My 25 day countdown journal...

Well, my kids couldn't be more excited. Today started our countdown to Christmas. Starting last year I made a journal that kept track of each day, what we did with pictures etc. So this year I made one again and then realized I had made one last year for this year...so I guess I have one for next year...did you follow that?
Anyway, here is the journal I will be using. It was a heart shaped chipboard book with some Making Memories paper and a few accents...so very easy.
For the first day the kids received their Lego Advent Calendar.

My name is Valerie...and I have an addiction to dishes.

Yes, I am self-confessed. I am not sure if I need a 12 step program or not but I know I have more than 12 sets of dishes.
Today I purchased a set for St. Patricks day. yes, you heard right, I need dishes for St. Patrick's day. They are so pretty and are going to look fabulous on my table.
So there you have it.I only have a few more dishes I want and then I will be done..honest...really : )

Little snowman gifts...

I found some of the cutest things on Lillian Vernon the other day. I was actually looking for something else and found these. I think I will just put a gift card and a little of my caramel mix in it for the teachers. We usually do a group gift and this way I can just do a little something else for them.

I love the Festival of Trees...

This coming weekend is the Festival of trees in Tacoma. I LOVE to look at beautiful trees. The festival seems to be a tradition with many of the hospital guilds as a way to raise money for the Children's hospitals. I have dreamed of having one of these trees/wreaths or mini trees. I am so curious as to how much the sell for...the dinner alone is $300 a person WOW. Now that i have a larger home I could accomodate one don't you think?
A girl can dream can't she.....

What a thankful day...

Despite the overeating, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am so thankful to my 2 friends who included my family into their families activities. What a blessing. We started in Olympia with yummy pumpkin/pecan waffles, a visit to the Festival of trees and some good conversation. Then off to the ABC family (Austin/Blum/Craig) where we had appetizers,dinner and a million desserts and the kids had a great time. Now today is dedicated to starting the holdiay decorating..oh my.

Happy Thanksgiving to all

Well, today I am thankful for all the things we have. I am most thankful for good health, my family and all that it means to live in this country. But this year I am super thankful for my new beautiful home. I love it more every day, it is perfect and I know God provided it!
Have a great day with your friends/family or serving others.

Memory jar...great idea

I do a lot of scrapbooking but with my aging memory trying to remember all the cute things the kids say is sort of hard. I saw this on www.lovinmylovebugs.blogspot.com and LOVED the idea. I am going to be doing a few of these. You just write little things the kids say on a piece of paper and slip into a jar. Perfect for a military mom where her husband may not get to hear about all the little things the kids do or say. I am off to find a jar and some glitter paper : )