Souvenirs [Search results for baby] 

as a mother, I know what it is like to prepare for a baby

the ultimate joy increases as that feeling of knowing the birth will happen at any moment

it is hard work and uncomfortable at first, adjusting yourself with physical surroundings

taking care of your body with nutrition to the best of your ability

preparing yourself spiritually, mentally, and physically the entire nine months... and when that joyous day comes, when the time finally arrives for you to hold your baby, the pain all goes away

the sorrow is replaced with joy and peace

a deep thanksgiving for that life and that strength God gave you to get through it

such is life and this very day...

Jesus's Mother Mary is quite honestly not honored enough... to think what She had to go through for those nine months... well let's say, it is more than any one single woman has gone through... She completely gave herself to God in order to have Him work through Her...

meditating on this simple fact that Mary, is the Mother of God, still to this day, is important for all of us

to imitate Her grace (she is full of grace)

to imitate Her charity (while heavily expecting she stayed to administer to her cousin Elizabeth)

to imitate Her in love ( she loved all of us so very much in order to help... to aid... in our salvation... if is wasn't for her, none of us who believe in Christ would believe and be saved by Her Son)

when you know a woman who is just about to give birth to a baby, what do you do?
some of you may pray for that woman in order for God to give her more strength, a healthy baby, no complications so to speak...

when you know a woman who just gave birth to a baby, what do you do then?
hopefully you pray still for the baby and the mother...

my point is... it's not just the baby you pray for

if Mary didn't have the baby, there would be no Scripture, no Bible, no Church

the blood of Mary runs through the veins of Our Lord and Saviour... it was, and never will be separated

how can you separate the light from the sun? you cannot

how can you separate the Mother from the Son then?

let us honor then the Place of the King, and think upon the quiet awaiting of The Baby...

for wherever Mary is Her Son is also

xo + graceful blessings,

I am bearing much patience... still... baby is moving a lot... but inside my womb... I truly feel as though I am carrying a cross... 

our mini-shrine in our home
thank you all for such nice emails and notes (comments) wishing me and baby well
it really means a lot
and I can feel your prayers... thank you... thank you...
to be honest, it's quite like every day is a week long...
and giving birth naturally, takes patience - a lot of patience
42 weeks was not uncommon just 10 years ago but now, "they" think 38 weeks is the correct time (hence why so many induced labors and c-sections in this country)
all I have to say is "FIAT" [from Latin, literally: let it be done, from fierī to become]
it has been my 'motto' since the day after my actual due date of March 9th...
I am letting it go, and giving my all for this baby
love and hugs to you all:
xo+blessings,

This front room used to be the old front porch of this house (to read more about it's history — and some divine intervention — go here)
Since Jill is doing a Porch Party every Monday, I thought I'd join in on the fun with pictures of my thrown together front room/porch/baby and I room...

only things that were bought was a dresser and the two glass lamps
everything else was literally thrown together to make a comfortable and feminine room for me and the baby to cuddle... dream... and enjoy our first few months together

the couch is vintage (our first purchase as a married couple)
my collection of mirrors I used in here as well as some of my favorite trim to add some texture and interest to some pretty boring lampshades...

my grandmother's antique egg cup adds a bit of color

this bed was a gift for my daughter a number of years ago...
I really like the dark wood tones against the pink! This pink fabric was originally purchased for the Patisserie I designed...
and never... NEVER thought it would be made into a coverlet for a bed I would sleep in... (didn't I tell you I was totally into pink lately?)

the fabric is taffeta... and feels like I am slipping into a ball gown when I get into bed...

bedside...

when I first started this room it was minimal bare... and I just couldn't help putting some of my favorite items in our home in that room
there is no 'rhyme or reason'... golds... metal... dark wood... painted items...
I let my gypsy soul go

a crocheted caplet my sweet grandmother made for me!

this is one of the items I purchased for the room...
a $60 dresser bought locally — and all it needed was a scrubbing
now it is perfect for a changing area

As the weather warms up... I'm looking forward to opening all of these wonderful casement windows and hearing the birds awaken in the morning and smell the flowers outdoors
it has a terrifc view of the potager as well

Do you have an area of your home you want just for you?
Just start bringing some of your favorite items into that space and you'll be surprised at how much you love it...
xo+blessings,

To see what this room has looked like before go: HERE or HERE or HERE or what until you see Romantic Prairie Style (book by Fifi O'Neill)

If I entitled this post "happy birthday" you would think I had the baby!
rest assured
no baby
however... it IS my (beyond awesome) husband's birthday today,

I only baked him this cake... (his favorite... chocolate and peanut butter)

it's made with a deep and rich homemade chocolate cake(I used yogurt instead of sour cream)... organic homemade peanut butter frosting... and a mouth watering chocolate ganache topping

he said I could just give him a baby instead of "something else"
he also said he would have openened it earlier... but we'll both be surprised now

I love my husband so much words seriously cannot come close — he loves nature... God... us... and is such a talented carpenter as well... you can see some of his carpentry skills at: Jennifer Rizzo's (he was the carpenter for her new kitchen) and he also constructed Tracey's cabinet...
and he's pretty much the reason why our farm is featured in Fifi's book... if it wasn't for him, our farm would be in shambles...
~i love you Jason~

and I'm so happy to tell you that he will be joining me on this blog about homesteading!
yeah!!
We are thoroughly engulfed in permaculture and agriforestry studies right now, and we have so much to share with you... and hopefully help you
If you want to know a little 'secret'... I've been contracting pretty heavily...
yeah again!!!
xo+blessings,

p.s. you can find the recipe for the cake at Smitten Kitchen

Some weekend inspiration has come to my attention...
Period Living Magazine, a British publication of interiors that I spent quite a bit of time looking at last night.
I came across this home and totally got inspired, and have already moved my living room around and rearranged items in there.
Here's the couple's synopsis: (courtesy of Period Living Magazine) Location: Derbyshire Period: Built in the 1800s as two cottages for the managers of the dye mill opposite; it was knocked into one house in the 1900s and an extension was added in 2000 Owners: Phil Heath, a tree surgeon, and his wife Philippa, a holistic lecturer, specialising in baby and child massage; they have four children: Jack, Tom, Joe and Bess
These aren't just words about them... but take a look above again at the Owner's description... A tree surgeon?? love that... and his wife a holistic lecturer?? I took baby and child massage classes (on how to instruct it) when I was a personal trainer at the gym... I think Jason and I could be good friends with this couple (lol)
THEIR HOME!

all their kids sleep together... I just love that! and want to recreate this up in our attic... i love every detail!

Look out Jason... we might just be putting up a pink canopy in our room like this

Considering I am joining Jennifer Rizzo and her party:

if I can, I will post pictures of the changes I have made because of this amazing home (it all depends when this baby wants to arrive!!)
do you have spring fever like me? then join Jenn's party! click on the above picture to take you to the post on all the details

Have a great weekend!!
xo+blessings,

I've been working on a special place for just me and the baby... 

*a sneak peek at my project this week* and thanks to a dear... dear... reader of this blog, it's even cozier...

she emailed me and told me she was sending me something for the baby...
but oh my goodness, this gift brought tears to my eyes... as well as my oldest daughter...
we have never met in person we have never even talked on the phone
she hand knit this adorable and super soft and cuddly blanket and cap

little did she know that the room I am working on is a bit of teal and baby blue...
especially the old basinet we are using
thank you so much Elizabeth...
from the bottom of my heart, it is one of the nicest gifts I have ever received
At a different time, another reader of this blog... a dear woman, also gave me a blanket she added crocheted edges to... and that has been cuddled and loved now by my youngest son... thank you again Penny...
reach out and touch someone else's life with tenderness... it all starts with one person... one gesture...
xo+blessings,

there is nothing better than a bright sunny day and a clean kitchen to get me baking
my special organic chocolate filled cupcakes coming right up! (have to practice before I sell them at the sale right??)
I had a fantastic time with my two daughters and the baby at Kane County Flea Market Saturday... it was so great to see the dealers who were invited to sell here at the farm. It's so important to Jason and I to make personal contact with them... besides, a day out shopping is just what I wanted/needed.
Meeting up with two friends I haven't seen since before the baby was born was great too!
I don't know about you, but spring is awesome isn't it?? I LOVE the feeling of spring!!
A HUGE thanks to all you other super duper dealers at Kane setting out our fliers... I love all the support you give one another... and we appreciate you spreading the word of our sale (yes... I said super duper)
I saw some awesome booth setups and great stuff to buy there — but didn't buy anything this time — my hands were kind of full:)
can you believe he's a month old??

& a very special thank you to Lauren for such a sweet girft!

xo+farm blessings,

though I have switched them before... it's better for our family this time around...

original bird prints on wall created the texture I wanted 

we keep our cloth napkins and some of my collection of linens in this nice size crate now... easy to grab 
I needed a change...

I wanted to create two different areas to chat/read/school/teach/learn in... and instead of two, now I have three (I'll share the other area tomorrow)... pleasantly surprised by this, the family really likes the change

now I have the dining room in what was the living room... where most of the books will soon be astrewn on while their brains learn and our hearts and souls grow together...
I can now nurse the baby on the comfy couch while helping our children... or read with the three and seven year old while keeping an eye on the other three

excitement is building for school to start... we are just waiting for the last of the books to arrive that I ordered online... soon... and then the glorious sound of pencils tapping and children talking together amongst the baby's giggles and the smell of fresh bread (a daily school snack)... and the absolutely favorite of mine: the schedule
schedule is essential to anything you want to accomplish... an organized lifestyle creates a simple frame of mind for the rest of your day and creates a peaceful harmony of all these souls under one roof
be excited for school... stay connected to your child's learning...

xo+blessings,

recently moved up from North Carolina, his hands have been busy all his life outdoors...

he lived in a one bedroom cabin in the mountains of Colorado for almost 10 years

he was a river rafter guide down the Colorado river

he was a chef

he hiked the Colorado trail... the whole thing

he is close to the Earth

he is close to God

I know!! doesn't he sound like the coolest guy?? we think so... we love him...

I only had sisters growing up, so having a brother is awesome... he is my brother by marriage... such an amazing person... he teaches me a lot about life (I've told him many times I can't wait to read the book he will write about his life... hee)

brothers
he's done so much in his life... & that character comes out in his hand carved spoons he's been doing with Jason

they sit out there in the barn and carve, talk, and mold a log into a utilitarian beautiful creation

he made this baby spoon...

I cannot tell you how excited I was to see he had done that!! If you have a baby that is starting to eat solids, or a toddler using a utensil for the first time, you understand how it just doesn't seem right to use plastic!!
I have been using silver spoons — which I like — but they are hard... metal... so this soft yet hard wooden spoon is perfect... in every way
If you are coming to the barn sale, not only is he going to be grilling some local meats for your supper or lunch, he'll be selling a few of his spoons too
he also hand carved this amazing spoon... "the serving scoop" scoop anything you like... ice cream... risotto... fresh cobbler...

it's so interesting to see the different shapes and finishes the spoons get turned into... it really does mimic their personalities... just like any artistic endeavor

whenever you create something by hand, the character comes out

hope you are all enjoying this beautiful spring day... I have more planting to do, and I can't wait to share with you all the improvements to my kitchen garden...

xo+blessings,

It can be 10:44pm when the baby has just fallen asleep when I sit down to write/type here

It can be 5am with the baby nestled within my arms when I type with one hand here

All I know is that I write whatever is on my mind

there is a good reason why I am not an accountant... a lawyer... or in politics

and actually, those aren't things I do while being a mother to my six children and wife to the most patient man on the planet

sometimes I think it is so strange the way I wake up or the way I sit

it's never the same... someone is always popping into my lap or needing to talk (or ask for something)

now you are going to think I'm weird (and maybe I am) but today when I cleaned off my bookshelves and just put up 4 flower frogs I found tucked behind all this scrap fabric... it made me love it

love the simplicity of my life

what??! what seriously did I just say... simplistic life? yes... and you know why??? because I know that I am not here to be successful

or beautiful

or save the world

or perfect

but I am here

and I am here to know God... to love Him... and to serve Him in this world

AND YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE?
i am me
no one else will ever be me (thank God right?)
AND YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE?

there will NEVER be ANYONE ELSE like you

and if no one tells you this today, I will:
I love you

tell those around you that you love them... because when you love them, you love Him... when you love Him then you have come to know Him and you are serving Him


the feeling of Christmas has started early here...

it started as soon as that wonderful smell of gingerbread was baking in my oven

what is it about these little guys that makes me chuckle? they are funny to me... little gingerbread people

i adapted an old recipe i had and am super happy with the way they came out... fluffy/thick/delicious!

i will be selling them all bagged up and ready for you at Christmas in the Alley this weekend in Sycamore

If you haven't been to Sherrie's store, A Ruffled Nest, it is completely all decked out for Christmas... as I have been over there helping her get things ready... all I can say is it is SO fun in there and having other dealers participate next door amongst the twinkly lights and live sounds of Christmas... going in and out of the old brick buildings while meandering through all the Christmas decorations... well... it's going to be so much fun I cannot wait!

My daughter has made the most delicious homemade hot cocoa mixes she has nestled inside vintage mugs that will be there for sale at Christmas in the Alley...

each mug with 2 generous helpings of cocoa for those chilly evenings (with mini marshmallows and a candy cane:) are $10 each

she has also made some snow globes from vintage mason jars! (I'll be sharing that tomorrow)

Jason has also been working on some terrific handmade/ hand carved gifts...

there are knives, baby spoons, honey dippers, serving spoons, buttons, lunch boards, cutting boards, rolling pins... We are so very excited to share these with you!!

more information on all of Jason's hand carved items and the other items, will be all up this week...

everyone is feeling creative... and getting back to crocheting and knitting in the early mornings before we start school...

there is always a hearty breakfast... and to see the kids work together like this every morning warms my heart more than any cup of coffee...

on a personal note, a new fitness regime has started... and it's due to how baby Daniel isn't snuggling up to his Mama to nurse any longer... it's always such a sad time for me... I already miss him warm in my arms... his independence is surfacing... as is his personality!! He has this laugh that is hilarious... like a sneaky laugh "hah hah"... if I can catch him, I'll record it, because it cracks me up...

he'll sit there in my bedroom and hide from me... I'll say "where's Daniel... I don't see him anywhere??" and I hear in the closet a slight "hah hah"...

I don't know what is going to be more time consuming for me this week;
preparing for Advent
or baking for Christmas in the Alley

I have been changing up the decorating around here too... it's been a lot of fun putting up new curtains... moving furniture... totally changing up my bedroom too...

sharing all of it in good time...

hope you all had wonderful Thanksgiving weekend... we all needed that break around here!!!!

xo+ a bit of Christmas blessings,

how often I am in a constant state of control
my faith humbles me to the point of exhausting all resources within me and I seem to malfunction rather quickly

shut down

letting someone else take control... = what's for breakfast = how we garden = plans for the day = how to sort the laundry = what we'll pray on as a family
all this responsibility (and obviously much more than what I revealed) can be heavy upon my shoulders... but never a burden... just heavy... and sometimes too heavy where I seem to be crushed
like a dog with it's head out the window, the exhilarating feeling of being in a car, windows down, is freeing
maybe I'm saying that because I seriously don't get out that much... but that could just be my saving grace... the more I get out, the more I want out... but the more I pray... the more I want to pray
pushing the door open to the garden gate to go back up to the house, I looked back and my eyes saw my husband watering our newly planted asparagus patch, son was weeding, girl was swinging... big kids were at the last day of a Church retreat... the baby wiggled under my chin and the Holy Spirit rushed passed me as the wind feels with the windows down... the objects of my affection were closer than they appear
I started walking up the gravel path, my flip flops flipping on my heels, but my feet weren't touching the ground. My spirit was soaring with amazement — not being able to fully realize what was happening -
I parked myself upon the comfy cushy chair on the deck and held my baby close and nourished him physically. Completely letting the moment sink upon me.
= We are letting our life here be led by something stronger than our hands = The seasons and changes in weather guide our chores, duties, responsibilities
I am not in control, just along for the ride... and it's a gorgeous view

suffocating on constant noise in the world, I physically removed myself from it this week in adoration
me alone in silence with Him
I set up the day and time... brought my notebook and pen...
it was the best thing I could have done for myself, my family, and my healing from a personal issue
the very same day, we had to travel 45 minutes in the car, with baby Daniel at a constant cry — no matter what his dear siblings did for him to try to make him quiet

in both situations it literally took me over 15 minutes to detox myself from the clamoring in my head

all I know is that when I silenced myself that is when I could acutally let the Lord speak to me... not the world

today's thought: the world is given to us from the silence within



yes, the living room got rearranged again (surprise surprise)... from top to bottom: 1)vintage suitcases hold family photographs and picnic on the go ideas... 2)one of the coolest toys for children of all ages... 3)the rearrange... 4)globe collection courtesy of the children's grammy + one from a flea market jaunt with Jason, for which they are all money banks except the big ones, so hopefully it will promote more savings... 5)chest of drawers with baby clothes & toys + blankets... 6)my chalkboard from when I was 5 and I "played school" — things really aren't any different

When baby Daniel sees our dog Bella, she doesn't know that Bella won't talk back to him
this struck me (as does every single thing I encounter in my life) and it really made me think
He was sitting on my lap, tummy down on my chubby thighs (yes, I did say MY chubby thighs) and was talking to the dog... cooing away... inflections here and there
trying to get her attention!
she was looking at him, which he giggles at, and their communication was complete
he doesn't know the dog doesn't talk
it doesn't matter to him
Baby Daniel accepts the dog the way she is... non talking and all

random picture of what I did Saturday morning... came up with 2 new yummy cupcakes!! = lemon cupcake with fresh blueberry butter cream frosting = chocolate and lavender cupcake with blueberry butter cream frosting
both will be available at the farm this October with the blueberries the family picked so graciously for me and for you... as well as the lavender from my garden... organically grown
The Homesteading Series here at NA.DA.FARM will be up and running soon! Jason and I can't wait to share some more NA.DA.FARM with you



Jenn: the lamps are PERFECT!

my sunroom is almost done being transformed into me and the baby's nest...
I've gathered some of my favorite things for in here...
like this sweet little vintage gown for a "her"...

and I just found this sweet turquoise colored baby rosary that I grouped with some of my collection of old Mass Missals...

The color pattern is vibrant yet soft... soft silky textures with quilted throws... dark woods and painted furniture...

a definite gypsy farmgirl mix...
Hope you enjoyed the music I featured in yesterday's post... (if you didn't... scroll down)
Josh e-mailed me telling me how cool it is that we are homesteading... he inspires me... I even wrote a song after seeing that performance... so thank YOU Josh... anytime you are in Chi-town — I'd be happy to cook you a fresh organic meal while you play my guitar (but don't be surprised if my kids join in on the Bodhran and congas)
Wishing you all a fantastic day filled with joy and happiness...
xo+blessings,

I needed some color in the dining room, so this corner hutch was brought into the dining room to hold my favorite collection of antique Mexican pottery...

i love the bird motif — each one hand painted -

the smaller dessert plates are corralled into a lined basket — along with a plate we unearthed when digging in the ground here at the farm... it has a large chunk taken out of the bottom... so that's why it's in the back

these old blue mason jars are great for a quick flower arrangement or to hold some silver ice cream spoons and knives...

this bowl was my grandmother's when she was alive... it's English... and so delicate...

i dream of making pottery someday... i love how Mexican pottery is hand done... rustic... personal... and hand crafted...

on the bottom shelf I am displaying some of my collection of antique French linens...

overall... it's doing the trick... for now at least... and I love having the little pillow Maria gave me as a gift, sitting on my son's high chair... it really is the best smelling lavender pillow...
(I might be tiring of the red fabric I slip covered on my dining room chairs though... if this baby doesn't come soon... maybe I should just re-do them no?)

have a wonderful day!
xo+blessings,

I'm so thrilled to tell you that I am expanding on this conceptual journey of 'beauty'

putting together a room, with all it's rearranging of furniture and the play of light on a certain chair, or the way the bookcase it now highlighted by your side lamp all invokes a story of how you visual your space

yes, I am rearranging again

this room is awesome with the archway... and I keep trying to incorporate that space into the living room space (as you see, it's the living room again:) however, the coziness keeps telling me to embrace that beauty of coziness!!

it's high time that the blue floral couch from 1940 gets moved out... it just doesn't fit my decor anymore

and the hutch... it has housed crafts, silver, everyday dishes, bowls, and now is in the living room waiting...
poor thing

baby Daniel is thoroughly confused and delighted to have a plethora of crawling space (notice the 'moving men' under the couch)
my current (material) desires are to achieve an earthy easy elegance into this farmhouse with softness

here's some of my inspiration:

I've always been a great 'lover' of things black and white, and would love to add some more of that into the house... 

designtoinspire.net 

this photo has it (almost) all of what I'm thinking: natural wood, black, white, texture, a bit of industrial, clean + simple (what it is lacking is more color) 

skema this entry has the red I really like, the antique piece, the natural wood around doorway, the pops of color... and though paisley might be "out" I still think this looks great 

Canadian house to home

as soon as I saw this, I instantly wanted to put up some more of my oil paintings... good thing I didn't put them out to sell them at the barn sale!

country living
the open shelving idea is really striking a chord with me, there's talk of using remaining wood from the sunroom remodel (douglas fir) for the shelves 

countryliving

beautifullife


~have a great rest of the day~
peace + blessings,

the ongoing joke now is at lunchtime... Jason's food presentations are becoming more and more elaborate (he is serving me each meal in bed... he is so awesome)
he even served me a fruit salad of stacked sliced bananas and raspberries
he really is a great cook

but an even better husband
when not busy with me or baby, he did some homesteading (which I can't wait to share with you) as well as taking this time to work on the barn... for the event...
when I can walk out there I will and show all he's been doing
he's the best partner in life and in business

xo+blessings,

Being completely able to load, hold, aim and shoot accurately at anything in life takes discipline

and the willingness to not be afraid of trying new things
but always being on guard, from not only evil, but allowing yourself to stop caring... of even the little things...

what I'm guarding...
= my individuality (making sure I'm not becoming too familiar with myself)
= my children
= the last of the tomatoes from the chickens (who btw, are still not laying eggs)
= baby Daniel from getting any bigger (at six months of age, there is seriously nothing cuter than his chubby thighs and little giggles)
= my sanity (due to the impounding ideas surging through my brain for the upcoming event... I have to keep calm!! — emphasizing even more of the need to relax due to the double exclamation marks)
= my oldest son's desires
= my oldest daughter's modesty
= my sewing needles (my oldest son is sewing patches onto his clothing — and in which, has sewn his arm closed twice, and knotted the thread so tightly we could zip line from it)
= my sugar (the bees need to fed some of my coveted raw sugar... they have been bred with another queen... it's a long story... but let's say, there was a mighty battle and the queen is dead!

don't become too familiar with yourself... but be on guard it's for His glory, not your own

yes, about the baby due in a few short weeks... but honestly, this May Event is really the best thing that could be for me right now... a blessing if you will...

My Hungarian roots are colorized by the true gypsy blood that runs through my veins...

photo credit: gypsy purplestories of dirt floor huts, and brushing the dirt with a special rake to make patterns in the floor when company comes to visit... seriously...
no joke!! I am from Gypsy Blood (I know what you are thinking... "oooohhhh... that explains it!) lol
you have no idea how badly I want to make a gypsy hut of my own...
or at least bring in more textures and colors into my home decor...
so I'm trying...
I just bought 2 pink chairs for my living room — PINK! (do you think my gypsy soul is telling me it's a girl?) 
Our home is pretty 'prairie farmhouse', but I came up with a new one that I really like: "PRAIRIE GYPSY"
that's me!

photo credit: Tobias Harvey

but I tend to crave solitude colors as well... and would love to spruce up the corn crib like this: 

photo credit: Virginia McDonald see? didn't I tell you I was random?
thoughts are like that when you just had a braxton/hicks contraction and some sugared treats with milk (craving)
I tend to dress the same way... sometimes pure linen with simple drop earrings... or a classic long denim skirt with a t-shirt top and funky hat or head scarf
it never is the same
and neither should my "decorating"
I am no decorator... not one bit do I think so, but I do like expressing myself around my home with sometimes new furniture, new drapes I made, or a simple throw

and don't you worry! I am still focused on that master bedroom!!
inspiration via linenandlavender.blogspot

focused

just on about 20 different things right now

xo+blessings,