Fun-Filled "Friday" - Buddy Bear walks!

Yes, it is a little late to label this post a Fun-Filled Friday.  I had tried to do a scheduled post, but obviously it didn't work. 

Buddy Bear is finally walking!  We took this video Tuesday night.

Birthday Celebration and a GIVEAWAY!

My little princess is 3!
  Happy Birthday, Ally!
 

In honor of Ally's third birthday, I am going to do my first giveaway!

The Children's Illustrated Bible
written by Selina Hastings, illustrated by Eric Thomas, published by DK.

More than a Children's story Bible, The Children's Illustrated Bible is also a Bible handbook with additional historical, and geological information about each story.  This book includes Bible references, colorful illustrations, and full color photographs and facts that help you understand even more what was happening in each story.  The stories are easy enough to hold the attention of a preschooler, and the additional information will fascinate even the older child (Hey, I've even learned a lot!).  This same book by Selina Hastings is available in a larger form published by New Leaf Press.

To enter just leave a comment below.  Make sure and provide contact information.


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2. Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in a comment.
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This giveaway will be open till May 27th.

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother is Just a Simple Word

Mother is just a simple word
yet it's especially dear...

And it seems to mean much
more with each passing year...

Each word of Love and Affection
describes you mother...

It's a word that's filled with love,
a word that reflects everything that's
wonderful - Wonderful just like you.

~Author Unknown~

(found here)

My mom with her grandkiddos:

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

We love you!

(And by the way... the snow did all melt... everything is green again... ☺)

Snow for Mother's Day?

The smell of hot cocoa, wood smoke, and the sight of fresh snow outside make me feel like Christmas!  They say it will all melt by tomorrow, and perhaps they are right.  We got about 5 inches in some places, and more continues to fall.  That being said, my girls declared that it's summer!  I think they must have gotten their seasons mixed up (LOL☺)!

I took the opportunity to go for a walk... by myself... this morning and revive a little of my love for photography.

Wildflowers and Worms

I love Spring!  The flowers, budding trees, getting my hands in the dirt, watching things grow, and yes, even the worms.  Yesterday, the kiddos and I went outside to do some digging.  My mom gave me some rhubarb plants, and I need to give them a home.  I found a spot that will do; and while the girls ran around and Buddy Bear watched from his stroller, I got to work with the shovel.  It wasn't long before Ally came over to see what in the world I was digging.  "Worms," I told her.  Of course she wanted to see, but wouldn't get anywhere near enough to touch it.  Oh how I wish I had my camera with me!  RaeRae wasn't to far behind, and she too had to see the worms but not touch it.  (How did I end up with such girly-girls?!)  Even though Buddy Bear is yet only 12 months old, he was not to be left out.  You could just hear his thoughts and squeals "What are you all looking at?"  So being the kind (and a bit crazy) mom that I am, I brought two worms over to Buddy Bear's tray to let him touch the worm.  A little dirt never hurt right?  Of course he got a good hold of that worm, and it went straight to his mouth.  Nature study up close!  No... I didn't let him get it to his mouth (his sisters just about freaked out!).  And then being the wonderful little brother (and totally boy) that he is, he tried to give the worm to Ally!  Like I said, I wish I had my camera!  Well, after seeing that the worm didn't hurt Buddy Bear any, RaeRae decided that she could touch it, quickly, barely, and in the middle so it didn't poop on her!  And Ally, well... she tried, but just could bring herself to do it.  So they got their own shovels; and as I finished digging a spot for the rhubarb, they helped me "dig for worms."

After "digging for worms," we went for a walk around the edge of the yard.  To our surprise, we found some Forget-Me-Nots growing around one of the sheds.  Of course my girly-girls were all about picking flowers, and we also found some violets, yellow violets, dandelions (of course), and a white springtime flower that I once knew the name of (but have lost my wildflower guide book and can't look it up).  Two beautiful little bouquets, and a wonderful reminder that it really is Spring... even if it is snowing outside!

Prepare To Survive

Over a year ago my husband, Matt, started learning wilderness survival.  He was laid off at the time so he had a lot of time for learning!  His interest in wilderness survival gradually turned into a desire to make sure that our family was prepared for any disaster that might occur in our area.  The more we researched and prepared our family, the more we realized that we need to share this information our family, friends, and anyone else who will listen; so a couple of months ago we started teaching an Emergency Preparedness workshop and just last week created a blog Prepare To Survive so that we can share more information with more people. 

So what about YOU?  Are you prepared to survive a tornado, earthquake, severe thunderstorm with major electrical outages?  Being prepared for emergencies is crucial at home, school, work, and in your community.  Disaster can strike quickly and without warning.  It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood, workplace, or school or can confine you to your home.  What would you do if basic services - water, gas, electricity or telephones - were cut off?  Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away.  The best way to make you and your family safer is to be prepared before the disaster strikes!

Fun Filled Friday - Uses for Old Curtains

A while back a friend gave us some old curtains.  Ally helped me sort through them; and since RaeRae was sick and sleeping at the time and Ally needed something to do, we played dress up with some of the curtains.

Isn't she a cute little bride!