me is just visiting and talking with the people I love.

Speaking of love, here are a few things I've loved this week -

This is the stuff dreams are made of!  And, in my afraid-of-heights case, also nightmares.

I do my best to feed my family healthy foods, and give them lots of food experiences - we garden, fish, hunt, and butcher.  This article makes me wish we could have even more food adventures - crabbing and clamming?  Memorable AND delicious.  To bad we don't live near an ocean!

I'd never read about the twelve senses before finding this, but it meshes with my ideas of what children need, and when.  This whole blog is delightful.

My kids had to try this climb after they saw it.  Now I've got spider-boys and -girl in my house.  What, exactly, was I thinking?  (Oh, and my kids don't have the candy incentive, either!)

I really truly love this so very muchly.  It's the design show I never knew I always wanted.  The host, Emily Henderson, is beyond adorable, and her style and taste?  Practically perfect in every way.

Since we'll have three boys in one room soon, I've been thinking about what to do with all those little sleeping bodies.  I love these beds.  Perfect for a big family in a not-so-big space.  Or maybe a three-level bunk built into the wall like that?  Oh, and that reminds me - these are super amazing, too!

This weekend we have more visits planned, Tyler is skiing, and who knows what other adventures we might have.  And, an extra bonus to this wonderful time is that it feels like spring here, too!  I love the sunshine!

Have a wonderful weekend!

I hope you have a fun-filled weekend.  We are preparing for a loooong trip to Salt Lake City, to visit family and explore possibilities.  How's that for intriguing?   Here are a few things I've enjoyed recently.


I love this hairstyle.  I'm thinking my hair is too heavy and long, though.

I've been (slowly) working on canvas drop cloth window treatments.  I love this idea for trim.

Seriously considering making these, even though the weather is more spring- than fall-like.  Would go well with the butter and herb rub roasted turkey I cooked up yesterday.

I had M. take a learning style assessment last week.  Here's a great overview.  I was surprised at how true to her the answers were - how much they reaffirmed and clarified how her mind works!

I'm hoping to get some time to watch these.  Always fascinating.

Thanks to my SIL, our family has been completely obsessed with this.

And I have been completely obsessed with this.  So happy!