Her Birthday suit

Just before ElizaJane’s birthday we were discussing our plans, when she remembered an important detail that had not been mentioned, until then. “My birthday outfit” she chirped, “We can’t forget my birthday outfit!”. “You were going to make something

special weren’t you Momma?”

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“Weeeeellllllllll, of course" I stuttered, remembering that I had quite forgotten! For the last few years I had made something special for her to wear on her birthday. That had somehow inadvertently become some kind of tradition to my soon to be eight year old. Not wanting to disappoint, and knowing if I sacrificed a little time I could make it happen, I got to work.

I really only had a day left, but I already had the fabric and the pattern (something I had planned to make last fall, before the move proved more of a challenge than expected), so all I needed was the ingenuity. The desire to make her birthday special was all I needed for an incentive, and the truth is, I love to do for my children.

So this little corduroy number is what I came out with, and it was perfect for winter/spring in the south.

On her birthday morning I was brushing her hair in front of the mirror, as she admired herself in her new ensemble.

“Momma, what would I do without you?” she said sweetly, as she turned and hugged my neck.

This is why I did it, I thought to myself.

“ Well, you would be just fine” I cooed, “Daddy and Haven would take good care of you!”

“But they don’t know how to sew!” she exclaimed.

spring….sprung

When we weren’t looking, and without warning, the azaleas snuck out and got all dressed up. The bees have been hard at work, and together the two are now putting on a great show already!

These impatiens are right outside our front door. They have actually been blooming all winter, but have just recently really taken off.


I believe these are Irises, we spied them near the golf course today. Although I am sure someone planted them, they kind of look wild the way they are growing in big clumps. They are so beautiful!


But these two, they definitely take the prize for the loveliest in the garden! They are surely the sweetest as well!

DIY avocados

We LOVE avocados around here, mostly with salsa and chips. So Michael is taking a stab at growing our own! It reminds me of the ol' sweet potato trick.

 

Just toothpicks, and water, and in a few short weeks we have roots, and stems, and even some little tiny leaves showing themselves! I read that within three years we could have a tree!

 

Honestly, I kinda made fun of Michael when he put those rock hard seeds in water. I couldn't imagine that they would grow roots, much less sprout leaves. I didn't really want an ugly rotting avocado pit stinking up the house, but I kept that to myself, hoping it wouldn't take long for them (the seeds, or pits, or whatever they are) to prove me right.

Well, now I am a believer, and they have really been fun to watch, and they don't smell at all. Now this skeptic is dreaming of beautiful flowering avocado trees.

Hounds tooth

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So, Hounds tooth is making yet another comeback, or perhaps it is a classic. I don't really know, but I am seeing it everywhere, and I must say I LOVE it! This quilt from V and CO. actually grabbed my attention a few months back when we were waiting for sweet Ryder to arrive. I think it would be awesome for a grown-up bed too, perhaps in white and azure blue. Anyone want to make it for me?

Here is a more doable project for someone like me, a hounds tooth monogram! I saw some great big letters at the craft store just the other day that would be terrific for this project. There are some easy to follow instructions for this beauty over here, at Jilly and Mia; Girls with Good Taste.

Ooooooohhhhhh, how about a whole hounds tooth wall? I really love this! I found this over at Cutting Edge Stencils and this stencil is called hounds tooth, how appropriate :). all the grey is wonderful, but again, any color that matches your decor would be great.

This blue and orange combo is delicious isn't it? I especially love those hounds tooth pillows, classic and timeless, all wrapped up with trendy and fresh. What more could you ask for? I found this on Pinterest,  but it comes from Kathryn Greeley designs.

 I found this great DIY tutorial for a hounds tooth light shade at A girl and a glue gun. This was a really simple project that made a really big impact in a really cute room, and I love the large scale she chose.

Last, but certainly not least, is this fun floor cover I discovered over at Garnet Hill, and they have it in Lake Blue (my personal fav.), Amber, Toffee, as well as Terra Cotta and Coffee Black. I think this would add a lot of style to almost any room.

I'm looking to add some hounds tooth to my decor soon. How about you, Do you like hounds tooth? Would you ever use it to decorate?

Kiss me I'm Irish

Apparently, way way back in the day, kissing the Blarney stone at Blarney Castle would give said kisser the ability to never be at a loss for words. That is frankly not something I see many people suffering from, but perhaps in Ireland back then, cat got your tongue was the going delema.

 

This practise now translates in modern day culture that to kiss someone of Irish descent is the next best thing. Easy jump there I guess, from a rock in Ireland, to any pretty red head where ever you happened to be.

 

While I am not a believer in 'LUCK', I am at least a little Irish, so I thought a little shamrock action in the ol' March decor was in order. I painted this little number to celebrate our Irish ancestry, and get ready for the St. Patrick's day festivities. That might include some green pancakes for breakfast, and perhaps green mashed potatoes for dinner.

Do you do anything to celebrate your ethnic heritage?

My cloche

I am crazy for cloches, no really I am.

I'm not sure why, but they intrigue me.

I started collecting them a few years back, and find them so fun to fill and scatter through out the house. Michael and the kids gifted me this giant one two years ago for my birthday, and it is my favorite!



For this time of year, it's a challenge to think of something fun to put in it. I don't really want to plant anything in it, although come to think of it, clover would have been fun for St. Patricks day. I like to change the display for the different seasons. This time I stacked favorite old books. I am often drawn to old books, sometimes just for their old pages for use in craft projects. Our family LOVES books, so it is fitting that we live with books, and admire their beauty.

 

Do you have anything at your house, that you leave out all year, but change for the seasons, or any collections that you scatter to decorate different parts of your home?

I scarce can take it in

 

Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,

Thy power throughout the universe displayed.



 

When through the woods and forest glades I wander

And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,

When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,

And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze.

And when I think that God His son not sparing,
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then i shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, my God how great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!