Over the holiday break, I clicked around on Pinterest.  I’d heard people talking about the site for a few months, but felt it really applied to those crafty types-of which I am not in the club.  When people discussed it, they mentioned looking for odd and end items like mason jars, Altoid boxes, and old wine bottles.  Since I am the opposite of a hoarder, I couldn’t imagine looking for such things and holding on to them “just in case I was inspired.”  But, we had a few hours in the car over the holidays, so I gave in to peer pressure, and logged on.

Now, I’m completely addicted.  In fact, I clicked over there for just a minute while writing this post, and lost thirty more minutes.

Yes, there are crafty, do-it-yourself things, but there are also great ideas for the house, organization, kids, the backyard, and just life in general.  I have even created a few boards of my own and “re-pinned” some ideas.  I was so excited about some of them that we spent the entire day today having a family work day around the house; I almost feel like I have a few new closets after implementing some super-fun ideas I found on the site.  I have even pinned a few crafty ideas. I don’t know if I’ve totally  to this new trend, but I’m definitely well on my way.  Check it out!  See what you should pin!

We’ve been trying out Skype to visit with our favorite people that for some crazy reason don’t live in Decatur with us, and it’s been FANTASTIC.  The kids have so much going on now with their little lives, and let’s be honest, have they ever been great telephone conversationalists?  Um, not really.  But, this whole video calling scenario gives them the opportunity to actually see the other person, show that person their drawings (or birthday presents), and most importantly, make silly faces.  After all, that is the most important part of any conversation, right? 

The biggest bonus?  It’s totally free, just a download away from a practically face to face with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and best friends.  Technology, it’s a crazy fun thing!

Try it out!

This weekend, a few friends and I went on a field trip to Canton, something I’m forever planning and cancelling because apparently my First Monday Weekends are always booked with things “more important” than shopping.  But, this weekend we made it happen, and spent the day lurking in product booths, snacking on cheesy nachos, and finding  the most amazing treasures.  I’m sure everyone out there has been time and again, but if you haven’t, definitely put it on your to do list (a great girls weekend outing!)

What was our most amazing find you ask?  I have to say it was the Bandeez Headband.  We stumbled upon the booth almost by accident, and were immediately swooped up by the salesperson and used as models for the “life-changing headband.”  Of course we felt awkward and a little conspicuous being used in such a way, but after experiencing the head band first hand, we were all hooked.  Personally, I love a good head band or hair accessory, but they constantly slip off my head.  This head band has little grippers that actually hold it in place, and can be used on babies and mommies alike.  All three of us walked away with at least four treasures and prided ourselves on our experienced shopper status and eye for the amazing.  A definite highlight in the day!

And then we headed for the funnel cakes.

The Scroggins Clan has graduated to a whole new level in the car seat experience.  Yesterday we retired the big booster seat for the basic bottom car seat, and not only does the Mom Vehicle look somewhat normal, ALL THE CHILDREN CAN BUCKLE THEMSELVES INTO THE CAR.

You really do not understand the magnitude of this to me.  For nine NINE (9!!!), really almost TEN years (a decade!), I have crawled into a car, found a belt, maneuvered the buckles, and strapped in a small human.  As of today, I can simply jump in the car and exclaim “load up!”  And, all of the little humans (in theory) can pile into the car and buckle themselves.

I might actually remember my purse, phone, diet coke, and everything else.  I might actually get away from the house in less than ten minutes!  I might actually be in the transition to NORMAL person and not only that, but have other NORMAL people in my car with me!  Not just these little people that require constant maintenance.

It’s so exhilarating.  Amazing, really.

My Valentine cleaned out the garage for me today!  Best. Valentine’s. Present. Ever.

This is how we roll in the grown up world. 

I’ve had a few brainstorms in my Mommy Journey-but only a few.  One such brainstorm evolved from 1-never having a gift card to go with a gift, be it a birthday gift, Christmas gift, or just because gift.  I might remember to buy a gift bag, or at least have a second-hand one available in the gift closet, but the card?  Never around.  2-I am not a fan of purchasing the gift card anyway.  $2-$3 for a note that says Happy Birthday that most of the time, hopefully gets recycled, but probably actually gets trashed.

So, I researched the Gift Tag:

I found the solution to my Gift Card problem at www.erincondren.com which makes the cutest Gift Tags ever.  Slap a sticker on a gift, and you’re good to go.  No card needed.    Tags always available. 

Seriously, my favorite.

www.sayplease.com

A website that has a little “lunchbox love” for your kiddos.    We can always write fun notes on napkins, but these little notes kick it up a notch.

Aren’t you??

Maybe a good, old fashioned snow day will really seal in the Christmas Spirit for me.  There’s just nothing better than actually be stuck at home with nothing to do but hang with the family, drink hot chocolate, and be absolutely unproductive.  This time last year I think we’d already had at least one?  Maybe even one and a half?!?!

According to the weather gurus, I don’t think it will happen for us this week, but maybe soon.  My kids are already wondering when our “White Christmas” is coming.  Despite my detailed explanantions of how isolated last year’s winter experience was, they don’t seem to believe me, and are watching the skies daily in hopes of those “Snow Clouds.”

But, then again, I am, too.  Anyone else up for the same thing?