Mother Bear and Cubs

Loving nature this time of year!  

Beautiful Buds

My garden is about to go into full bloom, and I couldn't be more excited!  I like to think of our yard as an extension of our home.  My kids already carved a fort out of a honeysuckle bush out back, which of course inspired them to start their very first club. Reminds me of the fun times I had outdoors when I was little, and I love it!   

Enjoy the pics of our new blooms!

Introducing Poetry to Kids

Try sharing a poem one night a week at dinner.  We wrote our first poem on paper and hung it up to read every day.  Now my son has it memorized and loves sharing it with anyone that will listen!  

Bonus: By reading aloud poems at home you are building background knowledge for your kids.  When they learn poetry at school the literary terms will stick, and more importantly they will have a love of poetry!

Got any fun poems to share?

Repurposing Your Stuff for Kids

When I had my first son, I wanted everything new and all the latest "must have" baby gear. Then when I had twins two years later, I realized how silly it is to spend money on gear that your kids outgrow in a flash. Borrow when you can, and then get creative repurposing for everything else!

Here are a few of my ideas...

1. Cupcake stand to baby food organizer
2. Dry sink to changing table to dresser

If you have any repurposing pointers, please share!

My Favorite Mom Quote

6 Steps to a Fun and Functional Entryway

1. Select a table or dresser.

This was a dresser that my aunt refinished and gave to me. Lucky me, I know. I picked up the knobs from Anthropology.


2. Hang a mirror or pic.

I found my mirror for $45 in a little antique store.  Love it.


3. Turn on a light or electric candle.

This candle has been sitting in my attic for ages. Glad I found a use for it!


4. Use a tray to keep your things organized.

I like how my tray has high sides. It keeps little kid fingers from getting at my stuff!


5. Display things that make you smile.

I framed a treehouse my son drew and childhood pics of my husband on his 2nd bday and me when I was 8 on my great grandfather's farm. They immediately put me in a good mood!


6. Place a guest book for friends and family to "sign in" at dinner parties and memorable events.

Sounds cheesy, but it will be fun to look at years from now!



Have a great entryway idea? Please share!