Thrifted

 Book, 1 gallon ziplock of legos and a whole tub of pony beads/etc.  $8.50.

 Queen sheets, Topple and a vintage Trouble.  $5.50.  When I got home and opened the bag the sheets were in, look what I found:  a tag that said Woolrich. A $150.00 sheet set.  Seriously, it doesn't even look like it was used at all. I washed it and it's softer than our LL Bean brand new sheets!  Score!

BOG's visit

The excitement level is high when BOG (Bald Old Grandpa) visits.  The kids (and pups) can't get enough of him.

Oh Christmas Tree...2016

Truly, only a Charlie Brown tree would suffice

December "Chicken Soup with Rice"

On going with our "Maine" version of "Chicken Soup with Rice", inspired by the "Chicken Soup with Rice" by by Maurice Sendak (1962).  Kids are really enjoying memorizing the poem of the month.

November here. 

This month's soup is creamy potato, veggies and turkey.

And the December page in the book, so different from November listed last:

December
In December I will be
A baubled, bangled Christmas tree
With soup bowls draped all over me
Merry once, merry twice
Merry chicken soup with rice

November
In November's gusy gale
I will flop my flippy tail
and spout hot soup. 
I'll be a whale! 
Spouting once
Spouting twice
spouting chicken soup with rice."

My little 4-Hers

We just had our annual 4-H Fall Fest. (Which my husband, a football dude growing up who doesn't quite get the 4-H thing, compared Fall Fest to football Homecoming.  Pretty much.)

We are so fortunate to be a part of a really, really awesome club.  We were all surprised a little extra at the award night because all the club members in our club got an extra community service award in addition to our typical annual award.  The presenter said "We have extra awards this year, as these kids do a lot of service."  Isn't that just the icing on the cake?  I tell you, we have a really awesome group of kids.  

Oh those pesky project records become the best scrapbooks after they are finished.

 I was allowed to take pictures of Audra and her classes (holiday garland, candy crafts and holiday centerpiece) at Fall Fest, but wasn't allowed to take pictures of Adrian (wildlife, woodworking and robotics). (Am I the embarrassing mother already?!  Apparently).

 My little crafty creation (doll/stuffed animal sized blanket, pillow and book to go with thrifted couch) was a hot item at the penny auction.

Luck to be a part of 4-H.

 It's nice filling our home with their creations.

Helping Pap

We just happened to be in the neighborhood of my actual neighbor's work. Pap is an amazingly talented woodworker. These neighbors are really an extra set of grandparents to my kids. Well, we stopped in and in 30 seconds time, they were "Helping Pap".  He was working on these old antique tops for tables for a restaurant.  I guess the wood was the base of an old railroad car or something like that?  Well, the kids were filling the holes and hammering in the plugs.  Good thing these kids are pretty skilled with the hammer, although with this beautiful old wood, you'd hardly notice one more dent if they missed.   Moments like these are just too special to forget.

Doing what they do

One of the most pleasurable parts of really getting to know kids for me is finding out their loves. Not just my kids at home, but my kids at work. I love the individuality, discovering passions, finding those interests.  I had one kiddo at work once who was SO into horses. I remember her mom saying "I am clearly not someone who has any interest in animals, but I find myself becoming a frequent attendee at the barn."  I bet that little girl is still riding today.  I've had kids at work into all sorts of things trains, babies, sharks, fashion, building things, dinosaurs, etc.  My kids? I have a little girl who loves painting, glitter, cooking/baking, caring for animals and sparkles.  I have a son who has a true passion for farming and farming machinery, loves overalls, and takes a lot of pride in his free hand drawing pictures/making books.

As I look at my calendar and all that is scheduled during this busy holiday season, I want to be mindful of these interests so we can make time to do what they love.