A New Use for Used... Socks?

Last night we finally dismantled our Christmas tree.  Yes, on January 27.  Even after Rob suggested leaving it up until next year and I actually considered it.  So we found all of our "empties" in the basement, brought in our after-Christmas steals (mostly from Target), and re-organized our Christmas decorating stash while un-decorating the tree.

That's when I realized I had thrown away some of the plastic containers that some of our ornaments came packaged in originally.  I couldn't just throw the ornaments in among all of the other decorations.

And then it hit me! like a 2x4 - although, really... I don't know what that feels like.  I remembered that Rob recently emptied out his drawer-full-o-socks so that we could downsize our drawer space (in preparation for living with less dressers) and purchase only the same brand and type of socks, thus mostly eliminating the case of the solo sock that's partner can never be found.

I can read your mind.  I know that you're thinking "GROSS! Who in their right mind posts a picture of nasty old socks?!?"  Remember... this is the Normally-Odd Couple.  :)

Old socks make great ornament holders.  You just cut a sock in half (well, if your husband wears a size 13 shoe, that is).

Then insert an ornament like so (I leave the hangers on for ease the next year)...

And VOILA! A soft, protective barrier is placed between one ornament and another.  Then, I just carefully placed ornaments of like style in freezer ziploc bags.

Instant, safe, and recycled storage for years to come!  Used socks are more useful than one would think.  Does anyone still have their Christmas decorations up?  (Come on, Katie... who are you kidding!?)

Oh - and here's a little shout-out for the help from my sister-in-law Lindsey... thanks a million!

Picnics, Jobs, and Visitors

This past weekend, my parents, Krystal and the Sandersons visited us at Sankanac. We spent the afternoon swimming and fishing and canoeing, had a cookout/picnic, went on the HUGE waterslide at camp, and built a fire and roasted marshmallows. It was a really nice day of catching up and relaxing.

Week One of camp finished well, although the staff (including Rob and I) were tired from multiple games of Mission Impossible. And we are well into this week, thankful for less campers and more time to breathe. Next week is Army/Navy week, the most popular week of camp, and there will be twice the number of campers as we have this week.

Rob had an interview today for the full-time position of the Social Studies teaching job that he long-term subbed for last year. We are hoping that he gets the job offer once he completes a few more observation hours needed to receive his special education certificate from the Commonwealth. The plan is for him to get that all finished before our Ireland trip so that he will have the certification by the time we get back. New in my job area... I have completed training hours necessary to become a PA Notary, and my application is pending with the state. This will give me a chance to use my skills at Eastern (we have a lot of students who need stuff notarized to go on missions trips, study abroad, etc.), but is something I can also do on the side if I wish to.

Soon, Kathryn will be returning to the States to work at camp for 2 weeks before we go over there to visit her on her turf. A mutual friend (can you guess who, Kathryn?) mentioned that she is probably going to get flagged by customs soon for such frequent visits... we hope not! and are glad she has been able to travel here so often.

Lindsey's Graduation

This past Friday night, we celebrated Lindsey's graduation from Phoenixville High School with her. Although storms were threatening, by the time the ceremony began, the clouds had passed and the sun was setting. Lindsey was very busy during high school, and was recognized during the ceremony for a few of her scholarships & awards. We're proud of her! In the fall, she will be off to Messiah College where she will start a degree in Art Education.



Lindsey receiving her diploma.


A stray bunch of balloons.


The hat toss.


The proud graduate...

with her brothers.