That's Cold!

For those of you that live where it is warm, I envy you! It is downright chilly here in the good 'ol state of Michigan. The weather forecast for the next few days confirms the fact that we have been very lucky to have had such mild weather this long. And as always, luck must run out. This is the time!

Tonight, I have the fireplace burning and the house is toasty warm. Actually, a bit too warm. For the majority of the winter, we will burn wood in the fireplace to avoid the outrageous price of propane. It has cut the bill down around 60-70%. We even go a step further by shrink wrapping the windows from the inside to limit the cold drafts that seem to seep in around these old, worn out windows. Of course, not all windows are wrapped but the picture window and the windows in the kids' rooms (will be tomorrow). We buy the wrap that is clear to look through and then watch the unsuspecting souls try to peek their heads into the opening of the bay window only to have their face squish up against the plastic. It's pretty comical, actually! That is, until it happens to you. You see, I've already wrapped the big picture bay window in the front room. As I was putting on the finishing touches, I went to prop my elbow up on the window seat. Unfortunately, I was met by a plastic barrier along the way and fell like a ton of bricks to the floor. Hard! It was not a very graceful landing. The force of me crashing to the floor jammed my shoulder pretty good causing me some aches and pain for a few days. I'm just thankful there was nobody there to witness my gracefulness.

So, with the cold temps quickly moving in, the reality that the Holiday season is upon us is undeniable. I have cards to finish, parties to plan, presents to buy and of course, goodies to make. The kids need to prepare their Christmas lists and I need to remember where I planted that darn money tree at. Does anyone have an extra or two growing in their yard?

Today, I began some Christmas shopping. I've shared with some of you already a little secret that I have. When Katelyn was two, I started a "tradition" for the kids. I decided that I would create a little dress up box for them. Of course, after going to shop for those cute, frilly, overly priced dress up dresses, I suddenly started to second guess my tradition. And then, it hit me.

Halloween costumes!

Yes, that's right! I wait until after Halloween and hit all of the clearance racks. However, not until they hit 50% off. At 50% off, I will only buy something that I know won't last until the next mark down. Otherwise, I wait until it hits 75% or 90% off at Target, Walmart, or other local retailers. I buy anything that I think the kids will enjoy. Costumes, accessories, socks, shoes, etc. I also buy candy and use it for the kids' Christmas Stockings.

And so, today, I scored big! I was able to get the girls at LEAST a dozen dress up outfits (I'm sure more). We even got a couple for Austin & Jonathon (boys like to play Army guy, Monster, Firefighter, Race car Driver, etc.) I was so happy to have found some of the cutest little costumes for them to enjoy.

The dress up box is a huge hit here at the house. Every child that comes over falls in love with it. It provides hours upon hours of entertainment for all children. I'm serious when I say that the dress up box is the most played with "toy" in our house besides stuffed animals (they play zoo), hot wheels (they are race cars), trucks (they are firetrucks) and tractors (yep, red-neck tractor pullers!!). It even beats out baby dolls and play kitchen sets.

Do you have any Holiday Traditions that you do? Please share. I'd love to hear!!