Bountiful Baskets

So, how many of you out there are already enjoying Bountiful Baskets? I have heard about it for a long time, but have never gone before. Today I went with my friend, Colleen. I tell you what. WOW!

For those not familiar with BB, you register online early in the week, pay your $15 plus a small processing fee, show up Saturday morning (Or your assigned time) with your own basket. Everything is all sorted for you. You walk over to a nice volunteer who gives you a basket of fruit and a basket of vegetables, which you empty into your basket and off you go. You can also buy bread & tortillas there.

Here's a list of today's basket:
5 lb bag of potatoes
1 huge head of lettuce
1 head of cabbage
1 eggplant- not sure what to do with it
1 bag string beans
2 tomatoes
5 LARGE peaches
10 plums
about 2lbs grapes
1 bunch large bananas
1 medium cantaloupe

I feel like I definitely got my money's worth! And it was quick & painless!

Give it a try!

Cleaning like a mad woman

For those who don't know (or anyone who still reads my blog) we are trying to sell our house & move somewhere with more space. We are so blessed to have what we need and then some! I have been working to de-clutter & simplify things around here. (Hence the random things for sale.)

If you are in need of some white or brown butcher paper, we have two huge rolls. Let me know if you want some paper (free). We don't want to get rid of the entire rolls, but are willing to share. I'm pretty sure it grows back at night.

Not sure what to do with it? Here are some things it has been used for in our neighborhood:
Table coverings for multiple church events
Scenery & backdrop for multiple theatrical masterpieces
Large banners (see Jenna's bday party)
wrapping paper- especially for odd-shaped items
ground covering while painting
tracing small children
crumpled up & stuffed to fill a Days of '47 Parade float
countless children's art projects
hung on walls to protect from children with crayons- a safe place to draw
portable hopscotch
large sewing patterns
hats for kindergarten class

I know there are more I'm forgetting. Use your imagination! Come get some paper! If you have used said paper for another project I am forgetting, leave a message. I'm drawing a blank...

Craft clearance- aprons, bibs, hooded towel, burp cloths

Welcome! Come on in!

I have two of these blue polka dot aprons. Clearance price is $3 each. This is modeled on an average sized nine year old.

Extra large hooded towel- Cute fish fabric on the hood. Sale price $10.

 (Awkward picture, sorry.) Small girl apron with striped pocket. Modeled on a four year old. Sale price $5

 
Bandana bibs- perfect for snacking on Legos! Assorted colors left. $3 each. Modeled on a 1 year old.

 Cloth diaper burp cloths. Green camo, pink camo, or pink & brown stripes. $3 each. I also have a binky clip that matches the pink camo (not pictured) for $3. Great baby shower gifts!

Due to the chaos at my house right now, I'm not offering shipping. You can pick up or we can work out delivery. Leave me a message here or on facebook.

11 months old- a little late

Eliza hit the 11 month mark on June 28th. It was in the middle of an insanely busy week, so in true youngest-child fashion, I am just getting around to a blog post. I thought I took her picture that day, but I can't find it. I'm sure she'll be scared for life.

Here are a few glimpses of what she's up to these days.

She is a beggar for all things edible! She's too cute to resist, so everyone shares their food with her.

This is Eliza with her cousin, Cayden. He is a month younger than her. She's still a wiry little thing. And as flexible as can be. She's a little like a pipe cleaner...

She still puts everything in her mouth. This Mr. Potato Head tongue was kind of funny- the picture doesn't do it justice!

She enjoyed the Moroni City 4th of July parade from her fashionable pink stroller. She clapped for everyone!

She is still a total daddy's girl! When he gets home from work she will do anything to get to him & if he doesn't immediately pick her up she is distraught! She buries her head in the carpet as if all hope is lost. So sad!

Eliza's other favorite things:
- Playing with her sisters. They love to make her shake her head "No" and have taught her how to do raspberries with her tongue.
-The bathroom. She watches the bathroom door & if anyone leaves it open for a second she charges! She like to unroll the toilet paper and play in the toilet. What kid doesn't?
-She LOVES strawberries. And chicken.
-She likes to stand, but won't take a step by herself. She crawls to the middle of the room, stands up, and smiles so big- like she learned a secret trick. So cute!

She is still super sweet and a bit demanding. She still wants me to hold her a good portion of the day, but doesn't want me to hold still while I do. I think she doesn't want to miss a thing & can see better if I'm holding her. She's such a joy & blessing to our family! I can't imagine our family without her!

Prestwich Movies 9

Jenna turned 9 on July 1st! She loves birthdays & parties, so we had to think of something fun. In the past we have mostly done backyard, play-in-the-kiddie-pool type parties, but she's getting a little big for the equipment we have. A bunch of 9 year old would demolish my kiddie pool in about 10 minutes.

We decided to try something different this year. I borrowed a movie projector from a sweet friend & we set up a movie theater in our garage.

 (My pictures are pretty bad, they were an afterthought & the lighting was very bad- 

but great for watching a movie)

 Hang your gifts here...

 Opening presents at intermission...

 You can kind of see how we set the chairs up in rows like a theater.

 The lamest cake I've ever made...

 She didn't mind!

We watched Gnomeo & Juliet.

Other things not pictured: We set up a concession stand in the back where the kids got pizza, breadsticks & lemonade at the beginning of the movie, then cake and ice cream after intermission. Aubrey & Lydia also passed out bags of popcorn after everyone at their pizza. No one left hungry!

Jenna was so gracious & sweet. She has great friends and they all had lots of fun. It was worth the chaos & frantic cleaning of the garage. I was worried that it would be a disaster. We had about 20 kids packed in there! I lost track of how many times she thanked me for the "best birthday party ever."

Last day of school

I always take a picture on the porch on the first day of school. I thought it would be fun to do the same on the last day & see how much the girls have changed.

 If you want to compare, here's the first day of this school year.

 Eliza doesn't look like a tiny baby doll anymore! She is 11 months old now!

They've all grown & learned so much this year. We are so proud of our wonderful girls!!

(and I'm glad I had just trimmed the hedge two days earlier)

First class send-off!

Here's a look at what we ended up giving Aubrey's teacher from her FIRST CLASS. 

Thanks for all the great suggestions! It turned out great!

The kids all put a hand print on this lovely travel blanket from Target. I found a cute carry-on style bag. It was filled with candy, gum, cookies, granola bars, bottled water, lotions, hand wipes, lip balm, and eye mask & ear plug, nail polish, tissues, a travel journal and more.

 Don't forget the peanuts & a magazine!

 Here's my version of a homemade airplane ticket.

I hope she loved it- we have sure loved having her for Aubrey's teacher! Thanks Miss Barfuss!