Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to this guy, my husband, daddy to three. This guy is an excellent, excellent dad.  For our kids' whole life, he has stayed home with them when I was working.  He is a calm and even force in our family, even when chaos is going on all around. He has no qualms about bringing the trio places alone-from errands to hiking a mountain (which he did both this week). He is super involved in their lives and would do anything for them.

Case in point.  Justin was just commenting/laughing about living in a house with all these books. 

He said "Twenty years ago, if you would have told me I'd be living in a big farm house without TV, but with piles of books around, I would have laughed aloud." 

Adrian quipped, "Well, you are just a part of a family who loves books, dad. It's just the way it is."

Because he loves them so, the kids talked him into reading a couple of chapters of our new copy of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle aloud to them.  He is not an independent reader. Definitely does not volunteer to read aloud. Graciously tolerates the racket of audio books in the cars when he'd much prefer music.  But if his kids ask him to read, he'll do it.  (Psst....I think they all enjoyed Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle too.) 


I call him a heluva good dad and we're all thankful for him. Happy Father's Day, Justin!

Last day!

Around these parts, those in our town had their last day of school today.  Since we school year round, there's not really a 'summer break' like in public school.  But, we did have what I think is the last day of sewing until fall today. I was going to continue throughout the summer, but the truth is, coordinating schedules is too challenging.  I have truly loved offering regular sewing lessons for the past five months. I've had some who have come once or twice and some who have been sewing just about weekly.  Each child has gained skills, and that makes my heart happy. I took photos each week of the kiddos with their projects and there's quite the album of accomplishment I will someday print off.  This is the only photo of a project I took without a kid in it!  Her first dress, isn't it lovely?

I plan to continue in the fall. Until then, we shall enjoy our summer Fridays with friends and family. Happy summer, folks! 

Thrifted

So this thrifted post is incredibly special because one of my very special kiddos I used to see at work a while ago surprised me at home with some thrift shopping money for teacher appreciation day! (They know I love to go thrifting!).  It was the sweetest gesture, so generous and what I love most is I got to hug one of my little friends who I haven't seen in a long time. These are my treasures...and when I look at them, I think of a very special family.  Thank you!!!

Rain again?

Rain is in the forecast.  More laundry, coming right up.

Home grown!

 Been picking greens daily lately.  Audra is fantastic at picking greens. She always throws in some herbs, green onions or chives and she knows edible weeds, so she throws those in too.

First radishes were yum!

 These were grown by Adrian. But pulled by Anna-Kate. Whoops.

 Salad. It's what's for lunch. And yes, my kids eat all this and ask for more. Even Anna-Kate has discovered she yikes greens! The more colorful for her, the more she yikes it. Hello summer eating!

My little chicken lovers

These girls love their chickens!

Thrifted

A vintage Homestead trash can (for Adrian). Five rolls of Laura Ashley wallpaper (for the girls' room someday), four cookie cutters and a 'wedding dress' for Anna-Kate. $8.00

And here's Audra's Wedding dress that she got for a couple of dollars.

 These two were on the way to the royal ball.

And here's a pile of thrifted books. Yes, I needed all these. Absolutely.