Grocery Shrink

It’s like edible Lincoln Logs.

And it made him happy.

When he’s happy, I’m happy :).

Today is my 12th anniversary.  Pretty cool huh?  On 12-12 we celebrate 12 years.  Darren said we should have waited 2 more years to get married so we could celebrate our 12th on 12-12-12.  I’m not sure I could have waited that long unless we lived in separate countries.  He’s pretty good looking :).

So here we were 12 years ago.  Naive and blissful.  Oh we are still plenty blissful, but less naive. 

Who would have thought 12 years later I would be here, expecting our 6th gorgeous baby?  What wonderful blessings the Lord gives us!

I’m not sure what we will do to celebrate today.  Life is so busy right now we are in survival mode.  But in 2 weeks we will go to the Country Club Plaza for a lovely dinner and a walk with all the Christmas lights in full glory.  And in 6 weeks, we will take our 3 oldest children on a super frugal cruise to Mexico and that makes me very happy!

1.  Bed Warmer:  http://sew-whats-new.com/profiles/blogs/sew-a-bed-warmer-tutorial

2.  Fabric checkers set:  http://www.sewnews.com/articles/Fun___Games

3.  Wrist Pincushion:  http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/2010/05/tutorial-sew-stylish-pincushion.html

4.  Quilted Bib:  http://sewshesews.wordpress.com/2010/04/08/quilted-patchwork-bib-pattern-and-tutorial/

1.  Curved and Ruffled Clutch:  http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/curved-and-ruffled-clutch

2.  Kid’s Chair Tote:  http://sew-whats-new.com/profiles/blogs/sew-a-kids-valentine-chair

3.  Pedicure Kit:  http://pickupsomecreativity.blogspot.com/2010/05/pedicure-kit-tutorial.html

4.  Ipod travel pouch:  http://madebypetchy.blogspot.com/2008/07/tutorial-pouch-for-ipod-nano.html

Pictures and fun story to come, but today I must wash 12 loads of laundry and do my dishes, go to piano lessons, sew a Christmas costume, and go to a birthday party.

 Here’s a photo of the proud papa in the waiting room before the sonogram.  Just the thought of getting to see his precious baby put him into front flips and handstands. 

My middle son (age 5) said while looking at the sonogram screen, “Well, if we take this baby, there’ll be 6 of us!”  As if we had a choice. 

And my husband said, “Sorry girls, no baby sister this time.”  As if we can always hope again for the future, which warmed my heart.  I’d love to think there may be another some day.

My younger children love to help with chores, but when it is time to let them, an inward struggle takes place with me.  It’s not that I mind them helping, but when it’s time to stop, they throw a trantrum.  I finally discovered a secret to smooth transitions and am excited to use it again!

First, I made my chore supplies child friendly.  My window spray is 3 drops of joy dish soap in 4 cups of water with a little blue food coloring to make it look store bought.  The kids can use it on windows, counters, cabinets…pretty much anywhere.  And it won’t hurt them either.  I hand them a dry blue huck towel to clean with. 

Here’s the trick:  Se the timer!  Let them know that chore time is only until the timer dings.  Then have a fun activity planned for after chores, such as playdough, a paint with water book, or a snack.  Let them go for it with their cleaning rags and when the timer goes off, it’s time to hand over the spray bottle quietly (and no one will get hurt :).  When the tots are happily engaged in the new activity, sneak off to check their work and wipe off any smears or drips they left behind. 

The goal is to nurture the enthusiasm of the chidren to help, by keeping the work sessions short, removing criticism or need for discipline, and rewarding a job finished with a fun activity.  I wish I had thought of that when my first 2 were little.

1.   Christmas Pillows:  http://creativelittledaisy.typepad.com/creative_little_daisy/2009/11/pillow-talk.html

2.  Cool Yule:  http://www.greenkitchen.com/blog/2008/12/cool-yule-holiday-tutorial.html

3.  Paper Gift Cones:  http://the-feathered-nest.blogspot.com/2008/11/dud-idea-new-idea-mini-tutorial-oh-and.html

4.  Felt Hair Clips:  http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2009/04/felt-hair-clips.html

5.  Recycled Target Bag Gift Pom: http://creaturecomforts.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/11/diy-eco-happy-pom-pom-gift-topper.html

1.  Cookie Bags from Lolly Chops:  http://according-to-kelly.com/2010/07/rustic-cookie-bags-from-lolly-chops/

2.  Simple Sewn Bird Ornaments:  http://www.purlbee.com/sewn-bird-ornaments/2008/12/8/mollys-sketchbook-simple-sewn-bird-ornaments.html

3.  No Sew Buttoned Shawl:  http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2009/11/scarf-shawl/

4.  No Sew Flutter Cape:  http://www.rufflesandstuff.com/2009/10/tutorial-easy-no-sew-flutter-cape-with.html  

5.  How Joyful Bear:  http://www.howjoyful.com/2010/05/howjoyful-bear-tutorial-and-pattern/

I’m visiting over at Ordinary Inspriations today.  Come join me over there for a thought provoking discussion on how the woman of the home makes the holidays special for her family.