Apple Afternoon

Baby Knits

{Bibs}

{Sweater}

{Blanket}

{Hat}

For a girl who hasn't taken to knitting with the pleasure and skill that she imagined, it is a great delight to have thoughtful friends who happen to knit beautifully!

Baking Cookies

On Friday Big Brother went home from school with a friend to play. Little Brother, who lives for when his sidekick gets home, was a little lost. After his nap he asked me if we could bake Christmas cookies to which I replied, "Good idea!"

We opted for snickerdoodles because they're not too Christmasy. Together, just the two of us, we enjoyed a deliciously sweet afternoon baking cookies to last us through the weekend.

And, today it was Little Brother who enjoyed playing with a friend.

Jehovah-Sabaoth, The Lord of Hosts

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Psalm 46:7

Saturday Solitude

This morning dawned breezy, bright, and beautiful... a perfect spring day. Forget yard work, the professor and Grandaddy quickly decided to whisk the boys off to a nearby air show. Being on the verge of delivery the idea of spending all day walking around on a tarmac didn't sound too pleasant so I opted to stay home and move at a slower pace.

I love Saturdays when projects are underway and the kitchen door slams as dirty boys run in and out, but today I'm enjoying the solitude. Oh, what to do with myself?! First, a long, hot shower {just because I can} and some sewing... there are buttonholes to finish and tiny dresses to begin. If I get antsy {but, really, how could I with glorious morning light pouring in through the windows?} there's an estate sale that has caught my interest and a big consignment sale that holds plenty of promise. Maybe I'll even take myself out to lunch.

Yes, the solitude is welcome. Today it's just me and Baby, and she doesn't have many demands {yet}!

Eggs

Big Brother needed an empty egg carton for a project at school. Wouldn't you know, the only egg carton in the house was full of eggs. I hurriedly grabbed a small colander, placed the eggs in it, and sent my school boy on his way.

But, isn't this a pretty and happy sight? I smile at the fresh glimpse of spring every time I open the refrigerator. Yes, indeed, I've just found my new favorite way to store eggs.

Creek Days

Lately we've spent many an afternoon here, at the creek...

Where there is always something to discover...

And a passenger jet can become a submarine.

Sweet Little Things

Spinach to Freeze

Got more fresh spinach than you can finish?

Don't waste it, freeze it.

Boil a large pot of water and add the crisp leaves.


Blanche for two minutes at a rolling boil.

Drain and plunge in ice water to cool promptly.

Freeze in freezer bags for future recipes.

The Other Bathroom

As with the master bathroom renovation we went "budget basic" and this space is most definitely basic! Our hall bathroom is primarily used by guests and the boys... which means I stay busy trying to keep it fresh. Little boys + Bathroom = Not fresh. Enough said.

The room's single biggest flaw is a total lack of natural light {grrrr!}. Desperate for sunlight I proposed adding a skylight {a very un-budget basic idea} but this wasn't possible because of the roofline. Oh well.

New fixtures, new tile, new lighting, and a new vanity.

Artwork displaced from Little Brother's old room adds a much needed splash of color as well as some mod'ish whimsy on the empty focal point wall.

Oh, and speaking of artwork, we found just the right piece for the master bathroom...

Jehovah-Shalom, The Lord is Peace

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you.

Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27

Spring Break

Spring Break was good for staying close to home {for obvious reasons}.

Spring Break was good for playing {them} and resting {me}.


Spring Break was good for picking "flowers" and sailing leaf boats at the creek.

Spring Break was good for snacking on treats like peanut butter popcorn and fresh strawberries.

Spring Break was good for chasing sunlight.

Spring Break was good for local outings and simple treats {like frozen yogurt}.


Spring Break was good for sewing {a diaper tote for my expected summer nephew}.

Spring Break was good for nesting and making ready a certain room.

Our Bunny

Our Bunny came to visit.

Our Bunny spoiled us ridiculously.

Our Bunny had to say goodbye.

We love our Bunny.

Come back soon.

Grin

It's Spring Break and Bunny is coming for a visit.

Wouldn't you smile too?

Our "Budget Basic" Master Bathroom

Back in the fall, just days after completing our extensive and lengthy kitchen renovation, we were unexpectedly catapulted headfirst into major bathroom renovations. While renovating both bathrooms {one at a time!} was on the agenda our original plan was to regroup and save money for a few months before beginning. On that fateful Saturday morning in late October the professor discovered a significant water leak that was slowly and thoroughly rotting our master bathroom walls from the inside out. Water leaks have a way of speeding things up... ready or not it was time to cross our fingers and do the best we could with what was available at the moment.


A spacious and luxurious master bathroom would be nice, but "budget basic" is what dictated the project; this renovation was totally based on necessity and stewardship. The renovated space is basic {no marble floors, multiple shower jets, or a deep soaking tub} but the room is so very improved I feel as though we have a $100,000 bathroom!


We chose a neutral porcelain tile with some texture that we found on clearance to use on the floors and in the showers of both bathrooms. When an affordable opportunity presented itself, for the first time in our DIY home renovating experience, we hired someone else to remove the two layers of old ceramic tile present in both bathrooms as well as install the new tile. Considering that it was the end of the semester and the holidays were looming ahead of us, this was money well spent to save valuable time.


One of our desires with the renovation was to include a double sink vanity, however the designated sink space is compact and we weren't in a position to take on the project and expense of moving pipe studs. An affordable solution came in the form of a double faucet, single basin sink and vanity from Ikea. It fits the small space perfectly and gives us the dual use that we desired, best of all we both love the sleek aesthetic and style that it contributes to the space.

We filled a previously unused alcove with a small dressing table that we purchased on sale adding another horizontal surface to the room as well as additional storage and the warmth of dark wood. The overhead cabinets are original and provide key secondary storage as the room does not have a closet.

The dressing table is quickly becoming a sweet landing place for many of my pretty baubles and bottles. This little nook makes me smile.

In the grand scheme of the renovation we're nearly finished but there are still a few improvements that we plan include as money and time allow. They are:

• Resurface the tub.
• Add a white porcelain tile backsplash behind the sink faucets.
• Artwork for the focal point wall next to the toilet.
  
• Replace the red shower curtain.
• Include a small upholstered settee or ottoman at the dressing table.
  

All in all we love the space and are quite happy with "budget basic"!

Later this week I'll show the hall bathroom. We renovated the two rooms simultaneously which was an adventure to say the very least!

Jehovah-Mekoddishkem, The Lord Who Sanctifies You

And you shall keep My statutes and practice them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you.
Leviticus 20:8

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:23

Shadows Lengthen

I was sitting in the green chair late yesterday afternoon when I noticed the setting sun playing on the living room wall. I handed the camera to the professor, stepped in front of the light, and we captured this silhouette. In many ways it seems an appropriate image for this point in the journey...

Thirty-six weeks, not much longer to wait. I can see the sun starting to dip to the west and the shadows lengthening... the sun will set on this pregnancy before too long. I'm looking forward to holding my dreamed of baby girl and kissing her warm, downy head. Yet, there is a bit further to go, a few more weeks to savor baby kicks, a little while longer to watch the play of light. Sunsets are beautiful, the one that is approaching will be grand, and the subsequent sunrise... full of joy and bright hope!

Caught

But Peter, who was very naughty,

ran straight away to Mr. McGregor's garden...

"The chocolate was good but I'm still hungry."


"Uh-oh, I'm busted... at least she didn't catch me with the chocolate."

"Hmmm, maybe if I'm cute and charming..."

I am sorry to say that Peter was not very well during the evening.

His mother put him to bed, and made some camomile tea;

and she gave a dose of it to Peter!

"One table-spoonful to be taken at bed-time."

from The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

A Lone Leaf

Little Brother and I ventured through the rain for Bible study this morning. It was only after we got there that I realized I probably should have stayed home.

Today I'm feeling somewhat like this lone leaf... content to lie where I fall {the couch!} with the hope that no one will come along and pick me up {or expect me to pick myself up}.

Since we've returned home it's been a quiet afternoon and I've had a chance to consider with thankfulness some of the days blessings...

A kind husband who volunteered to take Big Brother to school despite having to backtrack.

A little buddy who {surprisingly} still naps after lunch affording me time to nap as well.

A cloudy, wet day inspiring rest and quietude.

A thoughtful mother-in-law who offered to pick-up my school boy.

An afternoon cup of tea with fresh lemon.

Sweet baby kicks that remind me of why physical exhaustion can be very precious.