home and hearth

We've been enjoying all the newness of our holiday traditions this year.  Being gone for two weeks in the month of December, though, we've definitely kept it simple.

If nothing else, but having done that alone, it is a good reminder to keep it simple.  We've wrapped up our last day of school now, and are on to a two week break. 

Certainly not a break from learning.  But an attempt to rest and regroup and enjoy those last few traditions this wonderful season affords us.

Busted

and on it goes!

I think I could start every blog post I write with "Man, life does keep marching on, doesn't it!"

So, while hoping to keep it real and regular during the hustle and bustle, here is what occupied a mid- November weekend at our place!

If you can't tell by the photo...it's a CLOSET REMODEL!!!  One of our most frequent home improvement projects to date.  I think that makes 5 closet updates for us so far!

True to previous experiences, this is our recommended method for updating a closet:

1. invite family members to visit for a weekend of well, kid sitting, to free up construction time (thanks guys!)

2.  scour pinterest for "pinspiration"

3. draw a design and hang it by intended closet (more for the purpose of not losing it!)

 

4. allow the builder (aka hubby) to pop in on the paper and make measurements and notes as needed

 

5.  try to complete the project without a trip to the hardware store using recycled material and tools already owned

It's not beautiful *yet* but it is *functional* and that is the goal for this season!  I keep reminding myself..."someday i'll have the mud room of my dreams, and there will be no wee ones here to mud it up"!

special little lady

Seeing Lena shyly wear a fancy Christmas dress for her date with Pops gives me the notion that we should do things like this with her more often. 

teaching her to be a lady,

enjoying attention for being a girl,

sitting properly in a dress,

not poking your finger through a hole in your tights,

leaving something in your hair,

I know she is not a girly-girl in many ways (like me!).  And therefore, I don't want to force her into the Pretty Princess role when she's more Jane of the Jungle.  But, the times are coming where training in beauty and grace might be needed. 

I'm thinking a stint at charm school like some other little moppet I used to know might be fun and useful. 

She's growing up and while it is fun to be a part of that process, each stage presents new challenges!