Popping in for a little holiday prep love.  I’ll be bringing some of our favorite sponsors back as well as new ones this month to help with gift ideas.  And I’m receiving e-mails every day about specific questions for the North Pole Party.  So, tomorrow I’ll have some more specifics for anyone who’s interested in throwing one of these parties or creating a reindeer food bar, Santa scavenger hunt, etc. for your kids this year.  I’m trying to put my printables up for you as well, and I’ll share our tags and labels to help make things easier for you. 

For now, I bring you Dashing Bee who returns with more great consignment finds for your kids.  Stretch your holiday budget by shopping these beautiful second hand goods, or stock up on winter coats and accessories for a fraction of the price.

All of these finds–some favorites of mine–are currently on the Dashing Bee site.  You get the thrill of the thrift hunt with the benefit of staying in your pajamas.

And look at those stripey scores in the last row!

Dashing Bee inventory changes daily, so keep checking in.  Use Code Kelle10 for 10% off your order.

One of the gifts of having children is discovering a new identity to your own parents. By welcoming a child, you consequently also welcome a completely new character in your family’s life–the grandparent. In doing so, a wardrobe door opens up to a place you didn’t know existed until you watch your parent hold your child and see that connection. Yes, grandparenthood is a sort of Narnia–a magical place where all the things that make your mom and dad not the perfect parent dissolve, replaced by the admiration your child has for their grandparent and the affection your mother and father share toward the one you love so much.

The more my children grow, the more I connect my own childhood memories of grandparents with the ones my girls are making. They will remember certain silly things that are important in their own minds just like I remember that my grandma always whispered “Tsss, tsss, tss” when she brushed through my tangled hair or the way my grandpa looked for my “goodness glands,” tickling under arms and around kneecaps as he searched.

My dad and Gary are down from Michigan, and we let Lainey play hookie yesterday, trading school for a day with her grandpa.  Poppa took my place at Nella’s Mommy & Me ballet class…

…treated the girls to a McDonald’s breakfast…

…and Gary pointed out all the proper tree and flower names at the botanical gardens.

Silk Floss Tree

More from our adventure:

Lainey loved the way this touch-sensitive plant folded up.

The silver lining of divorced parents for both me and Brett lies in the fact that our kids have oodles of grandparents.  Looking forward to many more memories in Narnia, and thankful for the ones we have.

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And finally, a video of some of Nella’s words:

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The Shine Project returns in sponsorship this month, bringing new product made by American at-risk youth, working to pay their way through college.  Every purchase you make helps employ more kids, and the holidays is a great time to give these youth the opportunity that we all deserve–working to move ahead. 
The Shine Project store offers a new bracelet this month, a delicate bangle that can be engraved with your favorite quote, a child’s name, etc.

Use code “Kelle15” to receive 15% off your order, and find out more ways The Shine Project is helping youth here.

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Happy Day to you.

Somehow, we’ve managed to get into a really good groove this month.  The urgency parasite is now starving somewhere far away from my brain, and just today Brett and I were talking about how nice it feels to make good choices–saying yes and saying no according to what we know our family needs right now. 

Both of us said yes to alone time this weekend–his choice, a football game with a friend while I watched the girls; mine, a late night symphony at the Philharmonic while he watched the girls.  Thirty minutes before I left, I called my vivacious neighbor (who doubles as my second mother) for a last-minute invite.  She–the adventurous life-lover–said yes, yes, yes; and a few curls, red lipstick and a strand of pearls later, she met me at my car.  Because she is fabulous.

This weekend we said…

Yes to exploring the woods with a new friend from school.

Yes to a natural treasure hunt.

And yes to finishing an evening with a spontaneous trip to the beach for sunset.  The drum circle was there again last night, accompanying the sun’s descent with good rhythm and enthusiasm.

I didn’t have any sand toys, so the girls used my shoes for shovels.

And yes to working a little extra tonight so we can spend the day with Poppa tomorrow.  I’ve had a few lengthier blog posts on my mind–thoughts on compassion, a little more about this baby we’re waiting for, some deeper stuff that lends itself to a hearty writing session.  But part of those yes and no choices that are making this November feel good are about when and how to write.  Right now, there is a breeze, a sun about to set and two little girls who would love a long walk and some sidewalk chalk.

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I loved reading your happenings on the last post.  Congratulations to the Magic Cabin Rubens Barn Doll winner, Comment #184 (generated by random.org), Angela King:

Listening to: 1.) If Only – Dave Matthews

Last thing that made her smile: 2.) Lunch with a dear friend today.
What she’s looking forward to: 3.) A nice warm night with my family.
4Last thing she bought for herself: .) Sparkly nail polish!

Congratulations, Angela!  Please e-mail your contact info to kellehamptonblog@comcast.net with MAGIC CABIN WINNER in the subject line, and someone sweet and little in your life will soon have a new friend.

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Welcoming new sponsor, Haddy Grace Designs, created and operated by mama of four, Ruth Ann, who happens to be an amazing seamstress.  I love this little signature dress design she does so well (the Chevron Christmas print is adorable for the holidays).

And the collection of homemade Haddy Grace shoes are adorable and well made.  Nella loves hers, and Baby Boy has a tiny little pair waiting for him too.

Check out this talented mama’s beautiful designs for both boys and girls.

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Have a beautiful evening, friends.