Recap: Anna-Kate's 2nd Birthday

I'm a bit tardy, but so was her arrival!  Here's the recap of her 2nd birthday.  She spent much of the day wearing her party dress, tap shoes and bike helmet.

 Her spread was fried chicken, corn, asparagus and apple juice.

 This girl can eat more asparagus than anyone I know.

 And chocolate. Always chocolate with this one.

I guess I never did get a pic of her presents, but she got babies, dresses, a tea party, goldfish and hershey kisses.  She was mighty happy! She's such a fun 2 year old!

Mother's Day Recap

Mother's Day for me was a different one.  For the first time in my parenthood journey, I wasn't the one up with the kids, not the one to make breakfast and not the one to tend the animals. My kids insisted they serve me and they forced their dad out of bed to help! I started the say being served!

Then the rest of the day was a day of serving.  I teach 1st and 2nd grade at our church.  I had the kids there make "Happy Mother's Day" tags.  Then a generous local connection found out that we were in the habit of delivering flowers over summer to nursing homes and she welcomed us to pick her daffodils.  We took a small amount of what she had and had enough for THREE different nursing homes! Did you know that many nursing homes keep a cabinet of empty flower vases and many love it when folks swing in and fill those vases?  It's so nice to go from an empty dining room to leaving with a fresh bouquet on each table! Nothing beats the smiles from the residents. Such a quick and fun service project! 

 I am not a fan of this pic of myself, but am posting it anyway because the flowers and children both made my mother's day spectacular !

Happy Mother's Day

I remember this moment like it was yesterday. All three of my littles snuggled close to me, together for the very first time ever.  I couldn't take my eyes off of them, my three babies on that hospital bed.  Three little miracles I'm entrusted to raise.  The three who I will forever be their mama.  While they still are almost always *thisclose* to me all.the.time, it certainly doesn't feel as magical day to day as this moment right here. I get wrapped up in my to do list, the mess, the bickering, the excitement.  My goal for Mother's Day is to stop and just look as many times as possible, remind myself how blessed I am and find the magic of motherhood in the 'right now'.

Thrifted

Last month and a half of thrifting, added the towns for kicks.  I don't have one thrift store that I find the deals at, I shop all around.  Go ahead and try it, you may be surprised! 

 Enough yardage of flannel for a couple of matching sets of PJs...sewing print!  A vintage tin. Brand new nature journal. Pampered Chef apple slicer. Thread. $7. Kennebunk, Maine.

Slim book shelf that fits perfectly. $5.00. Biddeford, Maine.

Four pairs of next size up shoes for Audra.  $4.00.  South Berwick, Maine.

Hat, LL Bean fleece, Little Piggy went to the market dress (love it!), smartwool socks, books, Christmas napkins, vintage plates, rainpants. $8.  North Berwick, Maine.

Playdates

Today's smile is brought to you from a playdate.  Two old souls living their history. I could watch them all day. Lots of handmades they are wearing. I just love this duo.

Another day of rain in Maine....

It's been pretty much raining and cold in Maine...for months.  Not even the chickens want to branch out. But Anna-Kate says she doesn't yike pants.  Whatever. Some battles aren't worth fighting

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(Another) Mama Made Jacket

I made this coat for Adrian when he was tiny. (Link here).

Audra never really wore it because it was mostly summer when it fit her.  It fits Anna-Kate.  Only problem is she doesn't yike it.  Sigh.

 At least a walk with daddy helped her forget she was wearing the coat she doesn't yike. Aye aye aye.  Toddler opinions are fierce! At least I got a few pics of her in it!