Tales of a Crafty Mama

thank goodness for peppermint tea

I am so sad! My little grateful month kind of fell by the wayside, didn't it? I completely forgot going into the blogging every day thing that this last weekend I was going to have a houseful of little ones- we watched some dear friends' boys for two and a half days so that they could get away together. So I was completely preoccupied with that for a bit. Then on Sunday I came down with a nasty cold that I still haven't kicked, which has meant that this night owl has been forcing herself to get to bed early instead of blogging. And feeling oh, so grateful for peppermint tea.

So hopefully I will be able to pop on here soon and catch up on my gratefuls. And also, somehow I was still able to squeeze in a little 10 on 10 action yesterday, so I will post those photos soon as well!

Hope you are all having a lovely, happy week so far!

xo

P.S. The cozy little kitchen above that I am absolutely smitten with is via a little house.

30 days of gratefulness :: 4 + 5

{autumn in eastern Washington}

Yesterday I was grateful for:

Our walk to school (the little girl I watch is in 1st grade) in the morning. It was very cold but the air just had that in-between seasons kind of feel to it- kind of autumnish, but almost winter. And being out in the fresh air first thing in the morning always feels good!

Whole wheat waffles for breakfast- a  favorite around here

Talks with three dear friends- my sister Amanda, Chelle, + Leslie

Speaking of Leslie, it was her birthday yesterday and I am so very, very grateful for her. I get so teary thinking about what an amazing person + friend she is.  I love you so much, dear friend!

A short but sweet nap. They are never long enough. No not ever. But 20 minutes is better than nothing.

A yummy dinner. Who knew that pesto rubbed on chicken could be so amazingly good, yet so easy?

Cuddling with my little Elliot before bed. I asked him a bunch of random questions, like "What do you like to eat?" His answer was, "Bananas, candy, chocolate." I have never met a kid who loves chocolate like he does. Maybe that's why ever since I was pregnant with him, I have loved chocolate more too!

Cupboards stocked with groceries. I headed out last night to do grocery shopping after the kids went to bed (that's why I didn't blog yesterday). I dreaded the task- I was just too tired and felt like crawling into bed with a good book. But it always feels so nice to have a freshly stocked pantry and I am so grateful for the finances to do so.

Proverbs. Been reading it again. Wow, that book has so much grab you at the heart insight on life + relationships. I think I could read it every day for the rest of my life and still be challenged.

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Today I am grateful for:

Coffee with Peppermint Mocha creamer. Love that stuff so much. I have two cartons in my fridge right now- I wonder how many we will go through this Christmas season...

Listening to the kids pray at breakfast. All four of them (Audrey + Elliot, plus the two kids I watch) sing our grateful song and that go around the table, naming things they are grateful for. I love that they do it completely uninitiated by me now. Their sweet little voices and heartfelt thanksgivings make me smile every single morning.

That Elliot's doctors appointment this morning went well. I was worried about his asthma, but everything ended up being just find. So grateful for that!

Audrey had a huge "light-bulb moment  today during our school time: she read it first word! (It was "pat" for those of you who are interested!). I have never been pushy with her about the reading thing- I have just tried to be open to signs that she is interested in learning more. We have slowly  been working on learning letters together and today something just clicked! Can I just say that I am really really falling in love with age four over here? I've heard it is a magic age with kids and so far it seems true! I just can't get over how much she is growing and learning right now.

Our not so secret stash of Halloween candy.

Elliot's very slow but determined effort to be potty-trained. He is so cute- he gets very, very excited about going literally ONE drop in the potty. And then of course, he begs for chocolate!

Catching up with my dear friend Kari. There is something so comforting and lovely about talking to someone who knows you so well that you never ever have to explain yourself. I am so grateful for her! For her beauty and amazing sense of humor and bluntness and sensitivity.  Oh, and for her cooking abilities- do not ever pass up an opportunity to eat this girl's food. Best food ever. 

Getting a text message from Chelle telling me that they are moving here tomorrow! 

Cute sweet pregnant friends. I can't believe how many people I love are pregnant right now. So exciting!

Our small group. What an amazing group of people. We have only been going to this group for a couple of month, but we are so grateful that God led us to join this particular group. It is truly the perfect fit for us. I love all the people's hearts. The way they love people and love God and passionately desire to be like Him. Oh, and they love my kids. And let them make a big mess every week. So thankful for that!

I feel like I am forgetting so many today, but I am tired and really need to get to bed...

What are you grateful for today?

30 days of gratefulness :: 3

{photo of E + A taken last week at the pumpkin patch}

Today I am grateful for:

Erik working late on Tuesdays- I woke up with a pounding headache and got to sleep in a couple more hours! Thank you, dear husband.

My Tuesday AM Girls- I have been meeting with the same group of girls for two years now (minus our beloved Courtney who just moved this past weekend- so sad!) and I always leave encouraged + inspired as a Christian, a wife, and a mama. I love you guys!

A sweet message from Chelle on my voicemail that made me smile.

My generous friend Christa who makes us yummy muffins every week for Bible study and who watched Mr. Elliot this afternoon so that I could watch Audrey's ballet class without a two year old in hand. 

Watching my sweet girl just blossom and grow before my eyes. There was seriously such a huge, huge change in her confidence in ballet since I watched her class one month ago. She went from being a cute, timid girl, to this beautiful, confident girl who not only dances so wonderfully, but who is also so kind + loving. She took the time throughout the class to help a younger girl in class, holding her hand and reminding her of the steps. I am such a proud, proud mama!

It gets better and cuter. When I told Audrey in the car that I was so proud of her for being brave + confident in class and for being such a good friend, do you know what she said? She said, "Its because I have a secret in my heart, Mama." "What's that?" I asked her. "Jesus is in my heart and He makes me want to do kind + loving things." (Friends, when you start losing hope that your kids are just not getting it- remember that they really truly do take it all in. I am in shock and awe whenever it comes out in these most beautiful, precious, unexpected moments.)

Our public library. I never ever cease to be grateful for the privilege of free books. We always, always check out the limit. 50 books. Can you believe it? 50 books! And sometimes we have to put some back because we go over! 

That Elliot is not sick. I thought maybe he was tonight- he has just been so tired lately. But I think that he is really just growing because he has also been so hungry! And growing on my teeny little boy is always, always a good thing!

Coming home to a surprise gift on my doorstep from a sweet and loving friend. It made me so happy! And the coolest part of it all was that I literally just ran out of dish soap last night. Perfect timing!

Hugs hello from my husband when he gets home from work. I love him so much.

Elliot being so stinkin' ticklish. And seriously, so stinkin' cute. No joke, the boy took 28 cars to bed with him tonight!

Audrey needing cuddles before she goes to sleep. I often get annoyed by it (when I want to go upstairs and get stuff done), but then I remember that she will not always need or want my cuddles and I am so grateful that she is not that old yet!

That we get to stay home all day tomorrow! Tuesday are always so busy for us, I am really looking forward to getting things in order in our home and doing a little school with Miss A. tomorrow.

What are you grateful for today?

30 days of gratefulness :: 2

How could I not feel blessed having these two cuties in my life? I am one lucky mama! These photos were taken on Halloween (of course!). Miss Audrey was a ballerina and Mr. Elliot was a fireman. I so wish that you could hear him say "Fireman!"- it is funniest + cutest thing ever! For some reason, his voice always gets really deep and serious when it comes to him being a fireman.

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Today I am grateful for:

A good + easy day with the kids. Strangely enough, Mondays are always one of our better days. We usually stay home and it always feels nice, especially after a long weekend.

Snuggling on the couch together with a big pile of books

Making headway on the laundry + the dishes

A quiet afternoon- both of my kids took nice, long naps. I love a quiet house!

Feeling thankful + happy all day that I get to stay-home with my kids. And the icing on the cake was when Audrey told me tonight, "I love staying home with you, mama!" Be still my heart, sweet girl.

Roasted Vegetable Quesadillas for dinner. Yum.

Both my kids went to bed easily tonight. Trust me, my friends. This does not always happen! Anytime it does is definitely a reason for gratefulness.

Sweet comments on my blog. Such a treat to log on today and see that so many of you said hello! Thank you! 

That God is good. Always so very good.

What are you grateful for today?

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P.S. It was so fun to hear that so many of you are planning on participating in 30 days of gratefulness! If you would like me to add your name + blog address to a list of participating bloggers on my blog's sidebar, please leave me a comment and I will make a list tomorrow night.

30 days of gratefulness :: 1

Last November I celebrated 30 days of gratefulness on my blog. Well, it actually ended up being 27 days...I lost a little momentum there at the end! I really loved recording all my blessings for a whole month and it was also the perfect way to participate in NaBloPoMo. So I decided to do it again this year. I am going to post a photo or two each day this month (hopefully, hopefully) and share a little of what we are grateful for. Some days I might post  more than once if I have something else to share. But the goal is to get into the habit of having a grateful spirit and blogging more.  

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Today I am grateful for:

leftover pumpkin chocolate chip cookies for breakfast

a wonderful service at church this am (we are doing a series on the 10 commandments and it has been amazingly good)

more Little House on the Prairie with Audrey during rest time + a very short but restful nap

a sunny autumn day

Enter the Worship Circle station on Pandora

a fun date with my man (including my favorite salad + fries + pumpkin spice frozen yogurt)

long lovely talks on our date

caramel apples from my sister 

a warm + cozy bed waiting for me

What are you grateful for today?

the last day of October

{Lovely autumn picture drawn by Audrey Mae this morning. Believe it or not, it was completely, 100% inspired and drawn by her! I am seriously in awe of my sweet girl's art!}

Today is October 31. Halloween and my own amazing mama's birthday (Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you!). On today's agenda:

Sleep in. Thank you so much, dear husband!

Call my mama to wish her happy birthday. 

Eat pumpkin scones for breakfast. 

Straighten up my crazy, messy house.

Make pumpkin cookies to take to the Halloween party at my sister's house tonight. 

Watch Little House on the Prairie with Audrey during rest time.

Paint + carve pumpkins with my munchkins.

Get my ballerina + fireman ready for a walk around the neighborhood and the party tonight.

Go to party- take lots of pictures + eat lots of Amy's famous pumpkin chilli + relax, relax, relax.

Hope you are all having a happy last day of October too!

xo

cutest slippers EVER

I have gone through two or three pairs of slippers every winter since we moved to eastern Washington two years ago. This year, Erik suggested buying one higher quality pair in the hopes that they will make it through an entire season. And if they don't, LLBean always takes returns! I think I am in love. Too bad they are only slippers and not real shoes!

Cute slippers found here.

ten on ten :: october (a few days late...)

9am: My little Mr. Elliot, eating cereal and watching his beloved tractor dvd

10am: On my way to a favorite bakery for coffee with a dear friend

11am: Drinking our coffee and having a wonderful time discussing life, children, homeschooling, and marriage. Encouraging conversations refresh my soul so much.

1:15pm: We lost track of time, talking away. This is me, walking to the car. Loving the falling leaves + my legwarmers.

2:15pm: The mantel, looking autumnish.

3:15pm: Abandoned boots. It was colder helping Daddy outside than she expected.

4:15pm: My handsome boy, heading out the back door.

5:15pm: My Audrey Bug would draw all day every day if she could. It is such a joy to watch her develop as a little artist. She really is so very talented!

6:15pm: Attempting a self-portrait. I am really, really awful at them. Any suggestions?

9:15pm: After a lovely conversation with my sweet sister-in-law about wedding plans + invitations (such a fun topic!), I settle in on the couch with a copy of Gourmet magazine, trying not to be depressed about the fact that November will be their last issue.

For more Ten on Ten, please go here.

dearest october

 

{image via Jamie Oliver}

Dearest October,

I miss my blog. I miss not being so busy. I miss having the time to catch up with dear friends. 

So here's to slowing down (as best as I can with two wild + crazy kids). Here's to taking time to bake + do lots of autumn crafts. Here's to long walks + jumping in leaves. Here's to cuddling under warm quilts + reading good books (this one is a current fave). Here's to more than visit to the farm to get apples + pumpkins. Here's to my of my dearest friends moving here before the snow falls. Here's to being grateful for everything I have every day.

I think it is going to be a good month.

xo andi

a little blogging to-do list

{image via my tumblr blog: sweet + lovely things }

Well, hello there September. Hello there my dear long-lost blog. And most of all, hello there, my sweet friends! The summer has just flown by and while I have been online a bit here and there (mostly tumblr + facebook...), I have sorely neglected my blog and all of your blogs. Well, that is about to change!

I have a lot of catching up to do! So I wrote a little blogging to-do list. You see, my lack of blogging is never because I run out of things to write about- it is always, always because of my inability to make time to do so. Here's the list:

SEPTEMBER BLOGGING TO-DO LIST: (in no particular order)

30 things to do before I turn 31. Believe it or not, I wrote that post right before my 30th birthday in November and never got around to sharing it! I will share the list and how I have done so far with it.

The long-awaited blogging give-a-way! The perfect example of how very behind of blogging I truly am.

 

Girls weekend in March and the amazing opportunity to meet some dear blogging friends.

Meeting another sweet blogging friend at the Farm Chicks show in June. 

Meeting two more very dear blogging friends in July. I know. I have been super blessed and spoiled to have met so many of my blogging friends in real life. It has been so lovely!

An absolutely perfect week away with Erik in March.

More photos + details about our new little home.

A summer trip to the west-side, just me and the kids.

A late-summer camping trip turned fun trip to Portland.

Homeschool preschool for Miss Audrey.

A few little peeks + details about the kids' past birthday parties before I share about Audrey's upcoming princess-themed one.

What my sweet little ones (A+E) have been up to lately.

My very first engagement photo shoot.

Me. Starting to run again. Yes, that definitely deserves a post of it's own. It is that unbelievable.

A 2009 Autumn To-Do List.

How have you all been?

xo andi

P.S. If you think of anything else I should add to my list, let me know! I am sure I have forgotten things...

 

everyone is beautiful

I stumbled upon this lovely little video today while online. It is a promo for the book Everyone is Beautiful by Katherine Center.  I have never read the book (have any of you?), but I loved what the video said (written by Center) and the lovely photos by Mary Swenson (whose blog is amazingly beautiful- you must check it out- it is my new favorite!). There is also a great interview with Center here. 

Happy Wednesday!

xo

P.S. I am not sure why the video is so big on my page- sorry!

ten on ten :: july

10: 45am- Flowers growing in my friend Jenny's garden

11:45am- Three of the boys from playgroup. My sweet Elliot is the one on the far left.

1:15pm- Vintage folding chairs that were recently passed on to us. They were originally Erik's parents or grandparents years ago. I love them.

2:15pm- The last week or so, Audrey has reverted back to taking naps in the afternoon. Although the quiet house is nice, I am not sure if I like it because it usually means she goes to bed much later in the evening.

3:15pm- Sweet B, Erik's cousin's daughter who I am watching a couple days a week this summer. She was drawing with chalk.

4:15pm- My #1 favorite way to wear my hair. You will see it this way almost every single day.

6:15pm- I love my Mary Janes. This was taken outside a bridal store where Erik's sisters and I were looking at wedding dresses for his sister Kelsey's upcoming wedding! Unfortunately I was not allowed to take pictures inside. Such a bummer.

7:30pm- The girls and I in a storefront window

8:30pm- An absolutely amazing Key Lime Pie Martini. Amy had been raving about them forever and I finally tried one. It left me speechless it was so good.

9:30pm- Long talks with the girls, hanging out at the restaurant even after all the food and drinks were gone and we had paid. Still can't believe my little sister is getting married! So crazy.

{For more Ten on Ten, please visit here}

welcome Christian Alexander!

My brother Caleb and his girlfriend Jamie welcomed their new little boy Christian Alexander early this morning! I am making due for now with photos and video via cells phones and the internet (that's why this picture is so dark- sorry!), but am super anxious to get over to the westside and see him and hold him in  person. Isn't he so sweet and handsome? Congratulations Caleb + Jamie! And welcome baby Christian! I love you!

P.S. My Ten on Ten will be up tomorrow...

good friends + good food = a very happy Fourth!

 

Our Fourth of July this year was reallly laid-back, but super fun. We spent the morning at home and after Mr. Elliot's nap (because no nap is neve a good thing...) we headed over to our friends' house for a BBQ. We ate a ton (my favorite was the grilled corn on the cob), watched the kids play for hours happily in their huge backyard, laughed a lot, took silly photos for our blogs, and just relaxed. It was so lovely!

happy second birthday, my sweet Elliot Jacob

{photos taken today, 6.16.09, on your second birthday}

Dear Mr. Elliot,

Oh, my little mister. How can you really be two already? I mean seriously. Two? These past couple of years have flown by so much faster than I ever wanted them to.

One of my biggest regrets is that I have not recorded as much of your life thus far as I did for your big sister at this age. The pictures are fewer, the letters and blog posts more sparse. Please, please do not ever think for a moment, my dear son, that it is because you are any less precious to me. That is such a fear of mine! I know it is silly- your daddy tells me all the time that boys just do not care as much about photos and scrapbooks and blog posts. But still I worry. Life has just been one crazy ride since you came along- learning to be a mama to two children, two moves (one that was across the state), starting over in a new home + town. I wish that I had had more energy, boundless reserves of energy to devote to capturing each and every amazing and beautiful part of who you were these past two years...but I haven't. And I am so very sorry. Sorry because I am a memory hoarder- I don't want to forget one single minute or day with you. And sorry because I never ever want you to question my love for you, because I do love you, so much more than I will ever know how to adequately express. 

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Whew. That one has been hanging over my head for about a year now. So glad to get that little bit out of the way and now on to happier things...

One of the things I love the most about you, Elliot, is how truly boy you are. I knew from the moment that I held that positive pregnancy test in my hand, that you were going to be a little boy. And I remember seeing it so clearly, even when you were a newborn. You just looked like a little man. And goodness, you smelled like one too! One of your first nights home, I remember daddy and I laughing and laughing at you, laying in your bed, burping and farting away.

But it is not just the smells and the looks, it is the passions. So very boy-like. We have never had to teach you to love cars and trucks and dirt and running and exploring like you do. It is just who you are, through and through.

I will admit it- those boy-like qualities drive me crazy sometimes. It is impossible to keep up with you. You move so quickly, and that adventurous spirit is unending...you really do exhaust me most days! But in the evening, as I snuggle with you before you go to bed, I forget all the chaos of the day and all the messes you made, and are so very thankful that God blessed my life with you. I lay you in your bed and you cuddle with your "na-na" (your favorite green blankie since you were six months old) and you ask for your cars and trucks. You always fall asleep with your cars and trucks spread out around you. I love it so much.

You are passionate and busy, but you are also so sensitive, Elliot. You have the sweetest spirit. You notice things about people, you anticipate their needs. You are thoughtful and kind-hearted. Sometimes you will hear Audrey ask me for something in another room and the next thing I know, you are there, handing her whatever it was that she wanted before I even had a chance to get it for her. I love that about you. And you are so affectionate- you still love to cuddle and I am so very glad!  Please don't quit that one anytime soon, okay?

You are still not talking very much, which worries me at times. At your 21 month appointment a few months ago, your sweet doctor reassured me and said that they would reevaluate you at your two year well-child. Part of me says not to fear- you are a boy, you are focusing all your energy on moving, Audrey talks for you most of the time, it will be okay. But there is a part of me that wonders if there is something more serious going on. Thankfully you make every effort to communicate with us that you know how- you are extremely interactive and you do try to talk. So for now we are just taking it one day at a time. Encouraging you to vocalize your thoughts and needs and wants. Being patient and sensitive when you can't. I think that the hardest part of all is just the ache that I have to know you more- to hear what is really going on in that little head of yours. I feel like there is a huge part of who you are that we are just missing out on because you cannot tell us.

But even with the speech delays, I know that you are brilliant, just by watching you play. The way your cars are meticiously lined up, ready to hit the road. The tall towers that you build with blocks. The amazing way you have ten times more coordination than I have ever had when it comes to kicking soccer balls. The little games you make up outside...

One of my favorite things about you, Mr. Elliot is that you are just bursting with joy. True, you have your moments (you are quite dramatic and have quite a temper...). But the majority of the time you are smiling and giggling and doing silly things to make everyone around you laugh. You adore being tickled and tickling others. You love to dance and to do the "sumo walk" (taught to you by your cousin Griff). You love making crazy car noises and playing chase. You are truly one of the happiest kids I know.

You are still pretty little, weight wise. I am not sure how much you weigh or how tall you are as of today, but at your last doctor's appointment you were 22 pounds. You are wearing size 12-18 month clothes and size 5 shoes. Still hard to believe that you were nine pounds when you were born! Audrey was about this same size at two though and she is fine now at almost four, so I'm not worried. Although I do wish you would be a bit more adventurous with your appetite...

Some of your favorite things right now: granola bars; pestering your sister; your na-na; cars + trucks; your toy dog from Uncle Bryant; Grandpa Doug; bananas; playing outside; wearing your boots; taking books off of bookshelves; making cookies; pretzals; chocolate; playing with Parker + Griffin; taking naps; giving hugs + kisses; chicken nuggets + french fries; reading about cars + trucks; pushing your bear in Audrey's toy stroller; going on walks; taking baths; being held; climbing; running; going up + down stairs; dry cereal; and exploring. 

Some things you are not so fond of: vegetables; being bossed around by your big sister; watching tv or dvds; cheese; strangers; the nusery at church; sitting in your high chair to eat; and being told "no".

My dear little man, I am so grateful for you! I am so glad that God blessed our family with you two years ago. Where would we be without your silly little giggle? Your mischivious grin? Your curiousity about everything? Your sweet, sweet spirit? I can't wait to see not only what this next year has in store for you, but also to see who God is creating you to be, Mr. Elliot. You are so amazing and I love you so much!

One little request though...Can you please stop growing so quickly? I am okay with you being two, but please don't change too much more. Not yet anyway. I'm not ready! 

I love you forever and ever mister mister! Happy Birthday!

Love, Mama

you are...

early mornings + coffee
theology lover + long walks
introvert +  dreamer
amazing conversationalist + quiet observer
book collector + organizer
patient + kind
adoring father + loving husband
world traveler + adventurous spirit
NPR + The Office
generous + thoughtful
goofy + sarcastic
Christ follower + seeker of truth
road trips + mix cds
passionate + gifted listener

the love of my life

Happy Birthday, Erik! I love you!
xo

i love my fireplace mantel

I've always wanted to have a fireplace mantel. A little place to create happy displays that change depending on the season and what I love at the moment. Two dear friends of mine (Nancy + Misha) are amazingly beautiful and creative homemakers and I have always admired how they make their mantels so lovely. Family photos, flowers, art, books, vases...almost every time I am in their homes, their mantels look a little different. And I love it.

I have my own mantel now. And I am very selective about what goes up there. I get annoyed when my sweet husband, coming in the door from work, tosses his keys and wallet and phone on the mantle. I just want it to be my own beautiful little corner. No clutter. Just peaceful and simple beauty. Right now the left side of my mantel holds what you see above. I am starting to collect letters- the A is from Anthropology and the E is an old letterpress letter that I got this last weekend. A peonie that has not blossomed yet is in the little vase and the old floral frog (also a find from the weekend) is waiting for an inspiring quote to be placed in it. 

What's on your mantel or favorite shelf right now?

P.S. I went back and forth- "mantel" or "mantle"?

moving, moving, moving...

We are seriously overwhelmed with the whole moving process right now. Actually overwhelmed would be an understatement...

Miss you all and can't wait to catch up....

I'll be back soon!

xo

i love her

{Self-portrait by Miss Audrey Mae- late April 2009- 3 1/2 years old}

A recent conversation overheard between my sweet girl and her daddy (comments inside parenthesis mine).

Audrey: "Daddy, will you come dance with me?"

Erik: "How about in a little while? I am really tired right now." (he had just gotten home from work)

Audrey: "But Daddy! I need a prince to dance with, and you're a prince!" (melt my heart)

Erik: "Okay, (he told me his heart was melting too!), let's go dance!" 

Audrey: "Turn on Frank." (as in Frank Sinatra)

I love that she loves dancing with her daddy. And how cute is it that she loves dancing to "Frank"? I have a feeling someday they will be dancing to him together when she gets married. Love that.

P.S. Thank you so much for all the thoughtful comments about our new home and how God has blessed us. I promise to share more before and after pictures once we get settled!

a little sneak peek!

 

 

 

Remember that new home I told you about? Our move was delayed a bit- some plumbing and furnace issues that needed to be fixed, and a new bigger window put in the kids' room. But we are now in the process of moving in! It will probably take a good couple of weeks to actually really get in- the next two weekends are really busy for us, so we are just doing what we can on the weekdays. But I wanted to at least share a few little peeks of our new place and share how God has truly answered our prayers in providing this home for us.

- hardwood floors: We have always wanted a house with hardwood floors. We just really love how they look.

- the cutest kitchen ever: True we will be living without a dishwasher, but I think it is worth the sacrifice to be able to cook and hang out in such a happy, sunny space! I think every woman needs a kitchen that they want to be in. And I am in love with the retro refrigerator- that really works! (The door in the kitchen leads to the backyard.) 

- a fenced-in backyard: I have prayed and prayed for a fenced in backyard for the kids to play in and we have one!I also love the brick patio- perfect for the new grill I promised Erik for Father's Day + his birthday in June.   

- a great location in town: Not only will we be living in town, but we will be literally 1/2 a block from a great park (another thing I prayed for!) and only three and a half blocks from my sister! I could not have asked or dreamed of a better location.

- a sunny house: Our current basement apartment gets quite a bit of sun for being in the basement, but it is still definitely lacking. Which not only means that we have to have lights on most of the time, but it also makes it really hard to take photos without the flash on- they always end up with this weird orangish tint. I can't wait to take pictures in our new home!

- a cozy home: Erik and I are thankful for each and every home that God has provided for us over the years. Each one was such a blessing and we did our best to make them all cozy and welcoming. But this is the first home that we will have that we truly feel is us. A place that when we walk in (without it even being decorated yet) feels like home and is cozy and warm. And that is such a great feeling!

- great storage spaces: Tons of cupboards in the kitchen. Nice closets and shelves and a good sized garage. I am so inspired to get really organized! 

- a small home: I am not sure how the house is going to work long-term for our family- it is super small and as the kids get older, it might be difficult. But for now, I feel like it is the perfect size. I really, really want to be intentional about how we live and what we bring into our home. And a small space definitely helps with that!

I am sure that I could think of more, but Mr. Elliot is currently hammering walls and furniture and I better go before he destroys something...

xo