Party!

There's a party going on and on the menu is doughnuts.  Do these hostesses know how to throw a party or what?!

Thrifted

Pictures aren't great, but deals can't be beat.

 Snowpants, a hat that fits Anna-Kate.  I love Tasha Tudor, spoons (where have all my spoons gone?!), a mini mug that says "From your affectionate mother", two hand stitched Christmas linens. $7.

 Cozy socks, bag of mini rubberbands for crafting, three rolls craft paper (hello homemade wrapping paper), coat, $4.50.

Mama Made: Upcycled PJ pants

My husband went to throw away his irreparable pj pants. I snagged them quickly.  He rolled his eyes at me.  I cut them apart and stitched them into a fantastic pair of pj pants for this awesome 9 year old.  They are his new favorite pants now. (I also made him that wool vest out of an old skirt, link here .) My dear husband can roll his eyes all he wants, I'll just carry on my ploy of turning trash into treasures.

Outside/inside

 Inside I'm making another batch of wipes, just as I do once or twice a year. Every face that needs to be wiped, every spill that needs to be cleaned up, reusable wipes it is. We literally wear them out. I haven't bought napkins, tissues or papertowels for home use in nearly 10 years!  I just wash these flannel wipes along with the diapers, so they come out fresh and sterile. Below my husband snapped a photo of my little helper with his cell phone.  She is always helpful.

Meanwhile, outside Audra somehow convinced Adrian to be her coach driver. Never a dull moment.

Seven and a HALF

Audra is now Seven and a HALF!

Past Milestones
Seven ,Six and a half, Six ,Five, 4 1/2,  Here's 4 , 3 1/2, 3 years, 2 1/2 years, 2 years 18 months,  12 months,  9 months?  6 months?  3 months?  Just being born ).

Audra,

You have more spunk than anyone I know!  You have lots of energy, love an exciting time and are eager to try new things.  You love going places and can talk to anyone of all ages. When we are not going places, you create your own adventure at home. Most often your adventures are 'old fashioned' adventures (in period clothing) and you end up at the cracked rock in the woods, pine stream village out back, the secret garden or the hundred acrewood, all landmarks that you have named on our property. You also enjoy traveling via bike on your adventures. Even in the winter. Even taking a bath is an adventure in your entertaining pretend world!

While you aren't always eager to try things that look different, you almost always do and then you decide you like it. Eggs are your favorite. You can eat more eggs than a grown man. You also are  a big fan of salads and any crisp, ripe fruit. Your favorite cake is coffee cake. Favorite ice cream is Mint Chip.

 You love animals and are a true animal whisperer. You love all sorts of crafty things (drawing, crochet, painting, weaving, sewing, needlepoint), gardening and cooking. You like to write and read. You love to be read to and listen to audio books. In fact, we can't go anyplace in the car without you saying "Can you turn the audiobook on?" Your favorite Audio Book is Mrs. Piggle Wiggle lately.  You listen to it over and over. The books we've read lately that you love most are Hattie and Hudson, Mandy, Adventures of Lily Lapp and Green Smoke.

Although you sometimes need help staying focused, you're a quick learner and catch onto things quickly.  This year you have been fantastic at all extracurricular activities, teachers enjoy having you in class.   You quip the most entertaining quotes and can sputter scripture out with ease.
While you keep us on our toes, your daddy and I know that our lives would never be as exciting without you in them.

I love you dearly, my Audra Grace!

Love, Mama

...

My heart is so very heavy as I am continually praying for strength and comfort for a very special family. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Misfits Organic Produce

We have been ordering produce through Misfits Organic Produce weekly (taking a break when my garden produce was peak) since they started delivering to Maine in May.  They sent me a friends and family referral code for 50% off.

https://www.misfitsmarket.com/ Code: COOKWME-LH0QGS

We are SO happy with our delivery, kids look forward to it. We definitely eat it all, so that's a lot of fruits and veggies added into their diet.  They have tried many new things too. I recommend trying it! If you did try, this family size box of produce would be $22, shipped with the coupon.

 The packaging is eco friendly and can be re-purposed according to Anna-Kate.

 Most of the time the produce is just over production, but we have gotten some miniature and some oversized things too. Quality is guaranteed. Our favorite was this fish potato.