Recently, while browsing the web in search of ideas for simple homemade journals, I stumbled across this gem–how to make a book with only paper, one rubber band, and a “backbone” of choice, such as a twig… …a pencil …or chopsticks. {Check out the instructions here, from twowritingteachers.} It’s too cool an idea, and adaptable […]
Anybody else’s kids home from school today because of the cold? Here’s what we’re doing at my house–a homemade scavenger hunt. Geared for any reading kid, probably aged 6-12… and a lot younger than that if Mommy will help. I used to do this a lot with the kids when they were smaller. Today we […]
Don’t even get me started on pumpkins. I love pumpkins: at this time of year, almost more than any other shape and color. What daffodils are to spring–a concrete encapsulation of the entire point–pumpkins are to fall. Round, rustic, simple, vibrant, fertile, textured, real. And it’s Thanksgiving. Here’s an idea for what to do with […]
One of the joys of attending Family Week at SMBI was agreeing to organize a craft class for all the children ages 6-12. Ryan and I spent considerable time planning and preparing, then he took charge of the boys (18 of them) and I of the girls (28!). For one hour each day, four different […]
Confession: I think housecleaning is a waste of time. I have several friends and family members who really enjoy it, and I cannot tell you how much I admire them. I wish I could get inside their minds for just a bit and see what they’re thinking about while they do it. There’s a trick there […]
Confession: I’m a big fan of recycling, but selfish enough to insist that the process not be too laborious and complicated. When I have to start rinsing, sorting, and removing labels, I–well, I’m still a big fan in theory, willing myself to duty but growing inadvertently drafty. My town of Meadville makes it easy—accepting clear and colored […]
Confession: My boys go through blue jeans like most people go through Kleenex. Before I was a mom, I thought denim was one of the more durable fabrics. I am rethinking this. I’m considering starting a new trend: patches on knees. I’m not sure it would go over well, but it would be worth a […]
Confession: I don’t believe in praying that God would arrange the world around my private needs, but at times my philosophies and prayers fly mingled out the car window. (You wouldn’t think that the car window would be open in February, but I assure you that at times it is. It’s better than the resident […]
Today I have a new girl to introduce: my eight-year-old friend Angeline Stoltzfus. She’s a third grader, big sister, expert brownie-baker, self-taught flower arranger, and more—in short, a little woman of presence and flair. I asked her to teach me how to make a flower headband, like the one she made for herself (with a bit […]
Here is an update on my door project. I plan eventually to add the Bible verse, probably embroidered on a little pillow for the chair. But for right now… a hanging herb garden. The only real herbs I had available to transplant at the moment were oregano (hanging) and garlic chives (in the brown crock). Otherwise, […]