Chaining

Norah started chaining the crochet way rather than her way today. 

My heart is so happy!

Advent

I love Advent. 

The waiting and anticipating is the best part of Christmas. I always wish Christmas eve would last longer. And the joy of Christmas morning would  slow down. 

We love our Advent devotions which is part of our Christmas countdown. This is the second year with my hand knit ornaments, and we are loving them. This is my favorite part of Christmas.

I found  these three beautiful ornaments that I am using as a nativity on my kitchen ledge.  So pretty. 

It improves the view, don't you think?

Colorful and Vibrant

While visiting Grandma and Grandpa in MN, our garden bloomed. Thanks to Eric for sending me pictures. Hope the blooms last until our return. 

Garden Growth with pics

Our garden is growing!!

Garden Growth

Our garden is growing. I have pictures to share, but can not on my new iPhone. The blogger photo selection menu is not working for me and I cannot select my phone to get pics.suggestions please?

New Growth

A freshly planted garden is always filled with hope of new growth to come.  We can hardly wait for seeds to sprout and small plants to grow bigger.  Always hopeful for a plentiful harvest.  

Tulip Day

Norah and I headed over to our local out-door mall on Monday.  It is a pretty nice mall, one that has stores in which I will never shop.  I head over there for Sears (best shoes for boys), The Children's Place, and a few random other places a few times a year.  Sometimes Barnes and Noble around December.

I shop resale, so I rarely find myself at a mall!

BUT . . . every year, the week after Mother's Day, is what I call the Tulip Free For All.  They dig up every single tulip planted, and they drop them for people to gather.  For 2-3 days, there are 2 tulip drops each.  One at 9:30 and one at 2:30.  I was busy helping Kindergartners at 9:30.  Eric came home to catch Simon off the bus, and Norah and I headed over to pick up tulips at the 2:30 drop.  

We had a great time, she loved it so much.  We have a bunch of tulips to share, plant, and enjoy next spring!

Now that is a great New To Me Monday!

 Reading while waiting for tulips!

Our tulips.  We have red, yellow, and purple tulips.

New To Me Monday

We live in a 1952 ranch house, so the proportions of mid-century modern furniture fit our home.  We are really liking the furnishings from that era.  Over the last few years, we have stumbled upon some mid-century modern pieces of furniture.  A set of 3 chairs from Goodwill, that we used parts of one to fix up the 2 best chairs.  We have yet to refinish the chairs and replace the cushions.  Recovering the foam cushions is expanding my sewing skills to a level filled with discomfort.  You'll see them, in another New to Me Monday post.  Perhaps after the chairs are refinished and cushions are replaced.

We have 3 small, stacking round tables fits perfectly in between these awesome chairs.  Found at a local resale boutique store that did not last as long as it should have.  Since I was a previous customer, I had a coupon and it worked with the marked down price.  We love them and use them often together and separated.  Just wait until you see them!

We have had an end table, dark cherry wood with spindle legs, and a clear plexiglass top.  My parents found it without a glass top.  Dad cut the plexi for a top, and gave it to me when I moved into my first apartment when I moved to IL for my first job.  We've used it ever since.  Not quite our style.

Last week, Eric stumbled on a website of a "store" that sells mid-century modern furniture, out of a women's house/garage.  Two matching end tables for an unbelievable price (not quite the $20 or less that I showcase on N.2.M.M.)  So we loaded up a kid in each car, hoping that the an end table would fit in each of our sedans.  They did.

Crazy story when we arrived.  We were greeted and then were told that her dog just died.  Like JUST THEN.  She went into the bathroom to put on her makeup before we arrived, and found her dog not breathing.  Her mom almost died the previous week.  She then tells me that her husband lost his job, and a couple of years ago was diagnosed with leukemia, selling this furniture is her job and only source of income.  One more crazy story and I was silently praying for her on the spot!  Such timing we bring, I guess!

 We love the tables.  We feel we should send her a card.

A great new to us find!

Chain Away and New-to-Me-Monday

She figured out how to hold the yarn with the index finger pointing up and to pinch her ever-growing chain with her thumb and middle finger!  And then, and finally, she could "sneak a hug from behind" to hook the yarn, "tuck it in" to turn the hook slightly downward for easy insert through the loop, and then to say "good-night" as she made a chain!!!!!  

She has been picking each loop off of the yarn sort of rainbow-loom style and two-handed.  Very slow and clumsy.  

She is on her way to chaining away!  Now, what to do with all the long chains to come, before introducing single crochet?

Definitely a joyful way to continue rocking my baby!

You may wonder where is the new to me Monday item in all of this?  Well, it is Norah's dress, found at a local church's spring resale.  It has summer straps, so will be cool and comfy when the mercury rises.  But for now, Grandma's sewn white short-sleeve jacket looks perfect.

He is Risen Indeed,

From top to bottom, left to right:

• An egg wreath that I found in the last few years
• Easter cards on mantel, ones sent to us this year and fabric postcards that I sent to the kids in years past
• a clear cross that is always on the mantel
• a white vase, one from when I was born, and another when Norah was born, so each child has the same vase for flowers at Baptisms and Baptismal birthdays
• Palm leaves from Palm Sunday, we leave them there until the next Palm Sunday
• Crocheted bunnies, eggs, and chicks by me.  Crocheted/knitted hens by my Grandma Wiens
• A piece of cherished and loved wood and rock that was a wedding gift from my Dad full of meaning and family, always in the middle of the mantel
• A purple wooden box with a white cross, where our Hallelujah sign is placed between Palm Sunday and Easter (and when in storage, too)
• Willow Tree angels, one praying and one holding a child, (wingless right now as I need to glue wings)
• A clock with spinning angels that was a wedding gift
• A lego bunny that was found during last year's garage sale season and pulled out for Easter morning
• A large multi-colored knit bunny that was my first "knit in the round" project, made with yarn gifted to me by Simon.  Only I knit it on straight needles, so if you look closely and can rotate images in your head, you will realize the ears are facing the wrong way.  Should've just learned to knit in the round.  Not a bad, back-to-knitting project.
• Basket of bunnies, because they are soft and furry and loved by my lil' miss.  Only, since they are mine, they can be stored away with the Easter decorations.  
• Construction paper palm leaves, created at our church's family program called Road to Easter

A Blessed Day (and N.2.M.M.)

We had a very happy and delightful day.  It was at least 75 degrees and sunny.  Church was lovely, festive, and the music moved my heart as always.  I rang the loud and large chorded "Jesus Shall Reign" that our bell choir loves.  That moment made my Easter.  The choir was just as lovely.  Nothing like a packed church singing Christ the Lord is Risen Today.

We then went home to find hidden Easter baskets.  This year, I hid them in each child's favorite hide-and-go-seek hiding spot.  The past few months, the kids love to play that game and have found some great spots.  However, they could NOT find their baskets, and needed clues.  Hilarious.

Then, we prepared our He is Risen Rolls.  Our dear neighbor "girl", who is a freshman in college, joined us as Simon and Norah found hidden Easter Eggs around the yard.  Such fun and joy.

I prepped a couple of appetizers and headed over to Eric's sister's place for family dinner.  Always good to gather with family.  The kids found other kids outside in the courtyard of her apartment complex, and we were entertained at how kids can easily "make friends" and just play.  We were all tired and very happy when we came home.

Our blessings this year are in our health, our roof over our head, our jobs so that we are able to feed and clothe ourselves, that we can freely attend church, we have a wonderful school, and so much love surrounding us! While we have struggles and lapses in thankfulness, we cannot ask for much more than what we have!

As it is Monday, you may wonder where is the "New To Me Monday Item".  Well, it is the pink dress I am wearing found at Goodwill and Simon's shirt which was found at Once Upon a Child.  Missing are his like-new brown dress shoes found also at Once Upon a Child for an unbelievable price.  Easter attire provided via resale.

Easter Traditions

A friend of mine asked: "What's your Easter tradition? Do you hide the colored eggs, candy, basket?" Here is our story.

Growing up, we always were able to choose our chocolate bunny and candy that we wanted. Oh the decisions, a pink bowed chocolate bunny or a blue bowed chocolate bunny. We always went to church and had a special meal.

My little family focuses on the sacrificial gift and great love of Jesus. We hang a Hallelujah sign under the mantel as part of our Easter decorations. We sing our praises in church on Palm Sunday. We keep our palms in a vase on the mantel the whole year long.

On Palm Sunday we then take away the Hallelujah sign and put it in a box with a cross on it and it sits on the mantel. We cannot say Hallelujah until the joyous morning of Easter, when Jesus Christ is risen indeed. A great Hallelujah indeed. Our Easter morning tradition before church is to re-hang the Hallelujah sign under the mantel with such praise, joy, and thanks to the greatest gift of ever present and eternal Love ever given to any of us! We like to make He Is Risen Rolls and gather with family for dinner and time together.

We are in church practically every day during Holy Week. We see the altar stripped, the dark Good Friday service, and the celebration of Easter Morning. I ring bells in church and ringing the exciting Easter music is my happiest moment on Easter. We give candy-less baskets and eggs (my boy will not eat candy), as a side part of Easter.

(Since the sign is on the mantel, I have no picture - wait until Easter!) 

We've created new traditions, kept some of the old ones, and now I'm curious about yours. . . .

New to Me Monday

Saturday was a lovely 75 degrees and glorious.  We stepped outside sans coats.  We wore shorts as we played and ran around the yard.  My little girl looked summery in her khaki overalls and short sleeves. My little mister lingered at the ball field as they practiced one more inning.  Cheeks looked a little sun kissed.  We adored the day.

Then yesterday, the temperature dropped.  And today is a cool, rainy 40 degree day.  With talks of the white stuff that falls from the sky.  I avoid using the word "stuff" and "thing" at all costs, but the word "white stuff" refers to just should not be said anymore!

I needed this pink coat yet again today.  It is perfect for chilly days that are between winter and spring/fall.  I found it at the Village Discount Outlet.  This store, one has to hunt and hunt and and really look carefully.  Items can be really worn and not ideal condition.  I found this L.L. Bean pink wool pea coat a couple of years ago.  This treasure cost me $20.

I love it!  But would like to hang in my basement winter-wear storage area, to be worn again sometime in October/November.  Not today or tomorrow!

New-To-Me Monday

Not sure if any of my very few readers know that I am a resale shopping queen.  If I am looking for something, I shop at my favorite resale stops first.  Living in a larger metropolitan area, I have quite the selection. And I know there are more shops that I have yet to discover!

There is a thrill in finding an awesome item that is like new or new with tags still attached, with an unbelievable price tag!

When going to look for a specific item, I usually strike out and end up coming home with something I wasn't even looking for but realized would be handy to have.  Such as kids blue jeans for school on the hottest day in summer.  Or buying winter boots for the next season when everyone is SICKENED by the thought of just one more snowflake.  Come next winter, when we are excited to see that first snowflake, I'll just pull out the next-size-up pair of winter boots and my little mister will be ready to go.

I am REALLY good at keeping track of what I have gathered and stashed.  Rarely to never do I double up on items.

Where do I go?  Savers, Goodwill one town over, Goodwill one town over the other way, garage/rummage sales, New Uses (home furnishings and decor), Clothes Mentor (women's clothing and accessories), and 2 - 3 local churches that have fall and spring resales.  I love it.

Welcome to New-To-Me Monday, a weekly feature where I will showcase a New-To-Me item that was previously owned by someone else.  Many, many days I look at myself, and realize I am dressed or accessorized from head to toe with items purchased at a resale location.  I have received many compliments from people about my New-To-Me outfits.  Sometimes I share my secret, other times I just say "Thank you".  My kids often wear items that have prior experience with previous owners!

This week's feature is a wallet for spring and summer that I found at Clothes Mentor, and I forgot how much I paid for it, which is extremely unlike me.  I bought it when the snow was high, so I am excited to pull it out and finally put it to use!  The Iota Chic wallet was brand new with tags attached, and it matches my pink and orange spring/summer purse perfectly!  It holds all wallet items, a back zip pocket for my phone and change, a clear pocket in front, and a key clip to attach/detach as desired.  Perfect for summer life whenI daily switch from purse, library bag, pool bag, work out bag, outing bag, picnic bag, bike basket, etc.  We are more on the go and this holds all items needed to dash out the door.

New-To-Me and Lovely!

I bet you just can't wait to see what will be next week's feature on New-To-Me Monday!

Really Random Thursday

My auction/raffle item for the kids' school fundraiser event.  A crocheted hat, cowl, bracelet, and 2 bookmarks.  With maroon and yellow shoelaces, a rainbow loom bracelet (contributed by Norah), and 2 books modeled by a large stuffed monkey. Personally, I do not like this maroon. This is the Harding red maroon, and I much prefer the Johnson purple maroon.  Maroon and yellow are colors that should never belong together.  Since the Westmore Wildcats are maroon and yellow, I will embrace them for the elementary school my kids attend.

My cleaned out junk drawer. 

 

Simon's written note created the day after our return, and posted on the fridge.

(I liked hiking at Starved Rock it was cool.  The hiking sticks really helped.  Simon"

Norah's written note created the day after our return, and posted on the fridge.  She is holding her hiking stick walking on a log to cross over some water.

(Starved Rock was fun, but not when I fell in the water and got soaking wet."

Simon drawing in a sunny spot, down below in a dells area.

GO BADGERS!!!  See, I prefer blaring and bright red and white!  My Final Four pick is still in play (and my only pick left).  Come on Badgers!

Check out more randomness at Cindy's blog.

Spring Break at Starved Rock

We enjoyed a 2-day and 1-night stay at Starved Rock State Park.  We hiked through several of the 18 canyons both on the upper bluff trails and on the lower trails.  Eric recently had purchased walking sticks, which came in super handy and were welcome on the rugged trails.  The lodge is beautiful, with a large open room with a fireplace, couches, and tables and chairs.  The restaurant on site was perfect for an enjoyable dinner and a hearty breakfast.  We played games, read a book, knitted, saw the last of the sunrise, and rested in the lodge.  The hotel even had a pool which the kids enjoyed.  It was great to hike all day and then eat and stay right there.  We woke up and just continued hiking.  A perfect treat, with many memories to treasure.  We all enjoyed the fresh spring air, quiet woods, stunning sites, left-over icefalls, and early spring waterfalls.

Illinois canyon after an adventurous hike over little streams by log and branch "bridges".


My heart loves when my children hold their Dad's hand and walk.  This time, Eric captured the moment with them walking with me!


St. Louis Canyon had quite a bit of ice left, and this is one of my favorite walks and canyons.



Hiking in the warm sun!  See our hiking sticks?  Very useful.  Look, we do not have on bulky winter coats.  Hats and gloves were nice to have, but did come off every so often.  Many of the trails have these boards and stairs to walk along and climb.


The tallest of the left-over icefalls was in Wildcat Canyon.  We were told that just 2 days prior, ice was present from the top of the canyon to the bottom, with a waterfall down the middle.  This one we hiked above on the bluff trail and got close after climbing down the stairs.  Probably one that causes me the most worry, and we are the most cautious when hiking.  Norah did not like the heights, and walked with extreme caution holding Daddy's hand.  She is not completely fearless!



This is the first canyon we saw, the French Canyon.  Our first day was warmer than the second.


Drawing like Grandpa!


The size is always impressive!  We were hiking to Ottowa Canyon, the Council Overhang, and Kaskaskia Canyon, another favorite hike.  At the end of this hike, is when adventurous Norah was attempting to cross a log bridge over a very tiny flow/stream of water.  She fell, and one whole side of her became soaking wet.  We just hiked back to the car, and changed into a dry set of clothes.  She was quite brave about it all.  This is her least favorite part of the trip.


Me, on Spring Break, enjoying a get-away with my family!



With very happy kids!



(I do have pictures of Eric, these are from his phone.  Mine are on my phone and camera.  Downloading and emailing required.)