A New Springtime

Eliana's Toys

                                   

 I have been able to find some great toys at my favorite second had shop for Eliana. The place is full of plastic toys but if Ikeep a sharp eye out there are always a few hidden treasures. It is a challenge to Hannah and I to find things made out of wood. I think it teaches us to think outside of the box and go beyond the normal consumer mind set. I try to find quality instead of the normal everyday junk. I was also blessed a couple of weeks ago to find this solid bookcase on the side of the road. I rescued it from becoming wasted. It only had one little scratch on it. It fits perfectly in the living room and it's just the right size for Eli to be able to get to her toys.

                                       

 This is my latest find, this wooden busy bead clown, I just think he's the cutest and it's made by Haba. It was a $2.00 treasure. I had found the wooden cube a couple of months ago. It has a bell in the middle and Eli loves to play with it.

                                      

Here are a few more that she got for Christmas. I had seen the one on the left at a specialty store but I just thought it was too much money. I paid no more than a couple of dollars for it.

                                      

 I was so thrilled to find this wooden xylophone! It makes the softest, beautiful tones when played with. I thought the little duckling toy was adorable when I laid eyes on it. It is plastic but it's precious. There are three little ducks that go round and round, I couldn't resist.

                                 

                                        

 I like having this neat little shelf to hold all of the baby's toys. At the day's end it all goes neatly away ready for some more use the next day. These shallow baskets are also great  because the baby can easily put things in and out of them. I love when things come together neatly and simply.

            

Book Baskets

                                         

 I have an idea  and I would like some input on it please. I would really like to start my own business selling gift baskets that contain books and stuffed animals or small toys that go with the book themes . I always go to second hand stores and find great deals on books. I could pass them on at a fraction of the cost  that they sell for in the stores.  This basket above contains 2 Jim Arnosky books (All About Rattlesnakes and All about Turtles), An Usborne Pocket Scientist Book, Dk Pocket Scientist Reptiles, 2 beanies(a chameleon and a snake), a three hundred piece leopard puzzle, it is all wrapped in a basket tied off with ribbon and a pack of gum. Would anyone pay $20.00 + $5.00 s&h. Please leave me your comments.

My Very Own Mei Tai

 

                                   

 I have been wanting a Mei Taisince Eliana was a couple months old. There is a specialty kid's store called The Children's Garden that sells them but they were quite pricey. For Christmas, I had gotten some money from my mother-in-law so I purchased the material to make one. I had planned on making it for Christmas but time ran out. So, now here it is February vacation and I finally decided to take the plunge.

I got the instructions on this website. It took me about 9 hours to complete. I spread it out over three days so I wouldn't get frustrated.  I would start at about 1:00 and work until about 4:15, of course sewing and nursing can be done simultaneously. There were also diaper changes to do in between but siblings helped to entertain some of the time.

I wanted the fabric to be bright,cheery and a bit retro sort of like me!

 

Day # 1- beginning stages

 

Day # 2- middle stages

 

Day # 3- getting closer to being finished

 

Finally finished!

 

 

 

A Sweet Potato Pie for My Sweetie

                                     

The kiddos are all sick and spent the day on the couch or in bed. Hubby had it too, and was out of work for the last two days. No fun. I did some old fashion cookin' some and bakin'. I made a sausage soup and a sweet potato pie for my sweetie for St. Valentine's Day! I hope you all have a wonderful day tomorrow with all of your loved ones.

                                     

                                                           Sweet Potato Pie

                                                   

• 1 lb cooked sweet potatoes
• 1/2 stick softened butter
• 1 can ( 14 oz.) condensed milk
• 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 graham cracker crust

Mix sweet potatoes and butter, add condensed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Stir and pour into crust. Bake in 425 degree oven for 20 min., lower temp. to 350 degrees and bake for another 25 minutes. Top with whip creme if desired.

Mmmmm! Eat with sweetie!

Friday Paper Fun

                                      

  Today we had some fun. This morning, we took a detour from our everyday workbook subjects and did an artsy crafty project. Hubby had printed a lot of pictures for me last month but I have more than I can handle. I cannot put all of them into my journal due time constraints aka new baby, basketball games and practices etc. I decided to let the kiddos use them to make a treat for grammy. I was happy with the way they came out. I don't really know what to call them, they are like a scrapbook page folded into a case. Raphael has his open. He put in a couple of pictures of himself and wrote a few words.

                                          

          You start off with an 8x8 card stock square and the rest  of the directions you can find here.

                                     

   Max was so excited with his project. Isn't he the cutest! We used those neat chipboard embellishments I posted about here.

                                       

                                        

  These would make great St. Valentine's Day cards. They could be decorated with heart stickers or stamps. Some pretty pink and red or floral scrapbook paper would look great on the outside cover.

                                    

                                          

This is how it looks all folded up and ready to be given to that someone special. Abba Do made grammy's day with this one. And while all this was going on baby Eliana was doing her own thing...

                                             

                                 Have a wonderful weekend and maybe some fun with paper, too!

Comfy & Cozy

 

                                     

 I love snuggling with my lil' snuggle bug!  Last year, my neighbor made me this wonderful shawl. I hadn't really used it much until now. It is so soft and warm and perfect for me when nursing. I usually do my blogging with baby nursing on my lap on the boppy. These pillows are the best and they save your back. I am really enjoying this time of my life as a mother, being older I have more of an appreciation for baby love. Having a baby can bring that serenity we all long for. I want to experience that more with the older children,too. 

   I am trying to focus more on loving and praising. I yell a lot and this is something I am trying to give to God. I know that this rubs off on the kiddos. Some of the other blogging mothers have expressed wanting to have a quiet and gentle spirit, I can relate.

  Sometimes it can get very hectic when there are so many egos trying to live in one house. It would be impossible if not for the grace of God. I often find myself feeling like a referee or awarden. I think the key is to set the rules and give consequences without getting myself all worked up. Say it once and follow through on the consequence. I usually say something two or more times and by the third time I am totally frustrated.

  I think this will be a great focus for lent, giving up the bad habit of nagging and slothful discipline. Making my home more of a comfy and cozy and overall peaceful dwelling, cause if mama ain't happy ain't nobody happy. I hope you enjoy some snugly moments with your children on these winter days.

February History Studies

 

 We we will be studying the Civil War in the month of February. I was going to study it later in the year but since it is also Black History Month it is just as fitting to do it now. We will be using the above books plus History Pockets: Civil War.   I had found at thrift stores or tag sales and tucked  them away for future use.

 To start off we will read one of the Magic Tree House Titles, Civil War on Sunday. The kiddos seem to relate to and remember these well. I will post the activities from the History Pockets as we go along. Any activities or ideas you may have on the Civil War, Please leave comments.