Hello Again!

I have a dilemma. I blog from my photos and my camera needs new batteries, so I have not been blogging. I will attempt a photo free blog, even though I don't know what the heck I am going to talk about.

First off the reason for the post was Sarah wanted the felt play mats link. Cheryl pointed out that LaPaz's blog has a version of felted play mats. They are quite adorable so here is the link to her playmats. I hope you all enjoy them as much as I did. This coming week is dedicated to Christmas crafting , helping others and getting the house ready for Christmas. Perhaps I will get a few playmats done then.

Today the homeschoolers met at the skating oval and it was beautiful. I was surprised how quickly the kids regained there skating legs. We were there for over an hour before my toes started to freeze (which for December is awesome). The kids were warm and could have kept skating for at least another hour.

This Sunday is the homeschooler's Christmas Tea. Everyone had such a good time last year. The kids have been practicing their poems. I said that I would bring a craft and I think I will bring bookmark supplies. But if anyone knows a great children's craft let me know.

This Tuesday we will be heading out to Souris to help my niece get her house ready to sell. She said to not worry about it till after the Christmas Season. But when you think about it, there isn't a better thing we could be doing than helping someone out. So this year our Christmas cookies will be purchased and our home will not be picture perfect (far from it). But our coffee will be Free Trade, our gifts (mostly) homemade and we will make time to appreciate the people we love. It works for us, and that is what matters most.

I hope you find time to enjoy each day this Advent.

P.S. Even if it is ice cube toes and frozen fingers!

P.P.S. If my post is scattered I do apologize, and I will try to purchase batteries this weekend : )

Craft Night Bliss

I was made aware of a serious omission on my part. When I was mentioning what was beautiful yesterday, I failed to mention the amazing group of ladies coming over. Last night I hosted our weekly craft night. It was lovely. Friends bonding over knitting and card making. I believe there might have even been singing. We were only drinking tea or coffee, but a group of mothers out late with only grown ups to talk to ........ well we can get a little giddy. So to the great ladies that I failed to include in my post, you too were a big part of yesterday's beauty ; )

And Back To Our Regularly Scheduled Program

After a week of crafting we were already to get back to normal. The kids got so much done! Their Christmas crafts are almost complete. I was not as efficient with my time, but two of three children are now sporting beautiful toques.

This morning we completed our book and computer work, had our lunch, and then headed outside for nature study. The weather was beautiful. At first Evan claimed that there is no nature in winter, and then we went outside and discovered for ourselves. Evan was the one to spot an abandoned bee hive. The bottom had broken off and you could see the honeycomb. We observed the color of snow in sunlight and in shadow, made numerous fake animal prints, and spotted some real ones, we felt the inside of a tree where the bark had separated. We listened to black-capped chickadees that a couple we met on our walk identified it for us. We sat in our favorite spot to draw, which wasn't as private now that it has lost its leaves. Then we headed back home. Now the meatloaf is cooking, the kids have wandered off to play, and I am recording what was beautiful in our day. I hope everyone else has had a great day!

Advent

I corrected the first link, it now links to all her advent ideas.

Well I am looking into ways to celebrate Advent with the kids this year and found a great resource at By Sun and Candlelight. She rocks! So instead of not knowing what to do, now I have to choose what I want to do most. She has great ideas here and here as well. But if anyone else has favorite Advent traditions please pass them along.

Christmas Crafting Week!

Well we have started are Christmas craft week off with a resounding bang a.k.a.(puttering around making tea and plans). Some craft ideas are well on their way, while others were put on hold. The kids dreamed up new plans and couldn't wait to start them. If the rest of the week is as productive (and exciting) as today we will want to do this again very soon : )

We would show you more but well you know.....................

In your face snow!

It is cold outside. Yes the snow glitters in the sun bla, bla ,bla.... but it is also cold, and we are sick. So today I had a show down with the outwear clothing stores in Brandon. I would not give up, my children would have warm coats and ski pants by the end of the day. Winners saved the day. Thank you Winners for carrying warm outerwear. So now we will be prepared to face the cold, as soon as I find touques, mitts and scarves....... But fear not I have a basement full of them. For anyone else not yet ready for the cold, head to Winners and you too can be a winner in the quest for outerwear ;)

Felt Landscapes

The kids are sick today, so I have decided to make it a story/craft day. While the kids are reading and building block towers I thought that I would post the link to the felted jungle. We are thinking of doing these for Christmas gifts.

P. S. I was just surfing and stumbled on yarn balls as well. I think that we will have to try this to.

I hope that everyone is having a great day!