just jenn

"Hey mom, we're coming." "Be there tomorrow." "For dinner." When the occupancy under your roof doubles and you have 24 hours notice to prepare for your guests, there are a few things you must do, some things you can do, and one thing you shouldn't do. I  know some fantastic Hosts.  I have learned a lot from each of them.  I have also done my fair share of hosting the last 20 years.  Birthday parties for the young and the not so young , holiday gatherings, bridal and baby showers, ladies breakfasts,  youth group hang outs, special occasion dinners. More recently we have been enjoying a new kind of hosting.  In the last month, we have had 21 overnight guests.  We have had visitors with us 12 of the last 30 days. It would be unnecessary to tally how many loads of bedding and towels I've washed. Through practice I've been able to boil down the to do lists to a handful of manageable steps. Here are some ideas that will mak...

A Children's Book Recommendation  Where's Sam? Little boys love dress up just as much as little girls. This book was an unexpected gem.  It was almost surprising how much my littles loved this book.  I think it's simplicity and full page flaps drew them in. Where's Sam? came to our bookshelf as a grandparent gift for Mouse #3 back when he was just a year old. Oh how precious those days were when my children spent their afternoons dressing up and creating pretend scenarios to play in.  It's just the sort of thing all children should spend their afternoons doing!  It's exactly what you find Sam doing on these pages. Written by Yves Got, this book is simple and sweet. With bright illustrations and full page flaps to lift, my littles loved  Sam (who is in fact bunny, not boy) in his pretend world of clowns, pirates, and knights. Where's Sam?  would be a great gift or everyday surprise for any preschooler. Mr. Got has...