Found Treasures

I heart a good bargain!

Whether I stumble across it at Goodwill or a yardsale,

there's a certain thrill I get when I find a treasure.

You know what I'm talking about, dontcha?

I've been on the look-out for a stool in the kitchen so I snatched up this little wooden one when I saw it at a yard sale! Turns out, it's perfect for Hadassah to push around the kitchen. Since she loves washing dishes so much, she stands on it beside me at the sink. She was even hoping I would let her spray it with cleaner today! :) I've tossed around the idea of painting it, but I rather like it unfinished at this point. What do you think?

I scored the antique mirror at a thrift store not so long ago with the intent to put it in Hadassah's big-girl room, but realized it completed my mantle even better! Some day, I shall buy me a starburst mirror - or something equally dramatic - but this is fine for now. I thought about painting it but decided I really like the finish.

I have a minor obsession with antique bottles and I couldn't resist picking up these two when I found them at a yard sale this weekend! I love the tomato design on the side of the bottle on the right. They're hanging out in my kitchen and make me happy!

I'm anxious to show you some of the items I've been collecting for Hadassah's big-girl room! This project is probably my favorite to date :) 

What treasures have you been finding?

7 Things My Daughter Taught Me

Celebrating another Mother's Day a week ago reminded me again of the precious gift I've been given...the gift of motherhood!!! The past 20 months as a mommy have taught me so much, but I have no doubt that I will learn far more in the next 20 years! As I thought about this journey, there are 7 things in particular that I am learning as a mother.

1. Live in the Moment.  There's always a list of things that need to be done, projects I want to complete and places I need to go, but Hadassah will only be little once! I try to remind myself of that when she wants me to read her a story or take her to see the horses. This moment will pass; be all there!!

2. Encourage Learning. My mom was an excellent teacher, and did such a good job of allowing us children to work alongside her, washing dishes and hanging up clothes on a short little line. Hadassah is such a good worker {at this stage!} and loves to "help" clean. When I wash dishes, she wants to be right beside me, and makes such a mess!! It's rather frustrating and sometimes I wish she'd just play, but she is learning in spite of the messes she makes!

3. Be Consistent. This one has honestly been so hard for me! When Hadassah is misbehaving and needs some discipline, but I'm too busy {or just don't feel like dealing with the storm that follows} it's easy to just ignore the situation. But I've been challenged that the patterns I establish now will be much harder to break in the future.  That has motivated me like nothing else!  

4. Praise frequently. Since words of affirmation are one of my love languages, this probably comes more easily for me! Regardless, I believe it is important to recognize and praise your child for their achievements. There is nothing quite like a positive word to motivate good habits.

 

5. Trust your instincts. As a newbie in this role, it's easy to second-guess myself...whether it's determining how soon to wean her from her bottle, how long to let her cry or knowing when to discipline. I so much appreciate getting advice from other moms, but sometimes you just have to trust your intuition. No one else knows your child like you do!

6. Accept help. Moment of confession: this is NOT easy for me to do! I mean, I should be able to do this on my own, right?! Yes, it's my job and most days I can and should be in charge of my child, but there are times we all need a break! If a friend or family member offers to give you one, take it. {I shall do my best to remember this when #2 joins the family! ha}

7. Pray daily. There have been so many moments when I seriously had no clue what to do next as a mom, and I just cried out to God for wisdom. And I can say that He's been faithful in giving it! I hear parents say that it will only get more difficult as they grow older, so why not get in the habit of depending on Him now?!

So there you have it: my top 7! But I know there are far more you might add: what are you learning/have you learned as a parent? I'd love to hear!!

They Call it Nesting!

I've been in full-fledged housecleaning mode the last month.

Not just the typical spring cleaning,

but a get-in-the-corners and clean-every-nook-and-cranny-before-this-baby-arrives kind of cleaning!

Everyone smiles and says "You're nesting!" 

I kept wanting to say "Yeah, right...I do this every year."

But honestly.

There are rooms and closets that I never had time to touch before

that have finally become organized.

I'm not ashamed to open the doors!

That, my friends, is saying something!!

I feel such relief to get this behind me, before I'm no longer able to bend over.

I want to enjoy the last two months of my pregnancy,

and not spend every waking minute scrubbing every surface of my house!

But I'm not holding my breath.

You'll likely see me on my ladder two weeks before the baby arrives,

cleaning every window within an inch of its life!

And at that point, I'll have to agree:

I'm nesting!!!

Prego Update: 30 weeks & counting!!!

{30 weeks}

Movement: Alot!
This baby kicks like a soccer player!!

Cravings: I can't get enough of fresh fruit and salads!
Smoothies are my go-to snack.

Sleep: It's really hit-or-miss at this point, but falling asleep can be tricky.
Naps are my lifesaver!

Wardrobe: I've been loving my maxi dresses and skirts, since they actually fit during and after pregnancy!
I just pulled out my maternity dresses and skirts and am loving how comfy they are :)

Exercise: I'm continuing to work out 5 days a week,
and am starting to walk/jog with the stroller again since the weather is so beautiful!
Some days it takes all I've got just to put one foot in front of the other,
but I feel so much better when I get out and get moving!!

Preparations: I got the nursery cleaned out and some tiny baby clothes ready to wash,
so it's starting to feel like there will actually be a baby in this house!
Hadassah's big girl room makeover is working itself out in my head,
but so far I haven't accomplished anything in real life! :)

Overall Health: You could say I have "dream" pregnancies;
I don't get very sick; I don't blow up like a balloon (even though I feel fat!)
and I can function fairly normally.
For that, I am extremely grateful!
The challenge for me is the emotional ups and downs.
I don't handle stress well at all.
Just ask my husband!

But baby seems to be healthy and growing,
and we are so grateful for that!

Celebrating Easter

Easter is a beautiful time, when the glory of spring is beginning to transform a dreary world. 

It's a victorious time, when we rejoice in the glory of a risen Saviour!

Easter is so worth celebrating!!!

 Since I'm hosting a family dinner tomorrow, I wanted to create a tablescape that would have elements of new life {or at least something green!} in it.

I discovered these adorable little clay pots at Dollar Tree and just couldn't leave them there!! 

After covering them with a coat of paint, I potted a succulent in each of them. Then I decided to add some interest with gold numbers.

A neighbor let me pick some daffodils from her flowerbed. 

Is there anything more lovely than fresh-cut flowers??!!

The vibrant yellow color makes me so happy :)

I think I'll give some of the potted succulents as favors...

if I can manage to part with them! 

The table is set and ready for guests.

A raspberry white chocolate pound cake is tempting me on the counter.

And I am so ready to go to church and worship the King Who died in my place. 

It's completely humbling to realize it was MY sin that put Him there,

but so thrilling to realize we are victorious because He defeated sin on the cross!!

Yes, Easter is worth celebrating

because HE LIVES!!!

Friday Favorites

Just because it's Friday,

and spring is officially here:

I wanted to share some of the little things that made my day!

:: spring blossoms against a startling blue sky ::

:: curious calves ::

:: finally, it's warm enough to dry clothes on the line! ::

:: my willing little helper ::

:: artwork that is ready to ship to a customer ::

: this chevron fabric that I love, ready to be put to use ::

:: my toddler's creativity in amusing herself! ::

:: freshly baked homemade bread ::

:: the joy of a precious newborn :: 

And, my parents and brother are on their way to spend the next few days with us!!!

Happy weekend everybody...

and don't forget to savor the little things!

Building Character: a Lancaster city treasure

You may be thinking that this is a post about how to build character while shopping in Lancaster.
Wouldn't it be great if shopping produced character?! Other than patience. Or self-control when restraining oneself from buying that fabulous dress that is WAY out of your price range!!
But that's not quite the direction I was thinking of taking this. I wanted to introduce you to a favorite new spot of mine, which my sweet sister introduced me to: a place called Building Character, located in downtown Lancaster. What a discovery it was!!!

 

It's a warehouse of over 40 shops filled with an assortment of vintage, handmade & recycled items.

It's a one-of-a-kind experience, and a blast to browse through this treasure trove!

 

 

Some stands had a collection of vintage furniture and reclaimed items.

There were a few pieces that I would have loved to have brought home with me!

Unfortunately, I'd already spent my allowance.

Hence, the character-building...aka: self-control!

 

The best part of this experience was sharing it with my sister, Fredi, mom, sister-in-law, Rachel and our kiddos! Fredi discovered this through a friend who is a vendor here

and knew that I would love it as much as she does.

 

The displays were so creative!

Loved this old washstand filled with handmade pillows.

My sister's co-worker created these items, and they were adorable!

I wanted this dresser! Isn't the finish fantastic?

 

I was drooling over these vintage cash registers, telephones and a fan that I also found.

If you love thrifting for antiques, you would love this place!!!

 

They even had thrift stores with clothing in this building!

Those weren't my favorite, but we browsed anyway.

Upstairs, there were lots of old windows, shutters, doors and corbels.

Oh, the possibilities!!!

 

The displays were tastfully designed and a feast for the eyes.

Do places like this inspire you as much as they do me?!

The only problem with finding this spot is that I now want one right here in Harrisonburg!



There's a Ladies' Night Out planned for March the 15th, with free mini cupcakes, live music, wine and free chair massages!!!

Anyone else interested in making a trip to Lancaster?!

 

Happy Tuesday, dear friends!