How often as parents do we find that simple toys are often better?   Our house stuffed with Savannah’s toys, every room has been taken over  it seems.  There are so many toys that get pushed aside and rarely played with, and often they are ones that are flashy and singy (who would have thought?).  Sometimes, simple items are better and they seem to stand the test of time of any kid in any generation.  Like, doll babies and play kitchens, even good ol’ couch cushions, baby food containers, paper towel rolls, boxes, or packages. And any kid’s favorite: Blocks. The common theme of the items? Encourages imagination! I think that’s just what kids want, and need.

Savannah asks daily to build something so she can knock it down, it’s her favorite right now.  I just found Cardboardblocks.com and it reminded me of how awesome these time-tested blocks are as we consider birthday gifts for the girl (see! A whole list of why they’re awesome) .  Do you remember these big blocks from when you were little? I sure do!  Building houses and things, knocking them down. I used to play with them in elementary school, so if they can be the hit of class and stand up to tons of kids pounding on them, they can stand up to one toddler.  I’ve raved about Melissa and Doug products before, so I’m thinking about the Jumbo Castle set because Savannah is obsessed with building houses right now. She would love this (as would her kid-at-heart daddy).

And? If I had known about this birthday party idea of letting kids play, build, and crash to keep them entertained I totally would have bought some sooner (since her party is in 2 days, ah!).  Oh well, maybe next year when we have more kids at our party anyway.

Did you have these when you were little, or do your kids now?  What do you think of them, is it worth the price? I’m thinking yes.

Have you seen this?  It’s spreading over the internet, it’s popped up in my emails and blogs I read. And I’m glad, this message needs to be heard.  I grew up with Christmas being all about the toys. I had THIRTY Barbies, folks. Plus all the accessories. Did I really need that much? No.  And it’s not that I’m not grateful for what my parents did for me growing up, but I think we do loose the real meaning of Christmas when we pile toys upon toys on our children, most that never get used. It’s sad.

This year, we didn’t buy much for Savannah because she pretty much has everything she needs (but ya know, the Grandparents still will drown her in toys I’m sure). I want Savannah to grow up knowing that Christmas is NOT about the gifts, and I would much rather spend some extra money we have towards people who don’t have everything they need and her be active in helping with that. I want to live simply, in abundance, but only with what we need.

Anyways, watch this video. It has a great, great message.

I’ve been a horrible blogger! Has it been like…a week? Forgive me.  We have been busy with tests, speeches, a growing little girl who is makes us laugh as she learns new things every day, and we took a few days to visit with family during fall break.  I’ve been preoccupied by playing in the fallish weather (though…it’s 87 degrees right now?!) and picking out pumpkins.

And…being crafty with my little sister.  I made this for Kaylee’s Christmas present and was quite proud of myself it.  It’s a K for her wall (see the cute pumpkins and how gorgeous it’s been here?!).

I loved making it so much I want to make more! Anybody want one? I so would start a little etsy shop if I knew people would buy it :-) Maybe I’ll do a little giveaway as well!

In our latest trip post, I forgot to show what I made for Breanna and Aaron as part of their wedding present. As some of you may know, I’m all about giving sentimental gifts (Like the book for Kaylee’s birthday). Yea, Bre and Aaron could use money to help furnish their new house or something, but I wanted a gift that was meaningful to go along with it. I wanted something that they could display or use that Bre would look at it and think, “Aw! My Leah gave me that for our wedding! What a beautiful day that was. Hey, when is the last time I talked to Leah? I should call her. But oh, what a wonderful day our wedding was. I’m so lucky to have Aaron, I love him so much…” Etc. At least that is how I envision it. ha!

I decided to make this hot plate, (ya know, for at dinner time when you don’t want to hurt your table with your bowl of steamin’ hot mashed potatoes) but it can be simply displayed as well. It was done at one of those local pottery painting places (You really should take your kids and go have fun!). I chose the pink and brown because it matched their wedding colors.

So it serves 3 purposes: 1) To be a hot plate or just look pretty. 2) Remind Bre of me. And most importantly, 3) Remind Bre and Aaron what love and marriage is all about and what it takes to keep a healthy marriage going. Love for each other, living for each day, laughing with each other, trust, and lots of praying together.

Hope you enjoy it, Bre! May it bring you the reminder you may need on those rough days, and joy on your most joyous days with Aaron. I love you!