What I’m Enjoying Right Now {A Photo Update}

It’s time for a newsy post! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Time sure flies by!

We’re in the full blown melting of spring. Two weeks ago we were snowmobiling. This week, we went to the park and it was 55 degrees outside. It’s been nice to clean up the yard and be outside for HOURS after a long winter.

This past week we enjoyed a homeschool field trip to a maple sugaring farm. I was envisioning trees tapped with spigots and a sea of galvanized buckets like a scene out of Little House on the Prairie, but apparently maple sugaring has progressed since it’s 2018, and it’s done with plastic piping now. Who knew!? Little B enjoyed drinking from a natural spring on the property and also testing the maple sap, syrup, and candy.

We tried our hand at making homemade pasta several times in the last two weeks and it’s easier than I had imagined. Peter ordered me this pasta machine and it’s really easy to use.

We had several families in for dinner this week and I’ve enjoyed decorating with spring type table cloths and lots of fresh flowers, and I love that it’s still sunny at dinner time right now! Emily set this table for a special dinner.

Is there anything nicer than the first pansies of spring?  I think not. I bought several and will keep them inside until the threat of frost is past.

I’m loving having the windows wide open when it’s half-way warm. Hearing the birds chirping and the peepers in the pond makes me so happy.

Recent Projects:

I made this twiggy cross for my slat door for Easter.

I used this tutorial as inspiration from my sister, Amy.

I haven’t had much time to paint lately, and in order to really work on a piece, I need several hours, so I suffice by making these sketchy pen and ink pieces that I turn into cards.

This week I organized my linen cabinet,  which means I threw out pieces that were too badly gone and ironed the ones that I want to keep. I love going through my old linens. Did I ever tell you that I have a soft spot for them? And dishes? And tea cups?…

I also worked up a little blue pitcher pattern on a linen towel.(Above) I purchased a yard of 100% linen at Joann’s some time back and I decided to cut it in fourths, so I could embroider or add stripes to them.  Linen towels are great for drying dishes and they soften over time.  (Above. I did the bistro chair years ago. My friend, Susanna, sent me the “Love One Another” towel years ago and I admire it often. It’s one of my favorite pieces.)

Isn’t the handwork beautiful? Most of these, I picked up at thrift shops or yard sales. I can never pass them up.

Currently Studying: 

I’m currently studying Genesis for a study I am doing with our teen girls on Wednesday nights. I plan to write more about the topic of sending your teens out into the world with a Biblical worldview in the next few weeks as this is on my mind quite a bit as our Holly prepares to graduate high school.

Currently Reading:

This week, we finished our ReFresh Book Study and I’m always amazed when God orchestrates the details that we don’t foresee. The last chapter, entitled Resurrection, came just in time for the Easter week.

I’m also currently reading and HIGHLY recommend, As Silver Refined by Kay Arthur, a book that every Christian woman should read at least once in her life! Although not old, this is  a classic. It’s currently on sale for $1.99 on Kindle.

I’m also slowly going through Glow Kids which is terrifying and enlightening. I haven’t finished it so I’ll give you the full report when I do.

Enjoyed Online:

This video Known By Our Gratitude by Ann Voskamp was encouraging and helpful. I don’t agree with everything Ms. Voskamp writes, but I really appreciated this.

When A Member of Your Church is Dying by Joni Eareckson Tada is a good thing to read and tuck away for when you need it.

Love and Entitlement from Melissa at Your Mom Has A Blog. Also, Test Every Facebook Prophecy. Can we all just say AMEN?

Family Life.

We’re in the thick of planning Emily’s wedding. It has been so much fun and we are only 4 months away! AHHH!

We’re spending Easter Sunday at my sister Hannah’s house, and I’ve been busy making this coconut creme pie and my friend, Amy’s lasagna recipe. Last weekend we did a mini-Easter dinner at Peter’s parent’s house, and I made this lemon cream cheese pie, macarons, and Italian anise cookies. Well, that’s all for now. Are you busy baking and planning for the holiday? What have you been up to these days? Feel free to link to your blog in the comments or on my Facebook page. I love seeing what you are doing and I love seeing where my readers are also writing/blogging.

Happy Easter!

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