Because you asked....boy's room tour

If you know me, then you know that plenty of what you see is DIY, thrifted, hand-me-down, or sewn on my machine.   Honestly, you should have seen the shelves before I painted them with four coats of  "Luscious Mango"!!!  (They were black and brown, bought from 2 different yard sales.)  What I love about this room is that it is functional, colorful, and fun.  There is nothing that is unused or simply for show.  I also take just a wee bit of pride in the lovely fact that not a piece of furniture is brand new or purchased from a major catalog source.  Truthfully, I wish I could have grown up in this room.  What I love is that he appreciates this room as much as me.

Love my weekends

Making things makes me happy.  Every weekend I try to spend a little time messing around, doing whatever it is that I want to do.  It washes away the stresses of a busy week.

A while back, I found this antique aquarium for a quarter.  It has a crack in it which no longer allows it to hold water.  The kids and I started getting antsy for spring.   We went to a local nursery and bought $6 worth of plants.  Then we scavenged a little moss from the woods.  Easy peasy.   Our own indoor spring. Go make one! It's fun and I promise you'll love it.  There's nothing like creating something that offers up immediate gratification and takes very little time and money to achieve the effect.

Happy Valentine's Day

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Just checking in

I've been sick over the past 3 weeks and recovering from shingles on my face and in my ear.  No fun.  However, the silver lining is that it's a bit of a reminder to slow down.  (I probably needed that.)  Plus, we were supported throughout the roughest part by family and friends.  There were meals, rides for the kids, and the extra hugs and attention that our kids needed from other loved ones in their life while their mama was down.  It makes you realize how much people care about you... plain and simple.

These owls are a creation made by the entire family, and there's more that didn't make it into the photo shoot.  I drew different animals, my husband cut them out on the band saw, the kids painted them, and I wood burned the detailing.  Really sweet and different from other crafty things I have tried.

One quick plug for recipes.... we made it last night and everyone chowed down.  It's a slow cooker chicken soup with avocado and cilantro on top.  We followed the recipe more or less, using frozen tomatoes from our garden this summer and no mushrooms.   Next time I'm doubling the batch because the best part was that after a full day of work, school, and activities, dinner was ready at 5.  I was thrilled.  Check it out at http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/11/salsa-chicken-and-black-bean-soup.html.

So... back to life and trying to live it in a mindful way while raising kids and working.  We are so lucky, aren't we?   I'll check back in soon.

Intentions

Ah, the new year.  It's arbitrary, I know.  I get jazzed though.  I have always relished the chance to evaluate my life, and then decide how I want to do things better.  Often, I fall way short of any of those aspirations... my friends and family can attest.  It feels like a giant cleanse to take stock, and then make decisions about what I want to change.

How amazing it was to have 10 days off, to hang out with family and friends, to sew, to be outdoors.  Oh, life is good.  Now, I have a whole list of goals and intentions for this new year.  Don't we all?  Here's to a bright new year filled with peace, joy, adventure, love, and health.

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

Today was the first morning that I woke up and didn't have to get ready for work or take the kids to school. It was bliss. I opened my eyes and immediately felt jazzed about the day, and the next ten to come. No work, no school. I guess one of the truest perks of working (beyond income) is that it really makes you appreciate spending time with family.

The morning started with cookies being made, honey labelled with ribbons for gifts,and last minute wrappings of some felted ornaments that we have been making in the afternoons and evenings.

We met with friends for lunch at their home, and enjoyed spending time and exchanging gifts. This was one of the handmade gifts from my friend (above.) Isn't she so talented?! It is one of the most beautiful ornaments I have ever received. Today we took pictures of our children in front of the tree for their ninth year together. We have done this every year since they were born, and it is something that is a hallmark of Christmas for me now.

Every year, I remember the years before when they were all so much smaller, when somebody fell apart, when the picture was less than perfect, and we shook our heads and took the picture anyway. It is such a lovely way to capture each year as it passes in a tradition of being together and being who we are.

Presents aren't under the tree in our home yet, but there have been many closed doors in the house though out the past couple of weeks, with whispering and planning. Tomorrow is the day. Things will be wrapped and placed. There will be inspections by the 5 and 8 year old. What has their name on it and does it rattle when shaken?

A gift for our solstice this year from my parents. It is an heirloom that will be cherished. We grew up with one of these on our table every winter, and the candles were always lit for Christmas dinner. I was so touched, and we have lit it each night since the solstice. It has been an unspoken dream of mine to have one for our family, and now we do.

So.... I'd like to wish you all Happy Holidays. It's my hope that they are filled with peace, joy, and love where ever you are in this world. Many blessings.

Giving thanks

wreath my husband made

So many things to be thankful for in my life. I am looking forward to slowing down over the holiday and snuggling in with my family. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!