A Table House for Little Folk

a cozy place for a rest. they pack it full of blankets, pillows, and an assortment of toy kitchen supplies... 

When I was 5 my best friend had a house that fit over a card table. I thought it the greatest. thing. ever. There aren't a terribly many toys that stick out in my mind, but this is one I've always wanted to mimic for my own children.

peeking through the curtains.

Now-a-days there are magnificent ones available from great shops, like this one. They are truly works of art!
And recently the Artful Parent posted her creation as well & so the fire was lit.

The front door.

There's another fire: nesting. Not only have I been relatively productive due to that unavoidable nudge from nature, there's a lingering fear that what I don't get done before this new baby comes I will never get done. Perhaps you hadn't heard...babies are time consuming. So, in order to help fill the hours of time in which I won't be able to direct my attention solely towards them, I'm working on things I think will help Naomi & Leviah remember I love them in the midst of predicted neglect...

It's made entirely of an old sheet and other scraps I've had kicking about--hence the mismatchiness. I think it adds charm ;)

It feels good to accomplish something from the 'stacks'. Now what will fill it's place? What have you been up to?

Tea Party Today (unaffiliated)

We had a little party.

We had a little fun.

& of course, did a little show-tune dancing.

To eat? Egg salad, pb&j, pb&mallow cream & pb&nutella sandwiches cut into shapes, blueberry lemon scones for authenticity, raspberry tea with mango puree and seltzer, veggies, fruit salad with plucots & basil (yum), and good company.

I took the opportunity to discuss good hostessing with Naomi. Manners & courtesy being a theme I've heard some ladies talking about, I realized how important it is that our children have these character traits & being a hostess seems like the perfect opportunity to learn. I believe we'll continue to think of ways to incorporate and build 'playdates' around this notion...

Vintage Swap

Things are much less grim feeling. Refocused...
Yesterday, in particular, was a good day. We had some extra kids over for some extra craziness and we had a really fun time crafting paper bag puppets. What a simple & fun craft. what can't you use to add a little character? Plus, then the girls performed a silly little puppet show from behind the couch. There was an awful lot of giggling involved!

And then I got a package, which is always exciting, but it's even better when you don't know what's inside and opening it is like meeting a new friend. I used to send letters and packages to friends from camp all the time and it was SO exciting to check the mail & read a little about their lives. There's just something so personal about a packages that's obviously been handled with care. I hope my swap partner is as happy with her goodies as I am. Take a look!

doll cloths, cute hankies, play colander, adorable blue apron, carrot art, and a cookbook with lots of vintage-style goodies. THANKS JENNIFER!

the carrots have already settled into their new home comfortably. Yay for the vintage swap!