Holiday haul

I am not the kinda girl who is against thrifting around the holidays. The 3R's to me are reduce, reuse, and repurpose..lol. My nephews birthday is this week so its always the perfect excuse when I'm out with the kids and find something for them as well. I know I won't always be able to get away with this, but I figure while I can why not..

Today while we were out I scored some seriously cute girl stuff for Margot. Things that we really contemplated getting already. New they would have been at least $20 a piece. Instead I paid $4.50 {total} and they are in like new condition. I makes me happy when we can all help each other out. It really inspired me to set aside some time tomorrow and clear out our own things around the house. Not just to make room for what Santa will bring but for those who are in need. Is there any other way to help your child understand the true meaning of Christmas??

Yes most likely-- but I think this one is close to the top of the list:)

In other news. I found these for me--

Aren't they totally darling? I love holiday Normal Rockwell items.

xO- Etheline

Weekend wrap up

Top 5 moments of the week::

1. Welcoming the tears and holiday spirit of seeing A Christmas Carol performed on stage last night
with my whole family.

2. Having the entire house clean for the past week. {usually I'm only lucky enough to have the top floor or the bottom-- never both...lol}

3. Making darling little advent bags out of linen that I knew would have a purpose eventually -- when I bought it 5 years ago.

4. Having Chaz come hug me and tell me "thanks for homeschooling me mom."

5. Waking up in the middle of the night with Richie cuddled all up next to me and my arms around him already.

Tomorrow marks the 1st day of December and what better way to welcome it by picking out our Christmas tree:)

Usually I'm the kind of gal that brings the tree home around the middle of the month but after last year and 3 kids I vowed never again.

I want to really enjoy the season that is upon us and not feel so rushed- which I think we all can fall prey to no matter how hard we try.

So this year we are trying things from a new angle. So what works for your family?? Do tell:)

Happy Christmas
xO- Etheline

Weekend Wrap Up: The 4th of July

Our fourth of July was great!! The only thing that could have made it better is Royal was with us!! But I won't bore you with how much we missed him. I love big celebrations for the 4th. The first year we lived in Atlanta we went to Centennial Olympic Park with our 3 month old to watch the fireworks shoot off. The idea of going there still excites me but with my 5, 3, and 1 year old in tow I cringe with terror. In my experience large masses and my 3 little ones do not mix very well. .

We kept it local and saw a nice boom of firework displays. We ate popsicles, blew bubbles, and run around the park. It was so much fun. Everything I love about summer all lumped into one day!

{cheese}

{Happy 4th of July}

{Guys...there's a firework booming in the sky. Forget the chips}

{there ya go!!}

I am so utterly grateful that we live in a country where we can enjoy the freedoms we do. Everything moves so much faster these days so when we get a moment to pause and think about a simpler time; when people took the time to care about one another in a proper way. When we didn't rush around, but took leisurely walks because thats what one did to fill the afternoon, or to buy a newspaper on the street and actually read the articles that someone poured their heart into. Instead of easily swiping your iPad on a pulling up an app for the New York Times. On the 4th of July I like remember the men that fought and the women that sacrificed and the faith they shared to be bold and strike out and break away from the safety of the lives they had lived up to that point. Oh how brave! For this really is the land of the free and the home of the brave.

How was your 4th? Did you get to see family and watch the fireworks go off or did you stay inside and enjoy the air conditioning while watching your favorite patriotic flick? {Mines The Patriot} Sound off in the comments:)

Happy weekend.
xO-Etheline