Tradition Tuesday - Romancing Your Man!

I don't have to tell you that Valentines Day is right around the corner! It is one of my favorite holidays because I love....LOVE. Don't you?! It's a great opportunity to show the men in our lives how much we LOVE loving them!

So I'm sending you over (click on the title below) to one of my all time favorite blogs on this subject.  Cher's blog is BURSTING with idea's of what you can do to romance your Man! He'll squeal (grunt?)with delight, I guarantee!

They ARE Listening

My brother's AMAZING kidlets

I read this on my friend Miriam Dyer's blog (check out her 365 days of gratitude photos...in a word: inspiring).  It was a great reminder to me.  If you want to see pictures that go along with each line, go to where she found it: The Maternal Lens.

19 Things we should say to our children

1. I love you! There is nothing that will make me stop loving you. Nothing you could do or say or think will ever change that.

2. You are amazing! I look at you with wonder! Not just at what you can do, but who you are. There is no one like you. No one!

3. It’s all right to cry. People cry for all kinds of reasons: when they are hurt, sad, glad, or worried; when they are angry, afraid, or lonely. Big people cry too. I do.

4. You’ve made a mistake. That was wrong. People make mistakes. I do. Is it something we can fix? What can we do? It’s all over. You can start fresh. I know you are sorry. I forgive you.

5. You did the right thing. That was scary or hard. Even though it wasn’t easy, you did it. I am proud of you; you should be too.

6. I’m sorry. Forgive me. I made a mistake.

7. You can change your mind. It’s good to decide, but it is also fine to change.

8. What a great idea! You were really thinking! How did you come up with that? Tell me more. Your mind is clever!

9. That was kind. You did something helpful and thoughtful for that person. That must make you feel good inside. Thank you!

10. I have a surprise for you. It’s not your birthday. It’s for no reason at all. Just a surprise, a little one, but a surprise.

11. I can wait. We have time. You don’t have to hurry this time.

12. What would you like to do? It’s your turn to pick. You have great ideas. It’s important to follow your special interests.

13. Tell me about it. I’d like to hear more. And then what happened? I’ll listen.

14. I’m right here. I won’t leave without saying good-bye. I am watching you. I am listening to you.

15. Please and Thank You. These are important words. If I forget to use them, will you remind me?

16. I missed you. I think about you when we are not together!

17. Just try. A little bit. One taste, one step. You might like it. Let’s see. I’ll help you if you need it. I think you can do it.

18. I’ll help you. I heard you call me, here I am. How can I help you? If we both work together, we can get this done. I know you can do it by yourself, but I’m glad to help since you asked.

19. What do you wish for? Even if it’s not yet time for birthday candles and we don’t have a wishbone, it’s still fun to hear about what you wish for, hope for, and dream about.

You are probably already saying these things to your kidlets but I really appreciated this reminder. They are precious little people for such a short time.  I feel so privileged to get to do this whole "Mama" thing.  Don't you?

Big Announcement #1 and a Special Deal ONLY for My Readers!

Do you ever wonder what it would have been like to live in a previous generation?  What would your worries be? What would your passions be?  

WHAT WOULD YOU BE WEARING?

It's fun to look back on the styles and patterns of yesteryear!  It's actually a little passion of mine. If you gave me whole day to do whatever I wanted, I would probably choose (after sleeping A LOT)a day filled with antique shops, garage sales and thrift stores looking for patterns and pictures that inspire. I have a feeling I'm not alone!

For a while now I have been collecting vintage pattern books and pamphlets.  I also have a collection of clippings from old vintage magazines (like really old).  I love the styles and the inspiration they bring.  

So here's the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:

I have an ever growing pile of patterns that I have learned recently can be shared as they are now considered "public domain" (i.e. their copyright has expired and not been renewed).  So I have started the process of cleaning them up and creating PDF's to be purchased in the shop!  

To celebrate, and to thank all of you for your support and kindness. I will be offering ALL the patterns in the shop (yes even the Pod and Scoop patterns) at 30% off!  This is ONLY for you.  

IMPORTANT: When you check out, just put "Friend" in notes to seller and I will reimburse you 30% of your purchase.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Paton's Bayeux Crocheted Pilot-style hat

Bear Brand Babushka Style Hat Knitting Pattern

 

Brunswick Hooded Sweater Knitting Pattern

Paton's Crusader Hat Knitting Pattern

Also, you can bet that I will be sharing some of these patterns with you FREE of charge in future posts.  Just stay with me ladies....there are some exciting gifts on the way!

Tradition Tuesday - A Wedding in the Woods

For centuries it has been an old superstition that Valentines Day is the day birds select their mates; why not prepare the wedding supper?!  Prepare balls of peanut butter, raisins and seeds (freeze to keep shape). Tie with big red ribbons from the trees and watch the newlyweds enjoy the feast!

Inspired by Sarah Ban Breathnach's Mrs. Sharps Traditions

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT #1 COMING TOMORROW! 

The Sisterhood of the Traveling SHOES!

 My Cousin Thelma (who I wish you could all have a couple of hours to just sit down with and get to know because she is THAT cool) asked me to let all of you "sisters" know about what is going on over in her world. 

 

For the last month or so she has had the privilege of owning the above pictured shoes.  She won the opportunity from Christie who got them from the original owner Diane.  So she is the third in what is hoped will be a long line of ladies who get to experience the Sisterhood of the Traveling Shoes.

Now, don't give me that look! I know most of you are looking out the window and seeing snow and rain and frost and saying out loud to the computer "Where in the HECK am I going to wear a pair of sandals in January?" I say "Buck up little campers!"  It's all about adventure and well....

That didn't stop Thelma!  You can read about her shoe adventures in the wettest State in the Union here!

 

So would you like to have a chance at being part of the Shoe Sisterhood?  Here's what you need to know:

1. The shoes are size 9 (a size I wore at age 12 and sadly never looked back...but for all of you with dainty feet...enjoy!)
2. You will receive the shoes in the mail from Thelma and get to keep them for 30 days.
3. While you are wearing the shoes, you will want to take pictures and blog about some of your adventures in the shoes.  
   
4. At the end of 30 days, you will need to hold a giveaway on your blog (or a friends if you don't have one) and keep the shoes a-travelin'
5. Of course link to Thelma so that everyone can follow the origins of the shoes as they travel around the globe!

So, if you are ready for your chance, click HERE to leave a comment and good luck (drawing will be held on Thelma's blog on the 22nd of January)!

Tradition Tuesday - Love is in the Air - February Traditions

Picture courtesy of I Live on a Farm

February Tradition Ideas
For those of you who are new, you can find an explanation on Tradition Tuesdays HERE

Heart Attack: Decorate your childrens doors with hearts shaped notes telling them how much you love them.  You can do this for neighbors or widows or anyone else who may enjoy it.

Secret Valentine:  A week before Valentine’s Day arrange for all family members to pick names out of a hat/bowl.  The name that each chooses becomes their “Secret Valentine”.  During the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, each person does something nice for their Secret Valentine.  For example, writing little, kind, notes, cleaning their bedroom, secret acts of service, etc. On Valentines Day have a party or special dinner where everyone reveals their Secret Valentine.  This could be done in your family or each family member could think of a friend or neighbor who might enjoy this.

Handmade Valentine Cards:

Before Valentines Day get together as a family and make special Valentine cards for all of the widows in your neighborhood or congregation.  On Valentines day deliver them either in secret or face to face.

Hidden Hearts:

Make as many hearts as you wish for your special someone.  These hearts can be made out of paper or fabric, as fancy or simple as you’d like.  On each heart write all of the reasons you cherish them.  Then choose random spots to hide these handmade hearts.  Your sweetheart will surely be touched when they come across these cherished notes in unlikely places (a briefcase, a cereal box, car, etc.)

Hot Dog (For Ground Hog's Day): This game is Punxsutawney's version of "Hot Potato." Arrange the family in a circle. Give one person a stuffed groundhog, or a picture of a groundhog taped to a stick. As the music plays pass the groundhog around the circle. When the music stops the person holding the groundhog is OUT. Play continues until there is only one Groundhog King or Queen left.

Penny Heads or Tails (for President's Day): Abraham Lincoln (16th President of the United States) was born on the 12^th of February. Play penny heads or tails.  Get in the car with a penny.  If it lands on heads turn right, if it lands on tails turn left.  Do this 16 times and see where you end up.

Cherry Tree Pie (President's Day):  George Washington's Birthday is on the 22nd.  Tell your family the story of George Washington and his families cherry tree.  Talk about his honesty and integrity.  Make a cherry pie for a treat.

As always, we'd all love to hear some of your tradition ideas!

Random Updates

So I just thought I'd share a couple of things.

1. I just started Weight Watchers online on Monday and I can honestly say I am LOVING IT.  I am doing the "Simply Filling" Plan and do not feel like I'm on a diet.  I love that I can count my points online (SO easy and I am learning so much doing this) and don't have to go to a meeting.  It really just works for me.  My goal is to loose my 20 lbs. of baby fat by March.  I'd love to know if any of you are doing this too or any other diets you are doing and what your goals are!

2. I've just discovered my new favorite kid's album (and adult too...).  It's been around for a while I'm sure...but have you heard Ziggy Marley's "Family Time" album?  Seriously so great and so fun to dance to with toddlers (or not).  I use this as my morning workout.  The girls and I dance, dance, DANCE (while Norah watches and laughs at us). On the slower songs, the girls act as my free weights.  I am feeling the BURN with these little Yayhoo's!

3. I have some really exciting announcements for you coming SOON.

OK, ladies that is all for now, over and out. I would love to hear what you are up to...SERIOUSLY!