Craft Fair Success

This past weekend was spent helping Robby selling FlexyFriends at a local craft fair. We have never been to this particular craft fair so we didn't know what to expect. When he registered we were hoping that craft fair shoppers would be the perfect audience for his colorful little toys but there was no guarantee. Regardless we figured it would be a fun experience and I was looking forward to spending some time with him so I happily agreed to spend the weekend at the fair. 

The show opened at 9 am on Saturday and we were gobsmacked by the rush of customers to our little booth. We went with over 60 dragons and we were sold out by 1. It was chaotic, insane and wonderful all at the same time. With every sale I could feel the rising enthusiasm for the success of his little venture.  

Sunday morning we were met at our booth 20 minutes before the show opened by a repeat customer eager to snag more dragons while they were in stock. Our modest attempt at restocking was completely depleted within 15 minutes of the show officially opening. Robby and I spent the day just shaking our heads, astounded by the enthusiasm that his little 3d prints were being purchased. 

It is going to be hard to get everybody refocused for the week ahead after the excitement at the craft fair. Robby is definitely walking into the coming week on cloud 9.

Tires

 Last night we were going to decorate the Christmas tree but we decided it would be more fun to buy new tires. Okay, fun may be a bit of a stretch because purchasing tires is never an enjoyable experience. Unfortunately Scott left work yesterday afternoon and discovered a huge tack protruding out of the side of his front tire. Decorating the tree would have been more fun but buying and installing two tires was far more necessary. 

Hopefully we will get the tree decorated tonight or at the very least by tomorrow night. This evening after work we are heading to set up for a local craft fair. Robby and I will be spending the weekend at the Holidays in Leesburg craft fair selling FlexyFriends and assorted ornaments. We have no idea what to expect so this is a new adventure for both of us.  

This Christmas season is definitely unique. Instead of spending my weekends baking cookies and decorating I am going to be sitting in a mall or at a craft show assisting Robby with his little pop-up store. Next year Robby will be leaving for college so I'm trying to look at my busy weekends as an opportunity to spend a lot of time with him. I'm going to be stuck there anyway so I might as well look at the positive!

Rainbows

Our tree is upright but it remains undecorated because I was just too tired last night. I'm hoping that tonight I'll be able to cover it with my twinkly lights. I love the colorful glow that lights up my living room throughout the holiday season. It is hard to feel sad when you are immersed in a rainbow!

It may not be looking like Christmas but it certainly is feeling like it. The chill in the air came from out of nowhere, leaving frost and light snow fluttering down. There is no doubt that winter is here and, if the meteorologists are correct, it is going to be a fun one. After nearly a decade without a significant snowstorm we are all hankering for some sled worthy snow.

Today I plan on spreading Christmas through my house. We only have a month before the big day. I'm way behind!

Tree

As anticipated yesterday was busy and chaotic. After nearly a week of vacation, the boys found it difficult to harness the motivation to return to the grind. I can't say I blame them. I find concentrating throughout the month of December to be difficult. I suppose I resemble a puppy looking at a squirrel when I see twinkly Christmas lights.

After school I had the boys help put up our Christmas tree. Unlike every other year, we did not cut it down ourselves. Last year the experience was beyond miserable because of the endless complaining and bickering.  By the time the tree was felled and dragged to the baler I swore I would never cut down a Christmas tree again. I meant it!

While I told them that I ordered a Christmas tree online, I don't think that they believed me until FedEx drop up with a 9' box.  I've never done a mail order live cut Christmas tree but I am a fan of the experience. The shape, color, fullness and aroma are all amazing. I am a little disappointed in the height (or lack of it) because I am accustomed to 12' trees. By comparison, 7' feels tiny. 

Today the tree will be lit and decorated. It is beginning to feel (and smell) a lot like Christmas!

Pop-Up Shop

Thanksgiving flew by in a moment. I had an amazing holiday week at my Mom's house. I thoroughly enjoyed just hanging out and helping her get ready for the Thanksgiving party. We were busy and it was chaotic, but it certainly wouldn't feel like the holidays if everything were calm and quiet. 

For the first time since Covid my Mom hosted the entire family. It was wonderful to see all of my cousins again. I hate that it has been so long! Timmy was particularly enthralled by meeting his cousin who is also 9. (They had met previously but it was too long ago for memories to have been formed.) The pair sat around their own little table for dinner and happily chatted about McDonalds and french fries. He was delighted to have a "secret cousin" who is his age and who also shares his love for all things potato. 

After Thanksgiving our attention turned to FlexyFriends. Scott and I spent Black Friday at the Francis Scott Key Mall selling FlexyFriends at our little pop-up shop. On Saturday Scott retrieved the kids from my Mom and returned to Virginia to get them settled while I stayed at the shop. On Sunday I worked the shop by myself. It was a little difficult packing everything up by myself but I got it done!

Today everybody returns to their normal schedule. After a week of fun and family adventures, it is going to be hard to get back into the routine. Have a great week!

 I love these kids!  Thanksgiving week has been a fun so far. We've played games, laughed late into the night and went to paint pottery.

Thanksgiving Ready

 I thoroughly enjoyed my last weekend off. The next four weeks we are floating a packed calendar, with FlexyFriend pop-up sales events scheduled throughout the area. For the past few years I have avoided malls during the holidays, but this year I will be parked in the center of one for most of the holiday season. Talk about a change!

Our first Flexy shop is scheduled for this coming weekend. We are exceedingly excited about selling at the Francis Scott Key Mall throughout Black Friday weekend. I hope that this event kick starts our holiday shopping (and selling) season.  I am a little weary about navigating the crowds but I am also looking forward to fully embracing the holiday chaos and hustle. 

But before we go into sales mode we get to enjoy Thanksgiving. Today I am packing up the boys and heading to PA. I'm looking forward to hanging out with my Mom and sister for the next few days. I know that Timmy and Robby are looking forward to seeing their cousins. The next few days will be loud, busy and hectic. In other words, it is going to be wonderful!

This truly is the most wonderful time of year.