Seatwork Table

Tea on Tuesday

Kitty and Me

My sister came to town and took our picture.

Tea Cart

My Mom brought over a little white tea cart. Perfect.

Carving

My Grandfather carved this piece for Bill and I and gave it to us on our wedding day. 

~

So the story goes, my Grandfather has always enjoyed carving. As a boy, he'd take his knife and a piece of wood to Sunday school and whittle away. His teacher was always scared that he'd cut himself, but he never did. Over the years, he has carved hundreds of pieces from Pinocchio to a manger scene. Every one a beautiful piece of art. My Grandmother even bought a beautiful, glass cabinet to display many of his creations. From what I've heard, he rarely gives his carvings away, so this gift on our wedding day was and still is quite a treasure. (Unfortunately I still struggle with letting the Lord lead me so maybe that's why he gave it to me -- a gentle and beautiful reminder.)

Kindergarten Prep

I was up last night pinning ideas regarding what a child should know before starting kindergarten. 

So today we are working on motor skills -- using scissors appropriately. And what a time she is having!  She keeps saying, "Oh, this is so great! This is so wonderful!" She's making a house and choosing pictures out of decorating magazines (mostly pets). Her heart is full, happy. Oh! the joy of creating something all by yourself. She's going to be a terrific kindergartener.

Motherhood

Kate drew me a picture of her in my tummy. She said, "Mom, remember when God said, 'Baby Time!' and he put me in your tummy?"

~

Isaac (8): "Kate, did you know that God lives in your heart?"
 Kate (5): "No he doesn't. He lives in heaven."

~

Kate: "Mom, where do sisters come from?"
Me: "Probably from China." 
Kate: "But that's VERY far away!"

58

     People often joked with my Dad about having a house full of girls. He'd smile under his groomed mustache, but he never said much in return. He was a quiet man.

     There were four of us girls in the house, including my Mom. My Dad took us in stride. If we wanted to go shopping, he'd gladly shuttle us to the mall. After all, back in those days, the mall was the only place there had been a coffee shop. He loved coffee, therefore, the mall was a pleasant destination in his eyes. When we needed help with our homework, he didn't mind. It meant he could brew a pot of coffee, sit down, and spend time with us. He loved coffee. Because he was self-employed, sometimes my Mom would send one of us off  to work with him. He didn't mind. He just got out his army green thermus and filled it to the brim . . . with coffee and off we went. When we had company over, he'd pull out his espresso machine and ask all his guests what kind of latte they would like. He loved sharing life over a cup of coffee. He enjoyed serving other people. He loved spending time with his family -- all of his girls.

     My Dad loved us. We were his family. He had been raised in a house of four boys. I think he enjoyed the difference. I would love to talk to him and ask him, but he's celebrating his fifty-eighth birthday in heaven (for the ninth time). He's probably snuggling his precious grandkids that didn't make it to the earth. He's probably laughing with my Grandmother and talking about how Jesus is the answer to all the politcal problems in the world. He's probably holding a steaming Irish Cream latte that leaves foam on his trademark mustache.

     We'll be lifting a latte in his remembrance and lifting a glass of vegetable juice in his honor. Happy Birthday, Dad!

Banner

Shoes

Nightlight Glow

Spring

Isaac (8) and Kate (5). 

Lovely Old Things

Got this AMAZING cabinet for $100!

Focused

Kitty. Age 5.

Finished Bathroom

Another project off the list. Check.

Happiness is . . .

. . . A front row seat to a construction zone (if you're three).
My kids were ridiculously happy yesterday.

The Main Bath

The kids' bathroom has been half painted for a couple of years. I finally finished it -- choosing a completely different color. The color I had previously chosen was leftovers from the kitchen. It was just too dark. So instead I brightened it up with a soft blue. I picked up the mirror at an antique store awhile back and have been trying it in various places. It will probably move again (as most things in our home do). The towels were embroidered by my talented friend Stefanie.