Happy Fourth of July

Happy Fourth of July!!!

Today is the day we celebrate America's independence.  It's also a time for many people to get together with family and friends and have some fun.  Here are some different ways to celebrate.

Go to the lake

Have a picnic

Enjoy a parade

Grill some yummy food

Speaking of food, today is the perfect day to enjoy some great American dishes.

Hamburgers

Hot Dogs

Baked beans

Grilled corn on the cob

Watermelon

Of course, you can't forget dessert!

Apple Pie

Ice cream

A patriotic cake

 Fruit kabobs-delicious and healthy!

Finally, you have to take in a great fireworks show!!!

Whatever you decide to do or decide to eat, take a moment and reflect on the freedom we have in this country.  I would not want to live anywhere else! 

St. Patrick's Day Wreath

I'm so excited that St. Patrick's Day and Easter don't have to share a month this year!  Only because I get to decorate for both holidays!!  Making your house look festive for each holiday makes it look like a joyful home.  

The first thing that needs to be decorated?  It's the first thing that people will see...your front door!  I gathered my materials and was ready to make a St. Patrick's Day wreath.

Here are the materials that you will need:

• Vine wreath (40% off coupon at Michael's)
• Ribbon (50% off at Hobby Lobby)
• Foam shamrocks ($1/12 at Dollar Tree)
• Wooden Letter for your initial-not pictured ($2.99 at Michael's)

First, wrap your wreath with ribbon.  I spaced the ribbon about 4" apart.  Hot glue the ends to the back of the wreath.

Second, add a few shamrocks to one side of the wreath and glue.

Glue a letter to the other side of the wreath.  The one I purchased was already white.  Otherwise, I would have painted it white myself.

Finally, glue a small piece of ribbon to the back of the wreath to hang on the door.

Done!

Now go find your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!!!

Valentine's Day Countdown

Valentine's Day is coming up and I very much enjoy this holiday.  Love is in the air, everything is pink and red, and it's just all around romantic.  

Source: stamping.craftgossip.com via Desiree on Pinterest

We always like to make every holiday super special for the kids and this one is no exception.  Last year, we started a countdown to Valentine's starting February 1.  Each day the kids would wake up to a different surprise in their foam mailbox.  We wanted to carry on this tradition.

I bought $1 Valentine's boxes from Target and placed them on the table each night.  The next morning, their first surprise was waiting for them.  

Day 1:  Fat Pens

Day 2:  A new shirt

Some surprises are big and some are small.  The kids just love getting something.  What traditions do you have leading up to Valentine's?