Woodland Faerie Crowns and Other Wonderful Creations

Marley is just about the most creative person I know. She is always making some new craft with whatever she might find around the house or in the yard. So yesterday when I saw with some wire and a pair of pliers I wondered what she could possibly be making this time. A half hour later and everyone had a beautiful ivy crown to enjoy.















I wish the picture turned out better, but here is a mobile that she made for her little brother Ephraim. He loves it and is often seen staring at it with a smile full of wonderment.



This is another of Marley's creations. Last week was Thomas' birthday. Marley and Townsend wanted to surprise him with the perfect gift. They chose the best pieces from the wood pile and found nails and a hammer in the garage. They wanted to make him little book shelves for his nightstand. They did everything all by themselves and the bookshelves turned out beautifully. Thomas even cried when they proudly presented him with their gifts. Of course if you know Thomas that isn't too surprising.

Aside from her creativity Marley is sweet and kind and thoughtful. I am so thankful for how much she helps me and is concerned for my feelings. She is a beautiful girl and I love her so much.

Is It Spring Or What?

On the whole I'd have to say it's been a pretty crappy spring here in the NW. But every once in awhile we'll get a beautiful day. All the kids will play outside for hours and hours. When they finally do come back in they'll have sweet little grass stains on their knees as reminder of their adventures. The house somehow stays a little cleaner. And the marshmallows hidden behind the spices on the top shelf are forgotten by Aislyn, if only for a day.


We were so fortunate to have one such day this last Sunday. I got out the camera and took some pictures in celebration of the discovery that my camera was in fact not broken as I had previously thought after Thomas had put it "away" so high that no person measuring less than 6' 5"could ever reach it, and when I did finally catch hold of it to pull it down it fell and hit me on the head and then crashed to the floor. But I guess that's another story entirely.


These ones of Jairus and Aislyn crack me up. I have come to love that despite my best efforts to the contrary they always find a way to look dishevelled. They have style all their own!

There is always so much going on. It is so easy for me to take this time of my life for granted. But when I stop for just a moment I remember to just love those dirty little faces. Even now I hear Marley and Townsend upstairs dancing with the younger kids to some Spanish flamenco guitar music and it makes me smile. If only we could all just remember to smile a little more often.