Bringing the Outside In

Don't you think it is interesting that following the coldest, dreariest time of year comes the most beautiful things nature has to offer? Think about it, if spring followed summer, we would already be accustomed to green grass and warmer weather. But instead it follows the bleakness of winter and so all the colors of the spring look even more vivid than they would otherwise.

During this time of year, I enjoy bringing the beauty of nature indoors so that it compliments the decor of my home. From the flowering dogwood branches on my mantle to the daffodils lining my kitchen windowsill in miniature vases, I think just adding a touch of spring makes all the difference. Here are some little additions around my house this season.




This spring trio sits on my kitchen table. The tulips were picked from my front yard, the nest was retrieved last year after a bird abandoned it, and the speckled eggs are displayed in a glass container I use year-round.




Wanted to introduce a bit of Easter charm to my kitchen corner. The bunny candy dish adds childlike whimsy to the small space.





The staircase is a perfect place to do some seasonal changes. I found this bird cage from Michaels this year. So cute! I don't have a formal foyer in my house, so it is nice to be able to have something visually pleasing at my front door.





Got these egg cups from Pottery Barn and thought my kitchen window was a perfect place to display them. Just saw today that all Pottery Barn Easter items are 20% off!



So go outside, cut a few branches from a blooming tree, throw them in a vase and put them on display in your home. Then say a little prayer and thank God for His amazing creation. Happy decorating!


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Lovin' the Local

I love farmers markets in the summer. When we lived in Washington state, we became regulars of the Tacoma Farmers Market. Each week, there was music and crafts, homemade baked goods and of course, fresh produce. I discovered my deep love of Rainier cherries at that market and will have to go back at some point in my lifetime just to buy a few more pounds of those heavenly things.

Now in Virginia, these fresh markets still abound but this year my family is trying something new. Thanks to great advice from a savvy friend, we have bought in to a harvest share program at Retreat Farm in Rapidan, only about five minutes from our house. For $20 a week (which is less than I pay for weekly produce at the grocery store) we can select just-picked foods that are organic, in-season, and local. How great is that? From the familiar carrots, tomatoes, and raspberries to the less known broccoli raab, sorrel (huh?) and pac choi, this farm-to-go program has just what we want. Our family even decided to purchase an additional share that we will deliver and prepare weekly for the homeless shelter in our town. Everyone deserves good food.

Want to know if your city does a harvest share program? Just click here to see where participating farms are located in your area.


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My Hero

Due to the fact that the twins are now a whopping thirty-two pounds put together, I cannot possibly hold them at the same time anymore. That means I have to carry them separately upstairs for naps which is a bit of a headache and a whole lot of stairs!

Today, I took Henry up first and sat him in the nursery chair while I went downstairs for Harper. On my way back up a few moments later I heard Maddox scream, "No, Henry! Stop! I can't hold on much longer!" I was clearly alarmed and bolted up to the nursery only to find Henry hanging over the giant cliff at the edge of the chair and Maddox attempting to push him back with all of her strength. As I sat my rambunctious six month-old back in place, I came to the realization that without his big sister there, Henry would have surely rolled off the chair and hit the hardwood floor head first. I relayed this fact to Maddy and she looked at me wide-eyed and asked, "Mom, am I a hero?" Yes, yes you are.

When Graham came home from work tonight, Maddox announced that she saved Henry's life today. After dinner, we threw a Hero Recognition party in her honor. Thanks for being such a great big sister Maddy!





Our little hero, Miss Maddox.




Eating a piece of cake at the celebration.




Mommy and her little helper.




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