March at Our House
Early in March, we knew that spring was just around the corner when we noticed the clumps of daffodils coming up in the woods. The children spent the warmer afternoons playing outside and gathering handfuls of flowers.
The garlic that was planted in the fall began coming up. The days were still cool, but these signs of growing things were so encouraging!
My oldest daughter learned a new instrument last month when Grandma brought over her autoharp. Her guitar will always be her favorite, but she’s enjoyed learning a new skill.
I started thinking about summer sewing, and found lots of fabric options in my fabric stash. The cheerful colors are so uplifting in the midst of gray days.
My husband and I were finally able to get away for a short trip together (the first in ten years!). We went to the place where he proposed to me, so many years ago, and held hands, and enjoyed uninterrupted conversation. Mostly, we talked about the kids! Isn’t that the way it is? They are such a blessed part of our lives that we love talking about them and making plans for our future together as a family. All in all, it was a beautiful and wonderful time. We were refreshed and ready to get back home and see our loved ones.
But when we arrived home, we found our littlest love sick with a fever. Oh, I just wanted to hold him and care for him. And I had ample opportunity for loving on him the next few days. One by one, each of the children became ill with the same infection, which appeared to be a nasty bacterial illness.
To pass the time, I dug out this spring flower garland kit that I’ve been anticipating making since last fall.
The girls helped me sew the little felt flowers together and then we crocheted a chain and attached each flower and leaf to it.
We hung it in the living room to add some cheerful spring color to our decor.
The younger girls also enjoyed learning how to use this French Knitting Flower. It’s a simple little yarn project that results in a little knitted cord that emerges from the bottom. It’s a great activity for doing quietly during read aloud time.
Even though I was praying I might escape, I was the last one to get the dreaded illness (and my husband was spared, thankfully!). I spent several days in bed, reading and knitting and just feeling miserable in general. I was happy that I finished reading four books! And I am so close to getting this shawl finished. I had hoped to finish it in time to wear it while it was still cool out, but I’m not sure I’ll make it.
After seeing this idea on Ginny’s lovely blog, I knew this was a project my little ones would love. And I was so right! I printed off these free Sweet Little Birdie labels, and then we made our own stamp glue using gelatin, honey, and water.
After the glue had dried, they were able to lick and stick the stamps on letters to Grandma, pictures, and other things. Super fun (although next time I’ll remember to put down some newspaper before we start. I had sticky, gelatinous GLUE stuck to the table in various places!).
We thought it was spring, and then the snow came back. The children were thrilled, as Daddy decided to take the opportunity to play outside with them. Always something to give thanks for!
I’ve been organizing again, and this time I decided to create a little crafting and sewing corner in the basement. I love it when my reorganizing/decorating projects are totally free, yet they yield such a satisfying result. I simply took a bookshelf we already had, moved some books around, and used some baskets I already had, to make a place for all the patterns, sewing books, and other sewing supplies to all be in one place. I still have a bit of work to do in this space, but already I love it!
We were finally able to go to church yesterday! It was the first time we had been there since January. And I was so thankful that our pastor’s wife was there! Some of you may remember that I had requested prayer for her after she was in a very serious auto accident. She broke her neck, and it was a miracle that she lived and wasn’t paralyzed after the whole thing. She had to wear a halo for awhile, and now she’s in a neck brace. She’s still dealing with pain and so many rehabilitative issues, but we’re so thankful for her life! This was the first time we had been able to see her and her family since before the accident, and it was a huge blessing to worship together again.
My children have been bringing me heaps of daffodils from the woods. And my three-year-old has become obsessed with giving hugs and kisses! It is the most lovely thing to have little arms wrapped around my neck and little lips pressed against mine. In the midst of everyday difficulties and trials, there is joy, even though sometimes we miss it at first. I want to keep my eyes open for these moments of beauty that come when we least expect them. ♥
That would be so fun, Joy! And please know that you are more than welcome here anytime! If you'd ever like to come up and visit, just let us know!
Thank you, Sarah! I'd so much love to see your baby goats (and everything else on your homestead)! 🙂
I loved this post, Joy!! So inspiring and a real treat to have this glimpse into your family's lives . . . you come up with the best ideas! And seeing the photos makes me miss you all. 🙂 We'll have to try to make it down there again one of these days!
Aww, how sweet, Sarah! I've felt the same way when I read your posts–wishing we lived just a little bit closer! We would love to see you and your family again! I'm sure we're getting into your really busy time with gardening and all of the other homesteading activities, but anytime you're free, we'd love to have you (or, maybe we could drive up your direction)! 🙂
Enjoyed your beautiful photos. It's great to record 'family memories'
and all the everyday happenings~Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Jennifer! I appreciate your visits here!
Such special joys to share as a family! Love the special projects and skills and fun re-organizing you've been doing. Have a beautiful day!
Thank you so much for stopping by, Jennifer! I hope you have a wonderful week!