A Week Well Lived

My enthusiasm for my life this past week has been about as fanatical as the Spring drunk birds chirping outside my window.

Emma enjoyed every moment of her birthday party. It went off without a hitch. Sadly, I was so busy having fun that I forgot to take pictures of the girls' craft projects.

Tuesday morning I had the pleasure of meeting the 6 day old baby of one of my favorite people in the world. I hated that it took me 6 days to get over there but between an 11 year old's birthday party and an 18 year old's oral surgery, it couldn't be helped.

He was worth the wait. I'm really usually more of a toddler person but that little fella sprinkled his magic baby dust all over me and I fell deep in love. A three hour long power cuddle with a freshly baked baby will do that for you.

We have been taking advantage of the gorgeous weather, playing outside, going to the park, socializing with neighbors and doing yard work. My Sweetie had to leave town Sunday afternoon (for the 2nd week in a row!) but surprised me by coming home early yesterday morning and spending a wonderful day with me that included an alfresco lunch at one of our favorite restaurants on Main Street. Just walking through the Village on a Thursday morning together felt like such a gift. We talked about how hard we have worked to get where we are right now in life and how now it is time for us to just slow down and live the moments. We are feeling much like the birds right now. We are inebriated on life.

Celebrations

Today I'm working on Emma's slumber party for Saturday night. I'm really enjoying the process instead of stressing like I have done in years past. It's making such a difference.

Designing the decorations and doing the table are always my favorite parts. There are a lot of easy, inexpensive, homemade touches this year.

I made this bunting to decorate the chalkboard in the dining room. I've wanted to make one for ages and now that I have bulked up my fabric stash and discovered a deep love for my sewing machine, it seemed like the perfect time. I think I could shut myself in the studio and make buntings until every last scrap of fabric is gone.

I put together these kits for the girls to make felt flower pins. There are materials to make a pink and an aqua one. I was going to put together another craft but I realized, as usual, that I had gone overboard and this really was enough. I only wish I had come to my senses before I bought all of the materials for the second project.

Emma has requested Red Velvet Cupcakes for the party and I made these little cupcake flags out of toothpicks and Japanese masking tape to decorate them. 

I'm really looking forward to this party as opposed to looking forward to it being over which is how I usually am. Although, with 6 eleven year old girls sleeping in my house Saturday night, I might take those words back. I'm suddenly thinking it was smart to plan the party during the weekend that we spring our clocks ahead an hour.

11 for Emma

Yesterday was Emma's 11th birthday. It was remarkable for 2 reasons. It was her first white birthday and also because it was the first birthday that her Daddy wouldn't be here because he had to take a business trip to Ohio for a couple of days. Because of this we also celebrated on Sunday with a birthday breakfast at Cracker Barrel (her favorite), going to see The Lorax (so-so), opening her big present (a Kindle-she's in love!) and having Daddy grill her dinner (steak) before hopping in his car and heading out of town.

Even though the day started with snow, it soon turned to this. It was one of many surprises, as it turned out. In an effort to try to make up for Daddy's absence, I packed a Parisian kind of lunch and headed to school to eat with her.

I spent the rest of the day finishing up this doll I made her from a pattern in this book by one of my favorite bloggers. I will tell you, she isn't perfect but she was made with love and I think that makes up for the fact that her hair is kinda crazy and 1/2 of her face is slightly off kilter.

 Upon our return from school that afternoon Emma and I were greeted by this.

 Just as Emma had hoped, her acceptance letter from Hogwarts came via Hedwig. We are sure going to miss her when she heads off in the Fall.

Folks, this was all Maddie. Her idea and her work. She is the reigning best big sister in the world.

 I had to throw this next picture in because it is just so typical of these two together. Obviously Em is challenging something Maddie is saying and Maddie is just smirking with the knowledge that she knows something Emma doesn't know.

 Emma was welcomed home with the rest of her presents which included, the doll, a wand, a Harry Potter game, a new purse and a cat's cradle book with string.

 Which her big sister immediately stole from her and has yet to give back. Notice the tongue sticking out of the side of Maddie's mouth. That's how you know she's concentrating. I bet she does that in every one of her college classes. You wouldn't believe how much time these two spend snuggled up like this in Maddie's room. Almost 8 years difference between them but they couldn't be any closer.

Later I surprised Emma by having her 1st grade teacher, who has practically become part of the family, join us for dinner and this birthday pie (only click if you are prepared to bake a pie tonight). So. That was a lot of surprises for one day, right? Well, it turns out that I got the biggest surprise of all when my Sweetie strolled in the door at 6:30 after driving back from Ohio a day early! Best surprise ever. Best Birthday ever!

Prepping

Holy gorgeous day! I just got back from my Wednesday morning knitting class and we are having the most beautiful day here in the Village. I was even a little warm walking home in my cardigan. As soon as I walked in the door I turned off the heat and threw open the windows. I stripped the daybed and pillows on the front porch and threw them in the washing machine and I now have an overwhelming urge to spray everything in sight with Febreeze. I'm airing the winter out of this place and it feels so good! I just checked and it's 66 degrees outside right now. Crazy!

I've been busy getting ready for a certain little girl's 11th birthday and thought I'd share a couple of little peeks. I'm working on a craft or two for her slumber party and wondered if any of you have any suggestions for a group of 6 crafty girls. I've got one project in mind but I think I'd like to do 2. Or maybe I'll just like your ideas better.

I seem to be rebelling against my previous ultra organized lifestyle and now seemingly prefer to wait until the last minute to pull things together. I find that it keeps things exciting. Or stressful. Last time we went out of town I didn't even pack until the night before. I don't even know who I am any more.

I'm off to enjoy the rest of this gorgeous day. Who knows what tomorrow will bring!

Front Porch

Outside it may be winter but in my heart it's Spring. I was officially ready for Spring approximately 3 seconds after Valentine's Day was over. Last year I was so focused on the inside that I didn't have time, money or energy to think much about the outside.  This year I'm still low on the money and energy but I've got the time.

I thought I'd do a little before and after with you of the front porch since I'm officially spending so much time daydreaming about it being warm enough to use it. Above is what it looked like when the previous owner lived here. It was very dark. The ceiling was weighing the whole room down. The space just served as a pass through to the front door and I seriously doubt anyone ever sat in those lawn chairs. I only wish I could find a picture of the brass ceiling fan.

 Now it's a destination. It's an extension of our family room. Emma and I can often be found on the daybed playing games and reading. It's also possible that my Sweet Hubby has photographic evidence of me napping out there. It would take a stronger person than me to resist this space when the windows are open and the breeze is blowing.

This is where we store many of our games, as well as binoculars and bird and flower guides.

Chippiness and history abound here. The daybed was purchased at a garage sale down the street for something like $25 while we were still living in the rental. We got this table at a booth on Main Street for $10 during one of our towns many events. My man turned it upside down and carried it home propped on his head. Making memories.

The ceiling is the same color as my studio which is just inside that aqua door and to the left. The walls are the same color as the family room so it all just flows really well. It is so peaceful out there. It beckons me. Now that the basics are in place I just need to do a wee bit more decorating. I'm afraid I'm stuck with that floor but I think some colorful artwork and pillows will help distract from it. I'm officially counting the days until I'm out there enjoying it again. I'll be sure to hide the camera from my hubby first.