March Madness

March is flying by. We have been so busy. Winter has been hiding for a few weeks now and spring has been heading our way. It always gets to be more fun on our nature table when spring comes, there is just so much more to find and we are outside more so the kids bring all sorts of stuff in to pu on it. 

I had a birthday and made my own birthday cake. I choose German Chocolate. I had to make it gluten free and I choose to make it sugar free too. It turned out super good. I also got a hair cut for my birthday I have been loving how easy it is to take care of. I basically get out of bed and fluff it and go on my way.

We are trying to be more crafty. I am always crafty but I am trying to be more relaxed and let my kids help. Things like needles make me nervous when it comes to 3 and 4 year olds. It gets hard when my boy who is capable of doing more "dangerous" crafts wants to make something and then the girls want to do the exact same thing. I have to get creative or deal with a lot of crying. 

We made these little dolls for a friend who was turning 3. They were fun but they were also a lot of work. We really enjoyed making them and learning from them. My kids couldn't keep their hands off of them. Now I know something to make for them this next Christmas! I am going to be busy this next week trying to finish up our Easter crafts and gifts. It feels a bit like a race when Easter is in March. March madness I guess, good thing its Spring break for us this week. 

The Last Few Weeks of Winter

March is for playing indoors while it rains or is windy outside. We often look out the window and think it looks nice then go out to find it is still quite chilly. 

Right now, once a month we paint. I think we really could do it more, and next year when my oldest gets to be in first grade we will try to do it once a week. For now though, this is about all I can muster.

It is a fun activity that lasts about 10 minutes and I spend 3 times that cleaning and setting up.

We are just experiencing color on paper. I have to remind them to wash their brushes before they dip in color. I feel productive when we complete this activity.

We have all these fun toys. In my head they seem super useful and beautiful. I made these gauze sheets for them to use for tents a couple of years ago and they often forget they have them. 

Sometimes I think that I should pass them on to other kids who would use them. Then my kids pull them out and surprise me by setting them up and really making a day of it. I thought this was fun as they really got into the house play in their fort. 

And yes my boy is still in his jammies. Sometimes its not worth fighting him. I guess he just likes his comfort. 

Cozy late winter days. 

February is for Love

We had a love filled season. We made decorations, almost 170 valentines, and special mail boxes. 

It is fun to celebrate the love we have for each other. Having kids really does make this holiday special. 

Every one worked hard for over a week.

It was fun for mom to see so much determination.

We honed our heart making skills,

and used up a ton of glue sticks.

We even made special cards for dad.

I made simple felt garlands. Thank you Pinterest.

I also made a heart mobile. I just love crafting with paper.

I felt so smart when I decided to run the hearts through my sewing machine instead of hand stringing them.

My husband discovered that I had used my machine for paper and was surprised.

All this work makes us hungry.

I still have the hardest time getting clear photos of my youngest. I wonder if she will ever hold still as she grows. Also as I sit an type this I am thinking about all the pictures that I have of us eating or working around our table. I am so happy we have it. It really is the center of our home. We send our love to all of you, Happy Valentines day.