You are Special!

While I was looking for ideas of things to do for the 25 days of Christmas, I came across a wonderful idea. The Tipjunkie had a gift idea for friends. She had a red plate (a charger- a plate that goes under the plate you are eating off of to accent it) and put vinyl letter on it that said "You are special". She said to use the plate on special occasions- birthday, first day of school, etc. I love this idea, but I wanted to make it more personal for the kids so here what we came up with.

All Fired Up is a local paint your own pottery store and they teamed up with MSGL (Everest's preschool) for the month of February. They donated 15% of their proceeds to the school. We took the kids on a Saturday afternoon.

Each of the boys picked out a plate. Everest wanted a square one and Leaf chose round.

The boys picked their paints (which start out looking pale and chalky) and went to work.

Leaf LOVED the sponge brush, he more or less stamped a gallon of paint onto his plate.

Everest was very proud of his plate and couldn't wait to "cook" it.

Leaf's plate before it got fired.

We are hanging the plates on the wall and using them for special occasions. We thought the plates would have more meaning if they painted them themselves, and they are dishwasher safe!

Building blocks

Blocks are something I think all kids like and every family needs. There are so many different styles, but any blocks will do. We got these blocks from a friend when we lived in Logan and Everest was a baby. They have been used on a weekly basis since we got them.

Leaf and his tower. He was very proud!

Everest decided to build steps.

Leaf trying out a new style tower.....this one didn't stand alone very long.

Everest's steps tower stood well, but he wanted to add support to it. He built columns on both sides. (plus a Lego column)

Then he wanted to add an elevator bigger than he was. He made it taller than me, but didn't have enough blocks to support it. This is the more economical and durable model.

But wait there is more. He decided to add stores and a connecting sky walk. If you look closely you can see the Lego house he built and an airplane. The boys had such a good time building.
Did you notice Aurora on the side lines? She happily sat and watched her brothers build. She chewed on a few blocks the whole time.

Sewing

A few things my kids like to do while I sew.

Everest discovered he can touch his toes to his head.

Leaf and Everest love to play on the balance board. Not only to they practice their balance, but it has been an island, a ship, a car, a trampoline, and many many more things. Thank you so much Grami.

I have been making banners. I am having fun with them. Everest picked Purdue material, anyone surprised?

Leaf picked redbue his favorite colors as he says.

I made this for my friend Heather for their new home!

I made these for my nieces. I was afraid all the pink was going to be too much, but I think they turned out really cute.

Nonnie and Papa's February visit

My parents came to visit in February. We did not take very many pictures. I am not sure why other than my parents took the kids to do things and Nathan and I stayed home and took a break!
Here is a cute picture of my mom and Everest. My parents and sister are in New Zealand right now! We miss you and wish we could be there. I don't know that the kids or anyone else on the plane would have survived my 3 kids! Next time!

My parents were here for my birthday and I made an amazing cake from The Smitten Kitchen. Her cake is sooooooo much prettier than mine. I don't care how it came out (very lopsided and goopy looking). It was amazing! If you like chocolate and peanut butter (sunbutter substitutes very well!), you have to try this cake!

Mom holding my big girl. She is already trying to feed herself. UGH! I am in trouble!

Everest broke one of their Madi Gras necklaces, but found a very good use for it. He made a bunny. Not bad!

He decided to make more shapes. This is his ghost. Gotta love the cheetah pants! They are from his Halloween costume. He wears them all the time.

Leaf had some blueberry pancakes....can you tell? We discovered something interesting when we made the pancakes. The frozen blueberries changed the batter purple. But when we cooked them, they turned blue. The kids were very excited by this discovery!

Leaf holding Roar

The boys love their sister and beg to hold her. They are both getting better at it and luckily she is getting bigger and better at them holding her too.

At first Leaf would just get up when he was done or let go of her so he could suck his fingers. Now he makes sure he holds her the whole time.

I was able to take about 10 pictures of them together.