Stop and sit for awhile

I have a thing for chairs. I have since as long as I can remember. I love to cuddle up in them and I love that they symbolize security, safety, and rest. It probably started when I was a little girl and my grandpa made me a chair. I still have it and treasure it; now my daughter uses it and I know Grandpa is smiling down from heaven watching the little girl that is my daughter enjoy the chair.

We bought Bundle a chair for her birthday and we read lots of books there together. It is just her size and very comfy.

 

I think it is important for us to stop and make time in our days for rest. Whether it be to sip a cup of coffee, meditate, visit with a friend, read a book, or in my case, journal and blog. I am realizing the importance of a little bit of quiet time, even if it is only 5 minutes. I want to encourage this in my daughter as well. Spending time with our little girl has caused us to slow down and that is a very good thing.

While I was in Duluth last weekend, I stumbled across a fundraiser for the softball team. It was a garage/bake sale and I found this chair for my little Bundle. It is a perfect it for her! (I unfortunately, do not fit- I tried). And she loves it! I initially planned on repainting it as I am very much into repurposing things right now, but I decided I like it just the way it is. And so does Bundle.

A great bargain for only $3:

My mom and I started exchanging chairs a few years ago and to be honest I cannot remember why, but I have acquired a collection that I am excited to finally have a place to display. Although it is in my laundry room, which is tucked away in our home, I spend a considerable amount of time in there, so I do enjoy them. My collection is complete and proudly displayed.

For my daughter's first birthday, she also got a chair that goes with a table from my mom. Bundle spends so much time at the table, coloring and playing with her letters and numbers. It is a treat to see the tradition continue...

But that is enough sitting for me...I have a lot to get done yet this evening!

~Angela

Finding the Good in Every Day

I think when you have a positive outlook on life, you will notice the good things. And when you have a negative outlook, you notice the bad. I tend to look for the good in every day and life gives me little gifts all the time. Today, for example, I received the wettest kiss ever from my daughter and a homemade dinner from my husband. One of my favorite songs was played at church (Amazing Grace)and I discovered that Kaia can sing many of the words to another favorite song we listen to at night "Thank God for Kids."

Despite the cooler, wet day, I was out planting some fall bulbs and noticed the  "helicopter" sitting like a heart on our patio. It made me smile:)  And reflect on how filled with love my days are.

Although, seeing these on the ground does mean that our gutters are likely housing many of them and are due for their fall cleaning!

~Angela

Super SIMPLE recipe: Italian Pork Shops

I am always looking for ways to simplify my life and cooking easier, healthier, quicker meals is just one area. I am loving my crock pots. Today I have a chicken wild rice soup awaiting us for dinner and yesterday I made

Italian Pork Chops and Potatoes:

package of pork chops
6-8 baby red potataoes cut into slices
packet of Italian seasoning mix (.6 oz)
1/4 C water
onion

Put in crock pot for 8 hours on low.

How easy is that!? And it was tasty!

~Angela

Operation Making All Christmas Gifts is under way!

I love to create things. Although I went to school for an art degree, I realized very quickly that creating things is something I enjoy doing for myself and for others in my leisure time. It is more practical as a hobby than a career for me.

I love homemade gifts. I always have. So this year I am making my Christmas gifts. This is a goal I have been working towards all year, but I am now only 2 months away from. Which means that Christmas is 2 months away! I am realizing what a huge undertaking this is now. I have all the projects picked out and the supplies purchased; I just need to find the TIME to complete them all. But I am no stranger to lack of sleep, so I am confident I will get them all done:)

I cannot share all the gifts that I am making because some of the recipients may check this blog, but I just finished the growth chart I made for my daughter in my woodworking class:

1.  I started with a raw piece of oak.

2. I planed it and jointed it and cut the wood at an angle.

3. I sanded...and sanded...and sanded.

4. Then I drew the tree on the board and paintied it in before adding the measurements along the side. 

5. Then I varnished it 

I am not sure how tall Bundle will be, but I made it 6 feet tall!

I am also working on a dollhouse bookshelf for Bundle.I am making this to look like the Pottery Barn bookshelf (pictured below) that I wanted to order that is currently out of stock.

 So far, I have the boards all glued and planed and jointed together and have assembled some of the pieces, but as you can see below, I have a ways to go.

~Angela

Less sleep, but extra cuddles

It's been a rough week in our home as our little Bundle is not feeling so well. We think she is getting a few teeth and although she's never had an issue while cutting teeth before, this time it's different. Poor girl. I know she's not happy, but I wish I could take that pain away from her.

The sleepless nights are an adjustment for us, that's for sure, but I have been trying to take advantage of the extra cuddles that we are getting with Bundle. This too, shall pass... And once she's feeling better and running again, I know these special times of falling asleep with her in my arms will be something I long for.

It reminds me of the book "Let Me Hold You Longer" by Karen Kingsbury. I got this book from my husband last year for Mother's Day and I cry EVERY TIME I read it. Literally, every time. And I've read it dozens of times... A must read for all parents and a great Christmas gift idea too...

~Angela