A few of my favorite things...

While all the Christmas shopping alone this year I tried to stay away from Target and Toys R Us. I found a lot of great stores online that I love. I wanted most of what I gave the kids to be organic, and preferably made in the US. Wow, was that ever a tall order. I never realized how how of a search that would be.

I started with Etsy. Here are just a few items that I love.


I found these great crayon wallets that are not made of organic fabric but are made in the USA. The kids love them and they are great for traveling.




My search continued and I came across organic felt play food! How cute are these?! I ordered the eggs along with cookies and doughnuts.




Super Hero masks were a huge hit as well. It was great because they are all custom, so you can pick out the colors you want so no one had the same mask.



There is one website that is really great, http://www.urthchild.com
I called to talk to them about a package I received from them and found out that it is just a stay at home mom who runs her own business. How cool is that? She is very sweet and I will definitely be buying more stuff from her. One of my favorite things from her shop is a little doll for Ella by Kathe Kruse.




This book was my favorite gift to give to friends this year. I bought out the entire store, and I was still short on books to give out. So, for a few of you who have not received this yet from me, I am on the waiting list to get more.

Where do I begin?

I have known for 6 months already that I would have to leave right after Christmas and move to KY. I have been dreading it and putting off all the packing until now. So, with only 4 days to pack up everything, I am still procrastinating. The rooms are a mess, a mixture of Christmas gifts, empty boxes and clothes. I have managed to pack up most of the kids clothes into duffle bags with a few outfits left out. The to go pile is getting pretty high and I am not sure how I am going to fit it into our truck to drive down. This should be interesting, I will post some pictures tomorrow.

Aaron finally called me today. The last time we talked to him was Christmas morning, he got to watch the kids open their presents from the other side of the world thanks to Skype! I always get a little off when I don't hear from him in a few days. Especially this time because I knew he was moving from one part of a very safe country to another via several helicopters. They say that is the safest way to travel over there but it is hard not to worry. He talked to the kids today while he unpacked his stuff into his 5th new room since he has been over there. The kids asked for him to pan the camera so they can see his walls to make sure all their drawings are taped up next to their photographs. Grace was mad at him today for missing her birthday, it didn't matter so much to her that he wasn't there for Christmas. She asked him if he was going to be there next year and all he could say is I hope so. Aaron did give me some good news today. The date for him coming home has been moved up a week! So only 3 more weeks until he is home :)

Day One

This blog is just a reminder, for me, of all the little moments that happen on a daily basis that get forgotten amidst all the big moments in life.