Valentine Linky Love

No hearts and roses here just some linky love from me to you!!!

A Stay-at -Home Parent is Not a Luxury

What Kids Need From Grown-ups (But Aren't Getting)

Ultimate Washington State Waterfall Road Trip ( Olympic Pennisula)  I so want to do this (Oh, honey)

Neuroscientist Explains Why Crafting is Good for Mental Health

Happy Valentine's Day

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Spreading the Love

Stencil on Outside of Card

Here is what I came up with for a Valentine Cards. 

I made a stencil of XOXO out of a cereal box.

cool stencil shadow photo

Then I use colored pencils to color in stencil.  I was able to find at Micheal's two different hugs and kisses stamps and used that on the inside of the card.

In addition, I made some boy specific Valentine cards.  These Star War Valentine printables came from Skip to My Lou.  I mounted them on tie dye origami paper that I had in my stash.

Diary of a Mediocre Homemaker - Car Learning Curve

Dear Diary
Somehow car technology has COMPLETELY left me behind.  We recently purchased a new to us car and I have had a steep learning curve.  I drove the same Ford Explorer for 13 years.  I KNEW knew that vehicle.  In the last 2 months between travel and new car, I have an opportunity to drive several new to me cars. 

That has left me with some funny experiences such as I couldn't figure out how to shut off the flashers or how they got on.  I had to send a SOS call to my hubby AND I even tried looking it up in the book.

Yep, that red triangle is the flashers

I rented a brand new limited explorer and couldn't figure out how to start the vehicle.  I embarrassed my son's by asking the lot attendant.  You had to push a button (got that part) and hold the brake down( didn't get that part). I bet they were wondering why the heck they rented me a vehicle.

I took my car in to get a new back windshield. They gave me a loaner car and I couldn't figure out how to turn on the wipers. I was super embarrassed when I had to go back and ask the service center as we were having a heavy down pour.   Honestly, I am not blond.

I have TOTALLY learned a lot of about cars and my ability to drive them. Change is hard and getting a new to me car really left me feeling like a beginner driver.

Super Bowl Linky Love

Is the Superbowl not interesting enough?  Here are some clickable links for your enjoyment.

5 Novels that Feature Unforgettable Houses

First Love Them - I love me some Teacher Tom and once again this applies to adults, too

Setting Children Up to Hate Reading

Here is a post when a snowy owl visited our neighborhood.

T-Shirts with a Message #7

Oh, I love some T-shirts with some messages. A favorite hobby of mine is when shopping at Value Village or Goodwill to find interesting t-shirts with a message.  The message usually needs to make me laugh. I realize that is a very low bar to meet.

Can you believe they wanted $7.99 for "Hello, I'm DRUNK" shirt.  That is funny.

What is Saving Me

Modern Mrs. Darcy asked what is saving you at winter's mid point.  I thought I would link up- What is Saving Me. I am lucky to live in an area that doesn't get brutal winter weather but it is so dark here AND rainy. Below is what saving me during the dark winter months.

WALKING

Walking in the Fog

Hovander Park

My friend and I have been walking even if it is slightly rainy, damp, muddy, or dark.  The physical activity is great but also the companionship is lovely.   My friend is great listener.  I feel so much better after I walk both mentally and physically. I use a fit bit to track my progress.

KEEPING PENCILS BY FRONT DOOR

Nothing ruins a morning faster than having to search for something.  This year I eliminated the search for the writing utensil by having pencils by the front door.  Such an easy thing has been making getting kids out of the door a heck a lot easier. I am adverse to rough mornings. Who doesn't like a freshly sharpened pencil.

BIRD WATCHING (SERIOUSLY!)

Watching the birds from the kitchen window.  I guess I am turning into a bird watcher. I have a hummingbird feeder and it is fun to watch the hummingbirds.   I have joked that this has turned me into my parents. We also took time this January to go see the bald eagles. It has been fun to spot hawks, eagles and various other birds.

POST IT REMINDERS TAPED TO THE MICROWAVE

With 7th grade this year for one child, I have to deliver said child/trumpet player to school early for Jazz Band.  I struggle with being coherent in the morning. After a couple of missed practices,  I have been taping a reminder to my microwave above the stove. The note isn't pretty. However,  it has helped both of us remember to stay on task and get to "Jazz Band" with our "Jazz Hands".  (ha, ha)


What was saving me in 2015