:: a happy nest ::

grateful monday.

Feeling grateful...

For tiny sprouts and the promise of summer flowers.

For flower beds cleared of winter's debris, and the open space ready for planting.

For afternoon rest and being lulled to sleep by the sound of raindrops on the roof.

For playful exchanges with my mister.

For the sweet, silly songs sung by my girl.

For the softness of Thea's cheeks.

For clarity found through journaling.

What are you feeling grateful for today?

yellow.

I probably shouldn't be so happy about a pair of shoes.

But I am.

Especially on a cloudy day like today.

What little things are bringing you happiness today?

a slow weekend.

This weekend was a slow one for us - and it was lovely - despite being sick. In fact, I only left the house to go to see the doctor and to pick up a couple of prescriptions. It was refreshing to keep a slower pace and to spend time tending to our home and just being with each other.

 

We spent a lot of time on the patio - sweeping, freshening up for spring, and adding a little color.

I love seeing more of Thea's personality emerging. She is quite the gatherer, and usually has her hands full of as many things as she can carry. Here she is sorting the chalk by color.

The weather was perfect for drying clothes on the line. Thea was quite the helper!

Our sad, neglected, and overgrown garden received lots of love. John finished the clearing we had started earlier in the week and then showed Thea how to plant seeds.

 

We had a bit of a challenge in determining what to plant. We wanted to plant as many things as possible that Thea would actually be able to eat.

 

So, we started with lots of peas, beets, and a selection of greens. We also started some carrots, and we have our fingers crossed that she will be able to enjoy them.

I hope your weekend was as lovely as ours, and that there was lots of sunshine!

grateful monday.

Feeling grateful...

For this weekend's warmth and sunshine.

For all of the itty-bitty flowers my sweet girl brings me dozens of times a day.

For my husband taking such good care of me and our girl over the weekend.

For sunny afternoons shared with mama friends.

For my mother-in-law taking sweet Thea this morning so I can rest.

For telephone connections that let me hear my mama's voice when she is thousands of miles away.

That a soul-sister-friend is coming home today. Hooray!

For our amazing pediatrician and her lovely staff.

For a clean kitchen.

For a mid-morning nap.

What are you feeling grateful for today?

the 65 roses project : update

Remember that cold I mentioned in my last project update? Well, it is now bronchitis. And I am sick.

After spending the morning getting breathing treatments and a shot of steroids, I am feeling a bit better.

But right now I am listening to my body telling me to rest.

However, I am determined to finish everything this week. Look for another update as I start to feel better and have a more clear idea of when the shop will be open.

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!

the 65 roses project : update

I am still busy putting all of the roses together. It is taking me a tad longer to do them than I originally anticipated. Plus, we've had a teething toddler, ear infections, and now I have a cold. And of course, we've had to enjoy this glorious warm weather. But I am working, working, working.

My plan is to have them all completed this weekend and to open the etsy shop on Monday.

Thank you so much for all of the excitement, encouragement, and support. It really means more to me than you could ever know.

I hope there is sunshine wherever you are - we are soaking it up here! Happy Thursday!

happiness.

Ranunculus. {Sigh}.

These are my very favorite flowers.

To me, there is something about them that is just perfect.

I love the way their stems playfully curve. They are so dreamy. Their unfolding petals reveal layered beauty, yet they are quite demure.

When I saw them at Whole Foods last week, I picked up two bunches faster than you could blink. I told myself that they were my birthday flowers.

I've never seen a color I didn't love.

To me, they are happiness embodied in a bloom.

When I see them, I can't help but smile.

What is bringing you happiness today?

laughter.

Our friend Brandon sent this to John on his birthday (which was Friday), and it made me so happy I thought I'd share it.

Enjoy!

grateful monday.

forsythia in the afternoon sunlight

Feeling grateful...

For all of the birthday love. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

For an afternoon date with my man.

For chocolate.

For my husband's perspective.

For yummy new yellow shoes.

For birthday cards from my mama that make me cry.

For my sweet girl's words, "Happy birf-day, maaaama!" (and for my husband and mom helping her learn to say them).

For this week's warm-weather forecast.

What are you feeling grateful for today?

sweet sunshine.

Thea and John walking, holding hands with Frogger

We are in the middle of several days of rain. Yesterday afternoon, the sun broke through for a few glorious hours, and we headed to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden to enjoy the warmth and see the first of spring's flowers in bloom.

balancing

Isn't Thea's pinafore sweet? It was made by my friend Beth (who is doing the most amazing things over on her blog!). I am truly in awe of her sewing skills. This gorgeous little top is perfect in every way. And Thea loves it too. I think she would wear it every single day if she could.

 

chalk drawing

Even in the garden's off-season, there is plenty to explore, and plenty to keep little ones engaged.

sweeping and gathering gourds

We stayed until the garden closed, and Thea didn't want to leave.

And we made it home with enough daylight left to take the pup for a walk and enjoy a quick romp at the playground.

We saw some neighborhood friends there, and they showed us how much fun a hula hoop can be.

Today, the rain is back, but we're due for more warm and sunny days later this week. I can hardly wait!

I hope you had a lovely weekend!