My Favorite Christmas Tradition

Here is one of my most favorite Christmas traditions. The reason I must post about it TODAY is to give you some time to prepare, (in case you love this idea too)!

His name is "Mr. Peeps". He's an ELF from the North Pole, who shows up each year the day after Thanksgiving. He stays with us until Christmas Eve, let's Santa know how the children behaved the last few weeks, then goes back home in Santa's sleigh. Mr. Peeps has been coming to our home for several years now. He even brought a new elf with him a few years ago named Stanley. Click HERE to meet my elves and see the Mr. Peeps explanation poem.

"Mr. Peeps" was not my idea of course. The tradition has been around a long time. In fact, we had an elf named "Lucky" growing up, that still hangs out at my parents' each year.

If you love this idea and want to start this tradition, these little guys can be hard to find!! (You can check your local craft stores. That is where mine came from.) But here are some great online links to check out as well...

The Crazy Quilter (I think this is just for the pattern, to make your own)

Ragamuffin Designs (You can order Mr. Peeps, made by a gal named Kristen)

Elves Around the World



Elf On the Shelf


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Working Moms

I don't know about you, but this economy has taken it's toll on us! I've been working part-time to suppliment our income, and I know I am not alone. I know, and have met several other women who are doing the same.

I have several friends with independant businesses; like direct sales, teaching preschool, music or dance lessons from home. And others who are working outside the home. I am SO grateful to have a profession to fall back on in this economy, though it does take me outside the home. Luckily all 4 of my kids are in school now, so that helps a ton!! Perfect timing- whew!

Heather has been a busy lady as well, helping her husband with his business. I just wanted to let our readers know that Heather and I do have things we want to share with you on our blog. We are just really busy ladies, and our families come first. Please bear with us as we try to make extra time to share our talents with you.

My admiration for the working mom has definately increased since I've entered into their world. Working outside the home is a bitter-sweet... It's exhausting! You can't just come home from work and relax. There are still laundry and dishes waiting for you, meals to be made, and a husband/children to be loved. You just have way less time to do it all. But wow, it sure is nice to get out of the house and feel "professional" again. And my husband is so good to take on his part of the "load" at home too. Definately a blessing!

So to all WORKING MOMS out there... Whether you want to work, have to work, love to work or hate to work... Bless your heart for "taking one for the team" and doing what you've got to do!
GO TEAM MAMA!!

Leave us a comment if you work (in addition to your career as MOM). What do you do?
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Embracing the Moment

I love how pictures capture moments in time. Whether you take them yourself or with a professional they are still priceless!

My sister is a professional photographer and takes breath taking pictures.

One day she set up her studio stuff in my living room and the kids had a blast and felt like they were movie stars.
She took this picture of my kids' feet and she mentioned I should put the scripture found in 3John 1:4 {I have no greater joy than to hear my children walk in truth}. It turned out amazing.

Embrace the Moment! Pin It

Xpressions Dance Academy

I'm really excited about a dance studio I recently learned about! It's called Xpressions Dance Academy, located in Nampa off the Franklin Rd. exit. I met the "mom-prunuer" owner last week, who is my neighbor Alexis. She is such a darling mom of 3 with an incredible passion for dance. I hear she is also an extremely talented dancer who has been dancing her whole life. Anyway, Xpressions is run by Alexis and her mother (whom I also met last week)- two very neat ladies!

What I am really excited about are her summer dance camps, like the "Princess Camp" for little girls between ages 3-6, and also "Hannah Camp" (you know- Hannah Montana) for age 7-9. Round one of Princess camp was this week, but she will be doing another one in July! The Hannah camp is next week. I think she is still taking sign-ups, so hurry on over to check it out! Pin It

Music Lessons- "Let's Play Music!"

Danicia with Let's Play Music! teaches an exciting, new music curriculum which teaches advanced musical skills to young children using age-appropriate methods. Music educators have long taught that the young child learns best thought play, experience and discovery. Let’s Play Music! uses play as the medium through which difficult concepts and skills are learned.

This exciting curriculum will lead your child from very basic music introduction using singing, and rudimentary instruments through a three year program. By graduation time, students will be playing piano at an intermediate level, transposing music, composing their own music, sight-reading music, and prepared to excel in any further piano instruction.

Here is a special offer from Danicia, herself!! {{so excited!}}
Because this is such a new and innovative curriculum, I am anxious to give you and your child (age 4-8)* an inside look into what you can expect from each and every class period. I would like to invite you to attend a special sneak preview Sample Class, FREE! There you can observe your child participate in class and ask any questions you may have. I am positive that your experience will be enlightening, refreshing and FUN! Please visit our website and watch the online video for lots of great information!

I will begin enrolling for the 2009-2010 session on APRIL 13. Please call me at 968-0058 or e-mail at dave_danicia@yahoo.com to register for a Sample Class and discover the fascinating world of Let’s Play Music!

(I am really excited and want to sign up my yongest in this!) Pin It

My Town- More Lessons

I have 3 piano teachers to shout about!

*Heidi P. in north Meridian is in the process of scheduling for summer and starting on next fall.

As of April 30, she had at least 3 openings during the summer months - June, July & August. She will offer 8 lessons during those months, including 3 group lessons. Those 3 openings will carry into my Fall / Winter / Spring Quarters.

Heidi offers 45 minute private lessons, and 90+ minute group lessons for $65 dollars per student per month.

Give her a call at 846-9496 for more info.

*Bethany C. in west Meridian (north of Cherry Lane between Ten Mile and Black Cat) has taught kind of sporadically for the last 7 years. She is taking students ages 6 and up starting now.
She charges $10 per lesson, which usually ends up at $40 a month.

She uses the Faber Piano Adventures books, but if someone already has other books she'd be happy to use those.

Bethany's contact number is 286-9595.
(I am signing up my 2 oldest with Bethany for the fall because she lives nice and close to me.)

*Danicia with Let's Play Music... More info to come!!

*Macie S. in west Boise does cheer/tumbling classes during the summer months! She is also taking sign-ups for the fall dance session. Check out her website for more info.

(This is where I take my 4 year old for dance, because it's a laid-back atmosphere, in a conveniant location, and SO much less expensive than the typical dance studio. $25/month! Can't beat that!)

*Mindy in Nampa is doing her Kids Cooking Camps again this summer. Go check out her blog for more info and contact numbers! (Mindy's Pie Pantry pies are truly the best I have ever tasted!)

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My-Town Swim Lessons- Angie

My boys took their first swim lessons from the neatest people, whom we've known for many years. Angie's Sharks and Minnows swim school is located in West Boise (near Centenial High School) and they are fabulous!! It's a backyard, heated pool and they have been teaching swim lessons for 22 years now! It's being run by Angie Hobson and her mom, Mary Gleason. Angie is the head instructor and is a SAHM of 4 kids. She has Kortney Belnap, a BYU college student that teaches with her. I love the way they teach children how to swim! My boys had Gina (Angie's younger sister) as their instructor a few years ago. They are all great with kids and really know how to make it fun and non-intimidating, which is so nice!! Pin It

My-Town Preschool ~Breaking News~

I finally found a reasonably priced preschool close by for my daughter! Yay!! Little Wonders is an in-home preschool that is located in Meridian (Linder/Cherry area). You've got to go check this one out if you are still looking for a preschool for your 3 or 4 year old in Meridian for this next school year! And hurry over because spots are limited. Pin It

Swimming Lessons and Gymnastics!

I found out the info on the swimming lessons in west Boise...

Angie is putting together the class schedule for the upcoming swim season. Anyone who wants to can call her at 322-0114 to sign up or get more information.

A little about her: She's been teaching for 18 years and has a lot of great experience. She's a stay at home mom of 4. She teaches lessons because she loves it. She creates a positive learning environment to help the kids feel comfortable and have fun. There's only one class in the pool at a time and only 6 children per class. For the beginner classes, a second instructor is also in the water to assist.

And gymnastics! This one I didn't know about, so this is so exciting to me! In fact I'm going to contact her right away to sign up my kids. I don't live too far from her. Thanks Lindsay!...

I have taught gymnastics in the summer for about 10 years, I have never changed my prices because I want to be affordable. I only teach in the summer because we do it outside. I have bars and a beam and mats and a springboard and tons of other equiptment, we just take it outside. Anyway if anyone is interested I teach ages 3-12 or so we start when school gets out which usually ends up being the second week in June to match up with many schools and we go until the end of August. Classes are once a week for one hour and cost 25.00 per month. Anyway if anyone is onterested you can email at china16doll@aol.com or call Lindsay at 631-1902.
The location is on Mcmillan between Can-Ada and Star usually moms get some carpools going though. Pin It

More Lessons!

Here is some more great info, so get ready south Boise/Meridian moms...

We have a wonderful piano teacher - she is $40/mo - but we live Five Mile/Victory area, and you may not want to drive that far!

Preschool? I teach preschool in my home and have a few openings left for fall! Feel free to email me at yoderfam at gmail dot com for more info! I have a website, but it still has last years info on it. I'll be updating it soon! Happy Kids Preschool

Swim lessons? Dunkley Family Swim School - Off of Victory just east of Five Mile. I've taken my kids there for years and I love it!

Thanks Cathy! (This woman amazes me. She does everything. I wish I had her energy!) You go girl!! Anyone else?? Let us know!!! Pin It

Lessons in My Town

If you live in my town, where do you take your kids for lessons? Do they take piano? Dance? Preschool? Sports? What about Swimming?

As far as sports go, we have liked Meridian PAL sports and have done soccer, flag football, and baseball through them. I've heard of a couple of others that are good as well but haven't tried them out. We love the YMCA for Y-Ball (basketball).

I am looking for a piano teacher for my 2 oldest, but I obviously have not been very dilegient. Anyone know of a good one? And affordable?

My daughter takes dance from Macie at Dance-Sessions Studio. It is very affordable, which is nice when it comes to the young, beginner dancers! She does the lessons at her home in her garage studio. Before we moved across our town my daughter took dance from Stephanie at Stephanie's Star Dance. She is also good, and very affordable too and does the lessons from her home as well.

Preschool... Hmmmm, who still doesn't have a full waiting list for this year? I love Miss Susan's Preschool in west Boise, Advantage Preschool in south Meridian, and Shasta's Preschool in west Meridian. (Shasta is still taking sign-ups for this fall I think.) Her phone number is 898-9893 if you are interested.

And for swimming lessons... I have 3 great recommendations. Finz Swim School in west Meridian, oh shoot... I think I lost the other two's info. Check back later on that! Sorry. One of them is in west Boise and the other in south Meridian. Pin It

Mom-Prenuers in My Town- Christy

I know a whole bunch of mom-prenuers in my town. I introduced you to my favorite counselor/therapist in my town, Shirley Henderson. I will tell you about several more the rest of this week...


Are you planning a birthday party or a wedding this spring? Christy over at Sweet Memories will hook you up with a beautiful cake (or cookie favors) for any special occasion.

I have seen and tasted her creations myself, and am here to tell you that she's got some great talent!

Stay tuned, especially if you are from my town, the next few days for introductions to some more amazing mom-prenuers here in the Boise, Idaho area! Pin It

Monday Mom-Preneur Wendi and My Town

Fellow creative homemaker and mom-preneur, Wendi does the cutest embroidered stuff! Go check out her site at Alphabet Soup Embroidery and see her cute products!



Newbury Street Home Decor in Boise is having their 2nd Anniversary sale, and it looks pretty HOT!!

**Note from Newbury Street to the people on their mailing list:
What a week! We're compiling all our great deals- Buy $100, Get $100, Our 2nd Anniversary Sale and Black Friday to offer you the best savings yet! We're doing our part to help you make your holidays a little more affordable this year. First, spend $100 at Newbury Street, and get $100 in grocery vouchers to the store of your choice!! That is 100% savings!!! 2nd, we are CELEBRATING OUR TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY on Wednesday, November 26th- everything will be 20% off! Third, you don't want to miss shopping at Newbury Street the day after Thanksgiving- we are going to have some AMAZING deals this week!

**My note to YOU- Go to their website, check out the deals, and sign up for their mailing list right NOW! Don't miss out!!

Also in my town- I heard that at Albertsons, their turkeys are 38 cents/lb. if you spend at least $25.00! Sounds like a great deal!

Does anyone know of an even better deal on Thanksgiving groceries? Please share!! Pin It

Monday Mom-Preneurs and My Town

I have THREE fab mom-preneurs to showcase today, right in time for the holidays! Two of them online and one in "My Town" (Boise, ID)...


Cathy over at Simply Happy Designs does personalized, custom digital photo cards for a very resonable price! Now's the time to get your holiday greetings ordered, so go check out her site for more details!





Smitten Blog Designs by Kate and Heather make chic custom blog designs and have lots of free templates to choose from as well! They are even doing a really fun-looking "12 Days of Christmas" giveaway that I am definately going to enter. They are going to start showing off the prizes every week starting this Wednesday, so you've got to go check it out!



Cherella is located in Boise at Emerald and Milwalke, by TGI Fridays. They are having their One Year Anniversary sale today Nov. 17 through Saturday the 22. Everything in the store will be 20% off all week! You will also be entered into a drawing for a $75 gift cert. with your purchase. Yay! Cherella is open Mon. thru Sat. 11am to 6:30pm and closed on Sundays. If you haven't been in, you'll have to go check it out! Very chic and classy!



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My Town Monday After All

I have FOUR events in my town (Boise, ID area) happening this very week that I want to shout out about...
1. A photography class this Friday and Saturday (Nov. 14th & 15th) by a professional. The class cost is $125, and I heard it is well worth it if you want to be able to take better pictures and understand photography! Contact Natalie D. 884-4229 or 272-0529 ASAP for info and to sign up!

2. Pie Baking classes from Mindy's Pie Pantry... She's doing a couple classes this week that are already full, but because of popular demand she is offering more classes to those who would still like to sign up! Yay!! The class cost is $35 and is a hands-on pie making training with your pie to take home- yum! There must be a minimum of 4 people for a class. A great idea for a group of girlfriends, I think!! Just email Mindy to schedule a class with her, mindyspiepantry@yahoo.com or call her at 475-4282.

Mindy is also taking orders now for Thanksgiving pies!

Order by November 15th to receive $2.00 off every pie ordered!
PLUS Free Delivery on any order of 6 pies or more (within a 20 mile radius)
Place your orders at mindyspiepantry@yahoo.com or call 475-4282
All pies $14.00 ($12 with early order)
These are 9 inch pies! (larger and deeper than Marie Calendars and fresh, never frozen)

*I finally got to sample one of Mindy's pies several weeks ago, and OH MY GOSH!! Mouth watering to say the least! Sorry Marie C. I've got my new gal!!

Choices are: Apple, Pumpkin, Very Berry, Sour Cream Lemon, Lemon Meringue, Chocolate Cream, Banana Cream, Coconut Cream, Chocolate Coconut Cream, Peach, Blueberry!

3. Graples Home Decor will be having their Christmas Decor Event this Saturday (Nov. 15th) from 10 am to 3 pm. Bring a canned food item to donate and go see all their great holiday stuff!!

4. "Home for the Holidays" holiday concert at the Nampa Civic Center next Monday, Nov. 17th at 7 pm (preshow 6:30) by an amazing musical family group called e11even. Tickets are available online for only $15 per family (or $5/adult and $3/child or senior). e11even will also be collecting canned food items to donate to the less fortunate.

Have a great week!!

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Monday- Mom-Preneur Whitney

Instead of "My Town Monday" today I want to show you one of my readers, Whitney's etsy store called Genuine Accents. Her stuff is SO creative and classy, you just have to go check it out! I LOVE her cute button earrings, the beautiful necklaces and beaded earrings, and the SO darling pacifier holders!! I need another baby just to have one of those. (Well, I guess I don't need another baby), but these would sure be a cute gift idea for my sis-in-laws!






Okay ladies... Since the holidays have approached, let's support our fellow mom-preneurs! I want to see your cute stuff!! Email me your etsy store or blog link (email address on right sidebar) and I will check it out for myself and mention you on The Creative Homemaker for all to see!! Can't wait to see what you have to share! Pin It

My Town Monday- Scrappy Birthday

I met a fun mom-pruneuer a few weeks ago named Elysianna, who owns a business called "Scrappy Birthday".

Basically, what she does is kind of like the Stampin UP monthly groups. Except, you don't have to buy all the products. You'll just come and make a project every month. There are lots of projects to choose from; like layouts, mini books, circle tins, wood letters, etc. She offers her projects in groups and will also do birthday parties!

Would you like to come meet Elysianna and see her stuff? She is having a Scrappy Birthday Open House next Thursday, Sept. 11 from 7 to 9 pm at the Redfeather Clubhouse. Your are invited!! There will be drawings for freebies and treats, of course. Directions: Off Ustick, between Eagle and Cloverdale. Turn on Grenadier (left from Cloverdale, Right from Eagle) into Redfeather subdivision. Clubhouse is on the left, by the pool.

If you sign up for a group at the Open House you will get 10% off your first 3 projects! If you mention The Creative Homemaker you will get 10% off a project too. Go check it out! I'll post her website address once it's up and going. Stay tuned for that! Pin It

My Town Monday- Graples

If you live in my town and you haven't been to Graples, you are missing out big-time! You won't find prices like these for home decor anywhere else!

Graples is only open on Thursdays from 10 am to 7 pm, unless you go to one of their seasonal Saturday open houses. The fall open house is next Saturday, September 6th from 10 am to 3 pm, so mark your calendar!

Admission to get in to this open house is a new or gently used children's or teen book. Every time they do an open house, Graples chooses a charity and finds out what they need the most. The charity they are helping this time is the Hope House. It is a place where children go when no one else wants them (like failed adoptions, etc).

Go check out Graples this Thursday! You'll be addicted your first time in. Don't forget to bring a new or gently used children's or teen book to donate on Saturday the 6th! Click here for the fall open house flyer and directions to Graples, and here for the Graples website to learn all about their store! Have a great week! Pin It

My Town Monday

I'm excited to tell you about Mindy's Pie Pantry, a local woman who is amazing in the kitchen. My sister knows her personally and has tasted some of her infamous pies. She says they are to-die-for!

You can order her pies through her website, and they are very reasonably priced! She also started doing cooking camps for kids this summer, and has had a lot of fun with that. She is doing one more camp this Tues through Thurs the 5th -7th. I don't know if you can still sign up, but you may want to go check out her site for more info!

Don't worry if you miss out on the camps this summer, because she is going to be doing an adult "perfect pies" class, and some fun Halloween baking classes for the kids this fall!! So keep checking Mindy's website for more details.

PS- Sorry no post on Friday. It got to be a bit of a stressful week for us, and Friday was just not working for posting. Thanks for your support! Have a fab week! Pin It

"A Word to the Wise"

I love vinyl letters! I have several words on my walls (don't we all?) and I know of a handfull of women in my area that I could order them from. Vinyl cutters are everywhere now! I almost bought one myself.
But I have to order them from friends instead. One of my friends, Tiffany has a vinyl business called A Word to the Wise. I've ordered from her before and was happy with my stuff! My favorite vinyl word spot I have in my home is my mommy wall. Click here to see it. (I got that one and the laundry room one from Talking Walls.) Pin It