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American Girl Classroom Creation

I have several nieces. One of them has a birthday tomorrow and she loves to play with her American Girl dolls. I adore the dolls and all things girly, (especially since I have four boys), so I totally encourage this habit. 

A while back, I started looking for ways to make things to go with their dolls and extra-large doll houses their dad made for Christmas. I decided to paint little dressers with them when I had them for a long weekend.  

My next project was to make a small classroom for them. 

I found these little student size desks on Walmart.com. 

I bought a tri-fold foam board (think science projects), some cork board tape, print and solid color  border paper, and other accessories. I printed off the Dr. Seuss quote, crayon border, blank clock and other items. I laminated most of them so they can write on there with dry erase markers or crayons. 

I found these cute, doll-size clipboards at Michaels along with the circle garland I still need to make. 

The large pink board is a chalkboard, also from Michaels. 

I am so excited to give this to her tomorrow!!

My next project is to make a ballet/gymnastics studio. I already have the supplies to make a rail and some 

Snow days

Who doesn't love a good snow day?

As a principal, I have to decide if we will have a delay, go to school or cancel for inclement weather. Not only do I answer to my board and parents, faculty and students, I also have four little people in my home that have their own ideas about what I should and should not decide!

Today, it worked in their favor, although they were asleep and not consulted!

GeoTrax......All Aboard

We are on day four of snow and being home. This mom had to pull out an old faithful for entertainment.

We have had Geotrax trains for twelve years. For my oldest son's first Christmas, my mother-in-law gave him a starter set with a train, tracks and a few extra pieces. Each Christmas she added to it so that each of the boys have a starter set.  We also bought mountains, bridges, elevated sets, a city block, the train terminal and other extra pieces. Jake even got a Christmas set complete with a Santa train and presents.

For years, these trains have entertained the boys. More than that, they've plotted and planned and designed tracks and cities. When they were smaller, we left a huge set up put together in the basement  and they played with them all the time. I remember building the set with Blake during Noah and Andy's nap time and having to tweak it several times until we got it "just right". When Jake was just big enough to sit up and hold the remote, we put a small set in his room. He was mesmerized by the train going 'round and 'round.

We haven't bought any new pieces recently.  In fact, I don't know that Fischer Price even makes them anymore.   They are all sorted in bins in the basement: trains, straight track, people and signs, elevated pieces and buildings. We don't play with them every day, but when we do get them out and assemble a set, it is still a big hit with all the boys! We may not keep many toys once our boys are grown, but Geotrax trains will be waiting for the grandchildren we hope to have someday!

Getting Ready for Christmas 2016

It is December 31, 2015. Did I really say getting ready for Christmas 2016?

YES!!

I have learned to do a few intentional things to make getting ready for next year much easier.  The Thanksgiving holiday is usually very busy with family and activities. Then we move right into the hustle and bustle of Christmas. I try to do a few tasks now that help me not do as much next year. 

1- Wrap up all the Christmas books-  Each year my boys unwrap a different Christmas book from Dec 1-25. The first few years, I would be wrapping them all November 30. I decided to start wrapping them all before I put them up and it made a huge difference for me. Now, the tradition can continue with zero stress on Mommy. 

2- Purchase Christmas wrap and accessories at sale prices- I try to buy paper (my favorite is the Hallmark brand double sided paper in a huge roll from Sam's) on sale. I get tissue paper, boxes, tape and bows at 50% off or less.  I put it all together in a tub ready to pull out to wrap next year. 

3- Pack up ornaments and decor by tree- certain ornaments go on specific trees at our home. I started packing up all the ornaments from our family room tree together in ornament boxes. I put the boys' individual ornaments in different containers so they can easily decorate their trees in their rooms right after Thanksgiving. 

4- Organize decor by subject - I put all my Santas together, all the snowmen together, all the nativity related decor together, etc. This makes it easier for me to decorate as I can do one box at a time and feel I have accomplished something.  

5- Prepare your outdoor decor for next year - Do any wreaths need new bows? Do you need new lights? We purchased new lights after Christmas at 50% off.  The boys have also gotten very excited about putting up outdoor lights and decor the past two years. We added an inflatable snowman this year and large tree of lights. For next year, we have purchased icicle lights to run the length of our roofline. This allows us to add a little each year without breaking the bank!

These may seem like they wouldn't be a huge deal, but they greatly relieve my stress!

Happy New Year to you!

Celebrating Christmas

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

Life with Boys

Our power is temporarily out. 

Conversation between boys:

A: Do we have hot water?

G: Yes, it is gas, not electric 

A: What is gas?

B: The stuff that comes out your butt..

Me: No. That is not right. 

N: Yes!!  That IS natural gas. 

Everyone laughing. 

I give up!