It's been utter relaxation

I can't remember a better Christmas Break.

Truly.

Once all the hustle and bustle and stress of getting ready for the Holidays was over, we've had a great time just hanging out.

Sure, the day after Christmas, we did a crazy thing and went with Brent over to Mishawaka to the mall, and out to eat.  The kids had money to blow after all, and we love FIVE GUYS BURGERS AND FRIES.

It was CRAZY busy, and the traffic was ridiculous, but we still had a fun day.

Brent took off of work alot of the time the kids and I were off from work and school, and we've had a GREAT time watching A LOT of movies, and just hanging out.

Over Christmas we learned how to play Dutch Blitz (card game for those who don't know.)

and we've been having crazy hours long tournaments after supper. 

I've had to ask for breaks since Brent wanted to play it EVERY NIGHT.    He's a little competitive!

We've went to high school basketball games, and out with friends.

I've also tried to do a lot of organizing around the house.  A new year ALWAYS makes me want to clean out the clutter of the past year  years.  Let's be honest.  I have a trunk load of stuff to take to Goodwill once the roads are good enough for me to get out.

I've rearranged some things around the house too now that the Christmas Decorations are tucked away for another year.

I've even caught up on scrapbooking (2 years worth!)

I've been putting it off for a long while, but it felt great to get it finished caught up.
 
We've had time for Starbucks (on the way to get groceries.)

and wearing new footie pajamas.

We've seen snow (currently in the middle of a storm), and dry grass.

We've hunkered down on the couch...

and LOVED it. 

It will be hard to go back to work/school, but I'm calling this the best break we've had for awhile!

Hope you all have had a great break too!

What do you think?

Over Christmas, my brother-in-law made a comment to me once he heard my sister and I talking about Pinterest.com.

What he said was something along the lines of how he thinks it just a web-site for coveting.

NO.  Absolutely NOT.  I disagree wholeheartedly!  I've gotten so many good ideas from there.  I've tried recipes, and discovered new ways to make things myself.  I've admired the way others have decorated their homes, or what outfits they have put together.  

It has sped up my creativity when it's been lagging.  PLUS, it's like a huge bulletin board for me to pin up my likes/to-dos, etc.  What could be any better?

So, I'm gonna link you with some of the great things I've found...

1.  Homemade fabric softener.

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I didn't even believe this was possible...but it works.  I've tried it, and it makes 2 bottles worth!  Plus, you get to pick the fragrance you like best.  It's worth your time.  It's so much cheaper than buying it in the store!

2.  Bathroom Storage Tier

There was no link to this...but isn't this cool.  I imagine all Grace's bathroom items all in order.  Whether this happens or not is another matter.  BUT, I can totally make this myself!

3.  More Bathroom Storage

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I already have these exact boxes...and they would fit above the kid's sink.  I might have to try this...toothpaste, brushes, hair bands, etc. all over the counter is starting to drive me nuts!

4.  Boys sports bedroom

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This summer when I was "re-doing" Evan's room in a sports theme, this picture came in handy.  I'm still tweaking his bedroom, but every idea helps.

5.  Binder/organizer

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 I already have the expanding file.  I already have a vintage book, it's just a matter of putting this together.  It would make a totally original file on my desk!

6.  Ribbon Organizer

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 I have ribbon up on my craft area going all over the place.  Isn't this the coolest and most cost effective solution?

7.  Magnet Boards

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I found a bunch of these old serving trays for $1/ea. at Goodwill one day.  I plan on painting them and selling them in my Etsy store when I get my inventory stockpiled.


8.  Fabric Flowers

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Since this is the "newest" fad around, I have found many tutorials that have showed me how to make these.  I wear them on scarves, blazers, sweaters, and I've even put them on purses.  They are awesome!

9.  Last, but not least...Game Storage

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I have tons of games with big boxes that just aren't easy to store...this seems like a good solution.  I'm gonna try it.

I have MANY more pins on Pinterest.  You can see them all here.
I LOVE the site.  I think it's the best thing since sliced bread.  You can search for anything, and most likely find it.  It's a blank mind's best friend when you know what you're looking for, but can't find it in other searches. 

I highly recommend visiting it.
Tell me if YOU Pinterest!

A rare moment captured on film.

 
In this picture it ACTUALLY looks like Grace and Evan are enjoying themselves.

In actuality they were.  For once...in a very long while.

They've been sparing partners as of late.  I don't know if it's the age that they are (almost 11, almost 12...only 13 1/2 months apart), if it is the fact that they are both on student council this year and have to do stuff with each other, or the fact they they are boy and girl...I just don't know, but they have not been very nice to each other lately.

We had to have a talk with one the other day about sticking up for each other at school.  The place where it is the hardest to avoid peer pressure.  We know, we get it, we've both been there.

But we tell them over and over and over and over that you will have him/her as your sibling FOREVER.

Yes, we know it's a long time. but really...
What we really mean is WHEN WILL YOU START BELIEVING US?
However, Saturday, my parents were over helping Brent install electric to our barn, so the kids were forced to be outside together.
Since Evan recently learned to drive the four-wheeler (his right of passage) we suggested maybe they ride that.  It was a beautiful day after all.

Surprisingly enough, the fighting gloves came off, and they chased each other around the yard, and even rode it together.

This lasted a good 30 minutes, and then they were fighting over how to play volleyball.

Sometimes I wonder if this will break me...the endless fights...the hatred passing back and forth...the competition.  I hope and pray everyday that SOMETIME in their lives they will be friends.  Good friends like my sister and I are. 

For now, I guess I'll take it in short bursts.  It's all I've got.

Rides Rides Everywhere!

Early yesterday the kids and I went out to the fair to clean out our pen and wash the pigs again.


This is a grueling job and the weather here in glorious (ha ha) Indiana has been somewhat hot and humid (NOT my favorite weather believe me!) So, we went very early in the morning to take care of this chore before we had to be at another 4-h building to do our job as "supervisors" for an hour.

The kids had saved up half the money for wristbands this year, so we went back out in the HEAT to ride ALL afternoon. (part of me wishes they were both older so they could do this with their friends, but part of me enjoys the fact I can still take pictures of them and they are not embarrassed to be with me!)




(Grace, our daredevil)




(I'm scared to think what Evan will be like on the road once he gets his license. He is a VERY EVIL bumper car driver)



funhouses...



ferris wheels...

and patiently waiting on Grace when a ride was too scary...

Now today...more pressing matters like these babies...

Ah corn...you picked the WORST time to be ready!

Next...back out to the fair tonight to wash pigs, clean out our pen, and get ready for show day tomorrow!