Spring Field Trips

We enjoyed some fun field trips this year.  First, we attended a performance of Tom Sawyer by a local homeschool theatre group.  It was presented at the Rochester Opera House in Rochester, NH.  The Opera House, itself, has a bit of fame being the only theatre that has a movable floor. Very neat.

 

 

Once the lights fell and the show began, everyone enjoyed their little trip back in time. The theatre group did a wonderful job telling the story with humor, wit, and taste.

 

 

Just a week ago, the children and I attended an event featuring The First Lady, Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln.  She came in full attire and spoke eloquently regarding her views, her husband, and their joys and struggles serving our country. 

 

 

Verity presented her with a picture she colored of Mrs. Lincoln.  Don't you just love her look of delight? She fully gushed over all the children, even the screeching baby in my arms. "What screeching?" she calmly replied with a warm smile.

 

We were delighted to meet the First Lady. I think she was equally pleased to make our acquaintance, as she invited Elizabeth to come and meet her son at the Executive Mansion. She was quite certain that he would find her a lovely and pleasing young lady and she, herself, was hoping to make a match. Now, wouldn't THAT be something!

 

"Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor,"

1 Timothy 5:17

The Daddy Sign

Right about the time that Father's Day hit, the children and I got a little creative.  We decided to use our new whiteboard that hangs in our dining room to be a BIG blessing to David.  Everyone took turns writing notes sharing what they love most about Daddy. 

 

 

David truly loved it. He asked us to take a lot of photos so we can frame them as a keepsake.  You never realize how simple things can make someone feel so loved.  We are so grateful and blessed that the Lord chose such a man to lead our family.

 

 

"A wise son makes a glad father,"

Proverbs 10:1

More House Renovations - Attic

I haven't posted many house renovation photos this past year. After our frenzied rush to get the house livable before Kindred was born last spring, we haven't done much by way of big projects. 

 

This spring, however, David and the boys took on the first phase of renovating the third floor of our home.  It's a lovely, dreamy, let's-play-Little-Women kind of attic space.  Currently, it serves as a storage area, closet for the dress-up clothes, and a crafting/sewing space.

 

 

We were blessed to find a craigslist ad selling nearly the exact amount of insulation we needed for our project at a great price.  With a trailer load of Pink, they took on the itchy job.

 

 

So far, we're planning to finish off the two rooms that are already framed up there to add two more bedrooms.

 

 

We'll also use the spaces under the eaves for seasonal storage. That's a little door that opens to that storage area.  We're thinking to take out that wall which would open the stairwell again, allowing the heat to travel up more freely. 

 

 

From there, we're still brainstorming on how we want to use the rest of the space.  I, of course, have visions of vintage furniture, rag rugs, collectibles and whimsy providing the perfect place for inspiration, escape, and All Things Beautiful . :)

 

 

"But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness."

Isaiah 65:18

Upcycled Scrapbook Nook

Upcycling is the latest craze, right?  I mean, how else would pinterest generate so much interest?  (yeah, I meant to be punny.) 

 

I don't think upcycling is anything new. It just has a new title.  Just ask my Queen of Re-Use-It, Grandma Joan. :)

 

But, I sure do like pinning for great ideas on how to be clever and frugal.

 

 

This idea, converting an entertainment center armoire into a scrapbooking cabinet made my heart sing! It was just the combination of "tidy-useful-aesthetic-doorsclosesolittlepeoplecan'tgetin" that I needed. 

 

Armed with birthday money sent from Momma (yes, I am 39 years old and still spoiled by my mother), I scanned the craigslist ads until I found the perfect piece.

 

Note: David removed the sliding tv shelf from this cabinet and replaced it with a full shelf.  He removed the doors that originally slid in and out of the unit and re-secured them to the outside of the cabinet. They only open this far, but it's enough for me. I plan to add some sorters to the doors to hold more pages and flat items.

 

Add to the cabinet a freebie table and you have an lovely little hobby, puzzles, and game corner right in the family room. (and another sort of hidden corner to stack the fire bricks and kindling not being used during the summer.)

 

Now, anyone care to upcycle me some extra hours in my week so I can actually sit down and use this cozy little corner??  Yeah, didn't think so. ;)

 

"She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night." 

Proverbs 31:18

BabyKinz turns ONE!!

We celebrated Kindred Promise turning a Whole Year Old at the end of May. 

What a crazy thought that our sweet Babiest one is already at her first birthday.  What a year this has been. 

She's given me a run for my money as far as sleep goes.  I've never had a baby fight me to sleep through the night. I've learned a great deal about the Lord calling me to pray and meditate on him in those wee hours.

She has certainly captured our hearts. She has all her sisters doting on her for every little peep she makes.  She also has two sweet brothers who love to snuggle with her but would never admit it. ;)

I'm excited for her to discover and explore in the coming year. She's such a baby in our hearts, it's hard to imagine her toddling around.  She is like her sisters in taking her time to walk and do things on her own. Why bother when you have seven willing servants at your beck and call? 

Please pray with us that this coming year will be one that keep Kindy safe, healthy, and secure in the love of her family.  That security lays the foundation of her knowledge and love for the Lord.

"Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother's breasts.  On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother's womb you have been my God."

Psalm 22:9-10