Advent Calendar : Free Download

Today is the first day of Advent. I found this free download while reading a blog on my Google Reader. I printed mine and can't wait to put it together. You will need a craft knife, a ruler and some glue. It will be easy and fun. Make one for each child in your life and one for yourself. The countdown has begun! Notice that the numbers are jumbled up and you have to hunt around to find the correct one. This teaches counting, numbers, the concept of time, and most importantly patience, so it's educational too. Enjoy and share! Rosemary




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Four Bundles of Laughter to Brighten Your Day

I don't know where I found this but I just had to post it. You should bookmark this video and watch it every time you need a bad day cure. You simply can't watch it and keep a straight face. How does this couple get anything done? Wouldn't you just want to play with these beautiful happy babies all day long? Too cute. Laughter really is contagious, isn't it? -Rosemary

Lady Giant's Laundry

Can you imagine running into this site while playing in the woods? Especially after just having read Jack and the Beanstalk. I guess the giant's wife had to do some laundry. via

Wonderful Halloween Images . . .

Halloween is almost here. Did you buy your candy yet? It's always nice for the children when it falls on a Saturday as it does this year. They can stay up late, eat lots of trick or treat junk, and be sick on Sunday. Thanks for stopping by the cottage for a trip down memory lane. ♥Rosemary

A graphic designer meets with a very cute young client [Video] . . .

This little guy is so cute. I hope you find the time to watch this prize-winning video and start your day with a big smile. Thanks for stopping by the cottage; here's hoping you have a great week with no problem clients big or small. ♥Rosemary

The Marshmallow Test [Video] plus some cottage photos . . .

Oh, The Temptation 2 hidden cameras, a bunch of kids with one marshmallow each. A study in self-control, willpower, temptation, the power of one marshmallow and lots of humor. Very cute!


The deep woods beside my house one day last week.


I planted some purple kale in some pots for fall color.


Some of my ferns are beginning to die down.


Others are refusing to give up the ghost. Both photos were taken on the same day.

I have an underground bees yellow jacket nest that is close to my front door. I wish I knew of a good way to get rid of them without resorting to one of those bombs. I think I'll try some soapy water first. I don't really want to kill them...I just want them to move elsewhere.


I scanned this bee from my 19th century Royal Book of Crests.

Thanks for stopping by the cottage for a cute film and some photos. ♥Rosemary

Wonderful video of skating babies (Evian commercial) . . .

A toddler came over for 4 hours yesterday . . .

I babysat my toddler friend Margaret all morning yesterday. She came over very early with her own french toast with maple syrup. Webster sat in this pose and watched her eat every bite. Don't worry...she gave him a bite or two and he got to lick the plate as well as the guest. He has never been around many young children for extended periods but he was wonderful.

Save the last bite for me.

She came with one tear on her cheek.

I love the way children look at you so directly.

She's the youngest of 4 and they all have these eyelashes!

We all took a long walk with Tabitha. Margaret held the cat's leash tightly the whole way down to the "way back" and Tabitha came home without it. That's the way we always do it...Tabitha has to be forced to walk long distances. My mom came along too. I was fully prepared to be exhaused 4 hours later but I wasn't. This child was easy and fun. Under her Yankees hat her red hair was in two forward facing pony tails that looked like dog ears.

You might remember my blog post about her first birthday.

Dear Sir President: Children advise and draw Obama . . .

Letters to Obama from a wonderful article in The New York Times.

Slideshow with 14 portraits.

Nutritional advice too.

Does Santa do on-site carpentry? . . .

I wonder if Santa can find room for this in his sack? Will it fit down the chimney? Will it have to be built in place? Only Santa knows!

via flickr