Dolls

So I have this belief that being a woman allows me to have stuffed animals and still be considered a sane human being. 

I've always had a love for dolls.

First I collected ceramic dolls, then regular plastic dolls, and now I have a thing for scrap fabric dolls.

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I just scored two bags full of scrap fabric (for free) and see a few of these dolls in my future. 

Now all I need is the time.

Cutey Kids

Mike and I aren't planning on having kids for a few more years,but a girl can dream.

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This little Lion jacket is adorable and it doesn't look like it would be that hard to make.

All you would have to do it add a little mane after yarn and a tail with some ribbon. The nose, ears, and claws could be easily made with felt. 

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Of course, being crafty me, I'm sure to have some of the cutest bibs around.

These little bows would be soooo easy to sew onto a regular bib. 

Can I hear an "Awwww!" for this next one?

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I know that Mike will make a great daddy, and one of my dreams is to have a photo shoot like this one.

I'm sure that this is something we could all treasure forever.

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Life in Vermont equals cold cold winters. How sweet would it be to wrap a baby up in this little sleeping bag quilt? Perhaps the squares could be made from Mike's and my old baby clothes?

So this post is not an announcement of any kind.

I am not pregnant. 

I'm just a married girl dreaming of sweet days to come. 

Thanksgiving Activities in the Preschool

What's been going on this month in our preschool classroom?

The kids have been making the classic hand-print turkeys...

They've also kept themselves busy by "cooking" a Thanksgiving Feast almost every day!

During our Native American lessons, I taught the kids how to weave. They did pretty good for 3 and 4 years old.

I made little pockets with plastic "windows" for each student's weaving project.

We made little paper tepees for our Native American village  

The kids have been really getting creative in the use of natural materials during play time.

Pine-cones become people, seashells become houses...it's pretty neat.

We made these hand-print Mayflower boats while learning about the voyage of the pilgrims.

I bought some of those decorative Indian corn things and gave them to the kids to play with. As soon as they got outside, the kids started "planting" the corn with a "fish" just like Squanto taught the pilgrims to do. 

So there are just some of the activities our preschool group enjoyed this November. 

I hope they can inspire you to try something new with your class. 

Oh, How Much We Change

Looking at those two pictures above, I can't believe they're of the same girl.

One was from my sophomore year in high school, and the other...well...the best day ever.

How much have I changed in those years?

I used to be the super self conscious girl who wouldn't even order a meal at McDonalds because she was too shy. I was nerdy and goofy and didn't really know how to put myself together. My hair was a wreck and my clothes never really matched or fit right. 

I wanted to be one of the pretty girls and had dreams of continuing my education by going to college.

Well now that I think about it, I'm still insecure and my hair is it's usual mess. My clothes don't match but I've accomplished my childhood dream of becoming a teacher. I sometimes hide my insecurities by being funny and making people laugh with me and not at me. I'm a little better about talking to total strangers (half of you fall into that category) and I am much much better at being transparent. 

People can accept for me who I am and know that I'm not hiding anything. I'm not a hypocrite so if I'm struggling with something, you'll all know about it. 

Being totally open my heart makes you feel secure, but it often takes me out of my comfort zone. 

Why do that to yourself?

Because I can grow as a person and as a Christian when I'm out of my comfort zone. And sometimes there's someone else out there (maybe one of my frequent readers) who is going through the same things that I am. Taking a peek into another girls heart can give a different perspective and bring comfort.

If sharing my feelings annoys you, just realize that these words might actually be helping someone else. 

So 90's

Well I know don't know about you guys, but my last thrifting trip was awesome!

I got so much!

Okay, so I bought three tops.... But for a girl who is used to walking out sad and empty handed, three tops is a big deal. 

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The one I am most excited about it a jean blouse/jacket thing. You know, the kind that used to be popular in the 90's?

I've been hunting one down all summer long. 

$4.99 was a total steal!

Here are some of the looks I'm really excited about putting together.

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I can tie on my jean shirt over a summer dress. Add a pin for some cute personality.

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Another version of the shirt-over-the-dress look. Defiantly roll up the sleeves or you'll look stuffy (in my opinion).

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Here's something new. Layer a tank top and jacket/sweater over the jean shirt. This could get a little bulky  so make sure your jean shirt is nicely fitted. 

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This last idea is the simplest one. Replace your typical cardigan outfit with a jean shirt. It adds interest in a look and you can't really go wrong with dark or white wash jean.