What We're Webbing Wednesday: Nature Valentines

Welcome to day 5 of our new features! Introducing...

At What We're Webbing Wednesday, we'll share websites we've enjoyed over the past week.


Nature.org has some fantastic free printable nature Valentines.... perfect Valentines for campers and nature lovers alike! You can also send Valentine nature e-cards!

Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas has an awesome idea for tie-dye hearts... and it's also easy and frugal!

Living Montessori Now has some tips on how to make Valentine's Day in your homeschool or roadschool class special. 

National Wildlife Federation has some nature-friendly Valentine's ideas.

Here are some really neat images of hearts found in nature. (Are you sensing a theme here?)

Speaking of amazing images, Dad has discovered this website called Fancy. It seems a little like Pinterest in that you can "fancy" images that you like onto your own page. (He hasn't quite gotten on the Pinterest bandwagon yet!) Michelle has some amazing images fancied... everything from nature, fashion (now what he was interested in), parenting ideas, etc. But mostly just spectacular nature photos!
(Speaking of Pinterest, are you following us yet? If not, please hop on over and follow us!)

And that's What We're Webbing this week!
What are you webbing?

Darling Vintage Camping Valentines

Who knew?

Camping valentines used to be quite the rage, apparently!

Maybe it's just me, but these are so much cuter than the One Direction /Peace Sign/ Spongebob/ Green Lantern Valentines you see these days.

Aren't they punny? (Yes. I went there. Couldn't help it!)

Elf on the Shelf Adventures

Our elf, Delfie, appeared this year in our Christmas tree! We had tagged it before Thanksgiving. When we went to cut it down the day after Turkey Day, look who was just hanging out in the tree!

He has been up to some adventures, let me tell you!

So far, this year, he has:

• Slept with our new kittens (mama cat seemed quite suspicious of the intruder!)
• Made a hammock out or unmentionables
• Worn the "We Will Get Along Shirt" to let the kiddos know that he knows they were misbehaving
• Snuggled under the tree and read Tuck Everlasting, which Hunter is reading for Roadschool
• Had a hot tub party with the Barbies
• Lined up all the red and green Hot Wheels
• Played Giant Backyard Scrabble
• Made duck tape bow tie, bracelets, and legwarmers for himself, as well as a Duct Tape Tree for the wall
• Hidden in candy dishes and the washer
• Made a candy cane swing

Do YOU have an Elf on the Shelf? What has he been up to? Share in the comments or post pics to our facebook page!

Crazy Elf on the Shelf Makes a Hammock

That darn Elf on the Shelf!
Really, Delfie?
Love that hammock! And a sock for a blanket, too!
Guess I should be glad he didn't use underwear!

Jack O'LAMP-erns

About eight years ago, my brilliant hubby (pun intended!) invented a cool Halloween decoration idea:
Jack O'LAMP-erns! (Yes, another bad pun! You're welcome!) Not only is it a spook-tacular decoration , it is dread-fully cheap and easy! (I just can't help it!)

We used the Jack O'Lantern trick or treat buckets you can buy just about anywhere for a dollar.

They're a cinch to make, assuming your hubby is like mine and has every tool known to man! And they'll fit any standard lamp. We replace every single lampshade in our house with these. I've even taken one to my classroom at school. Kiddos think they.are.SO.COOL!

You need a 1 1/4 inch paddle bit and a battery drill.

And, of course, an assortment of Jack O'Lantern buckets in various faces and colors. Personally, I'm partial to the traditional face and pink or orange.

Kiddos can help with this craft, but it definitely requires an adult to "assist".
Step 1: Insert your paddle bit into the battery drill.
Step 2: Gently press the paddle bit into the bottom center of the Jack O'Lantern  bucket.

Imagine there's a battery drill attached here :)

Step 3: Drill slowly and easily through the Jack O'Lantern.  If you force it, your hole will look like the blue pumpkin. If you're nice and easy, you'll have a smooth, clean hole like my yellow pumpkin.

Step 4: Remove your lampshade and light bulb from your lamp.
Step 5: Place your Jack O'LAMP-ern over the lamp socket.
Step 6: Screw your light bulb back into the socket. (We usually use CFL bulbs in our lamps, but for Halloween time, we switch back to standard light bulbs, since they are a bit brighter. We have used 100 watt bulbs in these Jack O'LAMP-erns for 8 years and have had no issues.)

Just in case you're thinking, "Why would I want to destroy my kid's trick-or treat bucket?", I'll let you in on a little secret. I have covered the hole with clear packing tape (both inside and out, so it's not sticky) and let the kiddos use them for Trick or Treating.
Happy Jack O'Lamping!