Winter Read Aloud

After dinner and dishes, toy tidying and baths, Big Brother eagerly asks, "Can we read Narnia tonight?" And, that is our cue... when we pile on the couch and enter the land on the other side of the wardrobe.

El Shaddai, God Almighty, The All-Sufficient One

Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him,

"I am God Almighty [El Shaddai]; walk before me and be blameless."

Genesis 17:1

Vintage Day Gowns

Ever so slowly tiny baby things have started creeping into our house again... most recently, a big, beautiful pile of vintage Feltman Brothers cotton day gowns. The professor's sister, while in the process of helping her mother-in-law clean out the old family home, saved them from a certain demise when none of the family members wanted to keep them {gasp!}. With a bit of laundering and some mending they'll be ready and waiting for our spring arrival.

A Link and a Smile

If you're a furniture scavenger and/or a modern enthusiast, or {ahem!} if you happen to live with one {or both} then The Blu Dot Real Good Experiment will definitely amuse and delight your furniture loving heart. Set in New York City, this ten-minute film is beautifully and creatively produced while the story is cleverly told. Go ahead and watch... it'll leave you wondering, "Would I have taken the chair?"

*image courtesy of Blu Dot

Let Him Eat Cake... and Donuts, Too

Turning four was lots of fun, although we were not permitted to sing the Happy Birthday song.

Miss Brown Eyes delivered chocolate donuts and a balloon to the birthday boy... oh my, she does know the way to this little man's heart!

For those of you who know Tukes one glimpse at his birthday cake will make you smile, then giggle, and, finally, nod knowingly. I can't imagine a cake that better captures my little guy's funny, laid back, creative personality.

In keeping with the birthday tradition that the professor's mother established several years ago with big brother, she took Tukes to the bakery so that he could pick out his own birthday cake. It seems that none of the cakes were just right so he proceeded to design his own. Of course Khaki let him... she is a grandmother after all. Incorporating the whimsy of cupcakes with his serious love of chocolate, Tukes brought the best of both worlds together into one.

Needless to say, after donuts, cake, and ice cream {oh, and there were some cookies involved as well} we're facing major sugar withdrawal today.

Today You Are Four

Gifts for Baby and Sister

It all started on Christmas Day when my mom toted a bag full of vintage table linens into my house. After the flurry of presents and food, when the Christmas afternoon lull came over the house, we sat on the floor and sorted through napkins, tablecloths, and placemats -- items that belonged to and were made by my grandmothers and great-grandmother.

My mother is one of the most resourceful people I know {one day I will show you the beautiful dresses that she made for my two sisters and me using fancy cotton slips, embroidered tea towels, and placemats!}. As we sorted the ideas started flowing... "Christian, wouldn't this napkin make a pretty collar... If you added ribbon here you'd have a pretty little bib... Oh look, you could make this napkin into a little bonnet, fold it just like a handkerchief bonnet."

We were both in need of some special baby gifts so on that afternoon we put our heads together and devised a plan. My mom and her ideas were the inspiration; I executed and embellished them.

Last week I visited one of my dearest childhood friends and delivered a napkin turned into a baby bonnet for her newborn baby girl {big sister was delighted with the crocheted placemat bonnet that I showed you few weeks ago}.

And for both sisters, napkins made into fancy bibs, I call them country club bibs because they're not at all practical although quite pretty for church, Sunday dinner, or fancy styled teething. If she wishes, my friend can easily convert the bibs to collars by removing the ribbon, folding them in half, cutting a slit up the back middle, as well as a neck hole, and adding binding.

For two beautiful girls who are precious gifts from God, items lovingly made from Bunny and me.

El Roi, The God Who Sees

She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her:

"You are [El Roi] the God who sees me,"

for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me."

Genesis 16:13

The eyes of the Lord are in every place,

keeping watch on the evil and the good.

Proverbs 15:3

A Versatile Towel Mat

Last week, while the boys were ill, I had more time than usual to sew. Using extra white hand towels {my mom keeps me well stocked} and fabric from my stash, I had fun whipping up a handful of colorful, terry cloth towel mats. My inspiration came from Soule Mama and Darby's dish mat tutorial, although I ended up creating a process of my own.

In the kitchen my towel mat adds a fun splash of color and is a great place for wet dishes to air dry. This fabric absolutely makes me happy.

I made several to give as baby gifts. They can be used as a diaper changing mat easily stowed in the diaper bag, a lap pad and play mat, or as an oversized burpee. Whatever the use these cheery towel mats are easy and fun to put together and they make wonderful homemade gifts.

The Chair in the Sun

A 5:20 a.m. alarm. I drag myself out of bed at 5:35. Breakfast cooked and consumed, lunches packed, where are your shoes, teeth brushed, backpack, out the door... I deliver big brother to school in a torrential monsoon.

And then, patches of blue.

Little brother and I drive an hour. Time spent with precious friends. The sun comes out, a new baby is held, laughter, and treats.

And then, back up the road... he naps. Carpool line, hello school boy, home, drinks and snacks.

So tired, so tired.

Still there is... dinner to prepare, laundry to finish, homework. I think I can, I think I can.

For a few moments I'll sit down quietly in the chair in the sun.

Bread and Jam

He is serious about his mid-morning snack{s}.

Today it was jam toast.

Or, perhaps I should say...

Today he had a bit of toast with his jam.

A Bit of Winter Sprucing

Before :: After

The double bathroom debacle is far from being resolved. Yes, the professor has repaired and painted the rotten walls, Jorge and Jose gave us beautiful new tile, and I'm extremely thankful to have showers and toilets that work after thirteen days of driving .7 miles to my in-law's house... but there are still plumbing issues to navigate, vanities to build, and sinks to install. Of all the home renovation projects that we've taken on over the years this double bathroom renovation has been the most painful.

The renovation sprawl has slowly crept from our partially intact bathrooms filling empty corners and floor space in the master bedroom, coating every surface in the house with dust, and, finally, this weekend the sprawl took over the kitchen. Paint cans and brushes, crown molding and quarter round, saw horses and drop clothes, Christmas candy and school papers, toothbrushes and toiletries, and wet leaves all over the floor, you name it and, I assure you, it was there. Truly, my brain felt as cluttered and dusty as my kitchen counters.

"Go shine your sink!" Today I took the Fly Lady's words to heart. Today Mrs. Meyer and I took back the kitchen. We threw open the windows {hello, sunshine and 65 degrees!}, cleared the counters of everything, wiped away dust, crumbs, and paint splatters, and decluttered in the most significant way. Then I took vengeance on the floor. When the professor walked in this evening he commented, "The kitchen sure looks nice!" Yes, yes it does... and now I can think once again!

Darling Little Clementines

I've been eyeing them since before Christmas but it wasn't until I read that they contain some great healing properties that I actually splurged and paid full price for a crate of clementines. I'm so glad I did... we're enjoying them immensely. After last week's bout with the flu {both boys} and my own head cold any extra healing properties are welcome at our house no matter the price.

It's a glorious day... 63 degrees outside with bright sun and clear, blue skies. I sent the boys out this morning to soak up some vitamin D, they went eagerly. Now that all is relatively quiet and they're resting it's my turn to grab a clementine and enjoy it in the sun.

El Elyon, The Most High

I will cry to God Most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me. Psalm 57:2

And they remembered that God was their rock, and the Most High God their Redeemer. Psalm 78:35

But at the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever; for His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, but He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, 'What have You done?' Daniel 4:34-35

Bump!

Orange Cream Cheese Spread for Banana Bread

8 ounces cream cheese {I use reduced-fat}, softened

1/3 cup {heaping!} confectioners' sugar

Grated peel of 1/2 orange

1 Tablespoon frozen orange juice concentrate

Beat cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add remaining ingredients and mix until blended well. Thinly slice a loaf of fresh but cool banana bread {I like miniature loaves}. Use the spread as a sandwich filling between two slices of bread. Chill if not serving immediately. Serve with tea in the company of good friends. Make enough for leftovers which are best enjoyed at breakfast.

Morning Incentive

Today I am thankful for beautiful, winter rays of sun filling my house with a warm, natural light.

Dear Influenza A...

You should not be here,

You should not be about,

You should not be here,

You make us all pout!!!

Very sincerely,

Our Mod'ish Family

Breakfast of Champions

The boys love nothing more than when the professor brings home a box of donuts for winter weekend breakfasts like he did this past weekend...

As for myself, well a donut is good from time to time but right now I'm enjoying fresh and healthy cooking inspiration from Kath. The whipped banana oatmeal is delish... like I could eat it every morning delish! {Don't leave out the vanilla!} Her index of healthful recipes not only leaves me inspired with new cooking ideas, but armed with fresh resolve to do a better job of shopping the perimeter of the store.

Today, however, I've got a little man with the flu. I guess it's a good thing there are a couple of donuts left to cheer him up.

Elohim, God of Gods

For the Lord [Jehovah] your God [Elohim] is the God [Elohim] of gods [Elohim] and the Lord [Jehovah] of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God...
Deuteronomy 10:17

Snowless Snow Day

A visit to the pet store and the bookstore, a stack of library books on the couch, and a mid-afternoon tea party... despite the disappointment of no snow we still had a fun and cozy "snow day"!

Pretty Things, Winter Things, Random Things

For dinner tonight, our favorite corn meal waffles.

Tukes helped me mix the batter this morning.

The boys will love it.

Today was a big wash day.

I liked seeing the splash of colors in the laundry room.

Candlelight and shadows in the kitchen last night.

Rosy warmth on a cold, cold night.

I'm keeping the feeders filled for our feathered neighbors.

They are delightful to watch.

We might get some snow tonight!

Boo is counting on it.

The school just called... no class tomorrow!

{In the deep south even the chance of snow makes everything shut down.}


Twice-baked potatoes with dinner last night.

Why don't the boys like these?

In need of a change we rearranged.

Hmmm, we're not sure if we like the floating, diagonal couch...

But the couch is ten years old, saggy, and swiftly losing its shape.

It will not be replaced in 2010... we must finish renovations.

Showcasing the back of it seems to take away some of the curse.

Stay warm tonight.

The end.

Love Notes

Over the holidays, like a little mouse, he took to leaving pleasant marks of his presence {and love} around the house... placed on the bedside table, stuck to the refrigerator, resting on my pillow. There was one that said, "Have a safe trip to New York," on others a simple "To: Daddy, From: {Boo}" sufficed. The best ones are the love notes...

My heart hurt a little this morning as we dove back into our school-scheduled life. Cozy winter mornings to laze around with nowhere to go are over for now. At least we can look forward to Saturdays. And, at least I have my love notes -- each one still right where he left it.

Today the typical resumed for us while for my mother the atypical began to draw to a relieving end... she received her final treatment of chemo this morning! And so, on this day I conclude with a love note of my own using the simple style of my own little mouse:

To: Mama

From: Christian

I love you.

In Your Easter Bonnet...

"If the knitter is wearythe baby will have no new bonnet."

However, if the "knitter" isn't really much of a knitter {oh, how I've tried} and if the "knitter" happens to have some of Great-Grandma Cooky's crocheted placemats lying around... then baby will have a new bonnet indeed!

And, the new bonnet will be feminine and fancy with a touch of tatting salvaged from threadbare, vintage pillowcases.

Georgia's crocheted placemat bib was fun to create and give to a friend this summer. The placemat bonnet... well, I'm smitten all over again. It's perfect for a certain Little Miss who I know will be full of fun and dressed with a touch of fancy this spring.

Bunk Beds

Before I can start thinking about baby's room a certain fuss must be made over two little men who are about to become roommates. This weekend the bunk beds went up. There was much excitement.

Peaceful Winter Morning

Baby kicks and hungry tummy rumbles drove me from the warmth of my bed quite early. While my men continued to hibernate I sat in the morning winter light and read. I savored the softness and quietude.

God's Name, A Strong Tower

The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

the righteous runs into it and is safe.
Proverbs 18:10

A New Year

Calmly we look behind us,

on joys and sorrows past,

We know that all is mercy now,

and shall be well at last;

Calmly we look before us --

we fear no future ill,

Enough for safety and for peace

if Thou art with us still.

Jane Borthwick

In this new year...

O Father as You

did with Moses,

make all Your goodness

pass before us,

proclaim the name of the

Lord before us,

be gracious unto us and

show us compassion.

A.C. Dixon