fancy.

if you know me, you know I don't typically fuss with fancy.

but the same could not be said for little miss. 

who nearly flipped when her aunt carolyn took her to 

a texas sized accessories store.

after our heyday shopping trip, thank you gigi,

we had to completely reorganize lila's closet to accommodate the goods.

we tied pink grosgrain ribbons to the bar and made the easiest hair bow holder.

and I must confess, as a true southern girl, 

I have a real soft spot for big hair bows.

it's just the bucket-sized-hot-pink-rhinestone-embellished-cowboy-hat 

that I could do without.

the station.

this is the kiddos new station.

it's next to our big table and perfect for projects. games. and crafts.

new washable markers.

they always bring a smile to my face.

twistable crayons. genius.

pencils. pens. safety scissors. and glue.

the three drawers have:

blank paper. colored paper. and scrap paper.

bins of stickers. assorted pads. office supplies. and coloring books.

and magazines & other collage material.

the station is simple enough for the kids to be able to work on their own.

but interesting enough for me to want to sit and play with them.

naptime craft.

it's no secret, sundays are the best.

and sunday afternoons are perfect for nap time crafts.

naps for the boys and babes.

and crafts for the moms.

we settled on making terrariums and gathered glass vessels, of all sizes.

but big enough to easily fit your hand.

and gathered all kinds of little plants, succulents, with different colors and textures.

but not the spidery looking ones with fur!

a layer of rock, then good dirt, packed and leveled.

place the plants.

biggest plant first, and not in the center is best.

add moss and rocks for color.

and place where it can get a good bit of sunshine.

would be great fun with kids too,

but makes a perfect nap time craft with your bestie.

our only misstep was picking plants that don't really need watering.

our mothering instincts love nurturing (and over watering)

so we are guessing our terrariums will live 3 weeks max.

I suppose it's the perfect excuse for another sunday nap time craft.

...when we have to remake our terrariums.

not so bored books.

trent has become quite the little author & illustrator. 

a perk to being stuck inside for 2 weeks with a sick baby sister.

he lives for new markers. blank board books. and endless free time.

creating tons of little books for friends. family. 

and this one, for his teacher.

First, he brainstorms. Things his teacher loves. (certainly my favorite part) 

"there's parties..."

"oh and she loves preschool."

"and she really likes America."

"and her family of course." 

(with her two granddaughters in matching plaid dresses)

"And I love Mrs. Shoaf" 

the perfect ending.

clean up your legos.

have you ever stepped on a lego piece?

it only took one time and I was looking for the perfect storage solution.

in pain fury I looked around our house. and found a stack of these.

pepsi crates are like mason jars here. for anything and everything.

some even have compartments for organizing. love.

harry potter. star wars. 

and pieces we can't figure out where they belong.

lila even has one for animals.

they fit in with the rest of our home.

and can easily be transported to the table. or porch for play.

and when it's time to clean up...

it either goes in the crate. or in the trash.

and instantly the problem of little legos left on the floor, solved.

note: I cut little squares of cardboard to put inside the crates so no pieces fell threw the cracks.

star wars christmas.

would you believe they don't sell star wars christmas shirts?

remember, we had the same problem @ valentines.

so I surprised him with a mom-made one.

yes, that's all the main guys (and leia) holding hands & ice skating.

yep, I'd say it fit the bill just fine.

winter wonderland.

the perfect snowy craft.

start with some mason jars. we use these jars for everything.

and tiny little trees.

cover with glue.

glitter. add a bit of snow. and seal em up in jars.

then let it snow.

let it snow.

let it snow.

a little bit more.

trust me, the more the merrier.

"its really snow much fun"

perfect. our little winter wonderland.