Today

Listening to this guy (love it) and this guy (you're right, honey...it's growing on me.)


Drinking coffee again for the first time since our illness. Okay, it's only been a week and a half, but I just couldn't "stomach" it. (Lame joke, and gross too. Just ignore me)


On the menu for lunch, along with some tomato soup (and grilled cheese sandwiches with butternut squash hidden in them for the kiddos)


Reading this again, because of this song. It makes me teary eyed every time I hear it.


Admiring the hard work that went into A5's newest clothing designs. Notice the flair.


Also, can anyone tell what this is? It's one of my earliest attempts with this whole embroidery thing. I really need some decent designs. Just noticed that my book is no longer available on Amazon.

Glimmer of Hope

When your husband takes something on, you want to see him succeed. You want him to love his work. You want him to enjoy what he does and to feel fulfilled. At least I do. However, my husband took on a project that comes with lots of rejection. When he started writing his novel, we knew it would be a long road, full of bumps, and with no clear end in sight. We have been prepared to hear 'no' a lot over the course of this endeavor (and have already). But a tiny glimmer of hope has appeared. A publisher has agreed to read his manuscript, which basically doesn't happen unless you have an agent. (and we don't) So, there is reason to hope, if only a little. We are praying that the Lord blesses our efforts (I say we, because this is a joint effort. We're a team. And I won't lie--there have been sacrifices along the way) But we also want to learn from this and be ready to accept whatever comes, even if it's another BIG FAT 'no'. We ask that you pray with us.

Cooped Up

It's been a rough week. We quarantined ourselves this past week because of an awful stomach virus. I'll spare you all the details, but suffice it to say it's taken nearly a week to recover and our dear cousins are still fighting it, with one little guy in the hospital from dehydration.

So, I've honestly found little to inspire me this week other than the nearest trash can and hours upon hours of Little Einsteins. Oh, and Cars. I feel like our imaginations are out there somewhere, but it's going to take us a few days to rediscover them. Besides T.V., I feel like we exhausted every activity that exists in our house. (I'm sure we can chalk that gross overstatement up to lack of sleep and sustenance throughout the week.) Seriously, the kids really were troopers. They kept themselves busy while I was unavailable to them and they got along really well for the most part. Also, I discovered that these paper dolls might well be the best 9 bucks I've spent in a while.




The quest to learn embroidery continued...poor little brother in the background! Pitiful, I know!


I am so thankful to the Lord for sunshine and fresh air this week , though. I enjoyed our breezy front porch so much. And, from my spot on the porch swing (the very still porch swing, I might add) I listened intently to the bird songs, lawn mowers, airplanes and geese. Oh, and the giggles and Tow Mater impressions, that emanated from the sandbox. I did say it was hours and hours, right?Anyway, that's my sob story and here's to a healthier and more creative week!

What's Going On? (and some links, too)

Earlier last week, this is what was happening on the home front. It took me a while to catch up, but with a couple little munchkins to help, and a couple of days to work hard and bounce back, we were able to get out and enjoy the springtime. (There still exists the ever present laundry load to be completed, but that'll get done! Eventually.)


Look who came to visit! We discovered him while pulling weeds, and getting our flower beds prepared for the summer. He stayed around for a while to study us, but took off when we weren't looking. I'm sure he'll be back once we plant some yummy veggies. Perhaps we should just plan on sharing.

The kids got a delightful package in the mail from my mom. Who doesn't love to get mail? And when you receive a little mouse family to play with, well...imaginations in this house are already creating adventures for Mama, Papa, Big Sister, Little Brother and Little Sister.


So, what's been going on with me these days? Well, here are a few links that might shed a little light on it. I've been really inspired by The Creative Family recently. I am so glad I made the purchase. Not only are there some really great ideas for simple family fun and creativity, but it seems to spur my mind on to other things...things that fit our family, ideas for celebrating and gift-giving. So, give it a look. You might come away with some refreshing ideas for your own family.

I have a growing interest in embroidery and want to encourage my daughter to learn as well, so after perusing the embroidery archives of Soule Mama, I went in search of some simple embroidery patterns. This is what I found and am adding it to the ever growing wish list. (shameless, I know)

How fun is this felt food for little kiddos to pretend with? Homemade by Jill also has tons of ideas for more felt food.


So, have you heard of the Attribute Game? I hadn't and I must say it looks fun and simple, even for little ones. We will definitely be trying it out...maybe on a rainy day, or maybe before. When I first saw the pictures it reminded me of I Spy, but upon closer look, there's a little more to it than just finding random objects.

I hadn't been to visit Making books with Children in a while, but seeing this post made me want to pay a visit, and get into doing it again. With spring fully upon us, there seems to be plenty of inspiration around for drawings and stories. Remember this guy? I mean...what's his story?


A couple more things...

I'm excited for the return of Me and My Girl...tomorrow! Be sure and check in on the latest ideas for mother-daughter projects.

and

If you don't subscribe to Kids Craft Weekly already, you really should. More great ideas for keeping those kiddies busy and happy. You can view all past newsletters here.

Why it Matters

Sit with me and tell me once again

Of the story that's been told us
Of the power that will hold us
Of the beauty, of the beauty
Why it matters

Speak to me until I understand
Why our thinking and creating
Why our efforts of narrating
About the beauty, of the beauty
And why it matters

Like the statue in the park
Of this war torn town
And it's protest of the darkness
And the chaos all around
With its beauty, how it matters
How it matters

Show me the love that never fails
The compassion and attention
Midst confusion and dissention
Like small ramparts for the soul
How it matters

Like a single cup of water

How it matters

Hope nobody's getting tired of Sara Groves. I never do. This song comes from 'Add to the Beauty'

Just Popping In for a Minute...

I've got some stuff to post, but don't really have the time these days. Just thought I would say hello and be on my way until later in the week...


There are a lot of new mommies in my life that need tending, errands to run, friends coming over to get ready for and lots of laundry to fold.

It's That Time.

I was admiring all of my sister in law's seedlings yesterday, scattered throughout the windowsills in her house and thinking we had better get started ourselves. The signs of spring are undeniable and in a few weeks we won't have to worry about frost anymore. I've been looking for ways to make it more kid friendly this year, and anticipating spending time outside with my daughter. She is starting to recognize what are weeds and what are not and take the initiative to pull the weeds when she sees them, after double checking with me. It is very exciting to me.


I have found a few links about gardening with children that may be of some interest to you.

This one has a list of the most kid friendly plants, as well as some tips on getting started.

Pretty basic, but there are links here to more resources that may be helpful.

Ever heard of upside down tomato plants? (thanks, bro)

For TONS of links about nature books, art and more...go here.

For growing plants in unusual places take a look. Fun.

Tea Time

String up some twinkle lights, put out a few balloons, some cucumber sandwiches and scones, heat up the tea kettle and what do you have? A fabulous tea party.


We converted our bedroom into a dress up room for our little ladies in waiting, complete with more hats than you can imagine and plenty of jewelry and other dress up necessities. There were even ties and hats for the little men that joined our crew.



It was a fun day, even for the adults. (I am speaking for myself, of course--but I think all the rest had fun, too) It was so nice to have a few extra sets of hands to help keep things moving, so thanks to you all. (you know who you are!) That seems to be important when having parties for smallish children. Lots of activity to keep everyone busy and lots of help for camera operation (vital!), serving, refills, trips to the bathroom, game time...whatever.


We started out with some dress up time, then moved on to place mat decorating. By that time, the tea was ready to be served. (note to self: next time, pour the tea WAY in advance to allow time for cooling. Or have ice cubes ready in waiting for quick cool down time!) Anyway, we had a full menu of cucumber sandwiches, jelly sandwiches, sausage biscuits, mini frittatas, scones with all the fixings, lemon squares and later, pink cupcakes and rainbow sherbert (for my lactose intolerant offspring) We DO love to eat in this family, can you tell?


After they were all done eating, (the kids all waited so patiently for my two slowpokes to finish!) we moved into the living room for a rousing game of Candyland on DVD. Hubby and Mark graciously took care of that part.

On to sweets and gift giving...the best part.


Our party favors consisted of white lunch bags, stuffed with goodies, then stapled in the shape of a tea bag, with tags for each guest with their name printed neatly so our birthday girl could READ each name. (all by herself) You can see an example here. The bags contained a few little dress up things, mostly jewelry for the little girls. I had a harder time finding things for little boys, so I ended up constructing little ties out of felt, elastic and snaps. I think they were a hit.

There are a couple things I like to do to make birthdays a little more special. First, I love to decorate the kids' rooms while they are sleeping and when they wake up they know it is going to be a special day. Some thoughtful friends did this for me when I was in college and it has carried through until now! (Thanks, LEAH and ERIN!!!)



I also like to bring out our photo albums and place them throughout the house so everyone can see and reminisce. That started with my sister in law, who is also named Gina. I think it is such a lovely touch. What are some birthday traditions in your home? I'm always up for more ideas.

Can You Do This, Old Badger?

Perhaps it's just my love of all things old: old things, old photos, old people, and yes, even my old house, with all its quirks and nuisances. Whatever the reason, this little book was particularly endearing to me. We picked it up at the library last week but for some reason, didn't get around to reading it until a day or two ago. It's awfully sweet, and on your next trip, you should check it out, too.


To me, it painted in such a good light, what we can learn from our elders. There is such a benefit to having people in our lives who are older and wiser. Somehow, in our youth, we get caught up with figuring things out, so much so, that we think at some point we have it all figured out. I think it starts when you become a teenager! (Admit it, somewhere deep down, you're just like me and you're already getting used to doing things your own way.)

Of all the things Little Badger knows and can do, there are still many more that he can't do and doesn't know yet. But Old badger shares his wisdom and some yummy snacks along the way and teaches Little Badger a gentle lesson or two. Good stuff.

"Too Much Good"

That title is a quote from one of my kids about how much they like these yummy sausage balls.
They are a favorite in our house...however, when you look at the recipe you will be appalled at how, ahem...NOT good they are for you. I have lightened them up a little, and this is how.


I use turkey sausage, for one...it's in the freezer section of our grocery store, and costs less than regular pork sausage. However, losing some of that fat makes them a little drier, so I add about 1/2 cup of bean puree from my Deceptively Delicious stash. This added moisture also cuts down on the amount of cheese you need as well. They freeze really well, so you can keep them on hand for breakfasts or snacking times. And, by making them a bit smaller, you can come out with about 6-7 dozen.

As an added bonus, (and a few more fat grams!) you should really try the dip. I don't make nearly as much as the recipe calls for, and we prefer two Tbsp of mustard rather than one. You can use low fat mayo, too.

This is going to be one of the snacks served at the tea party, as well as these mini frittatas, which I have never made before, but trust the source.

I'm making as many things ahead of time as I can, so that I can just pull them out of the freezer the evening before and they will be ready to warm and serve. Also on the menu are the following:

Mini Irish Scones with jam and mock Devonshire Cream
Lemon squares
Whatever fruit is on sale this week...
Strawberry Cupcakes

Oh...and tea of course!