26 July 2010

There once was an old dollhouse looking for a new home. It was handmade with love, for a special little someone . . . but she grew up and no longer wanted it.

It went to the garage sale, hoping for a new family.

A treasure-seeker found it, and saw the love put into creating it. She bought it with plans to revamp it, re-furnish it, and refine it, so that one day it would could be a dollhouse again.

But, sadly, the treasure-seeker did not have the time or opportunity to bring about her plans. It was time, again, for the dollhouse to find a new home, where hopefully it could be cherished. And that is how I come into the story.

Although I do not play with dolls, or create miniature furniture . . . I do collect old books. And those books were in need of a happy place to reside – a place where they could be seen and enjoyed.

That dollhouse is where the stories in those old books now sit.

An old dollhouse, handmade with love, now filled with old books, being treasured anew.

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[33] Comments » | Categories: Handmade, Inspirations, Photography, Vintage

24 July 2010

[13] Comments » | Categories: God's Creation, Inspirations

19 July 2010

Warm weather is not always my cup of tea, but there are plenty of summer-y things that make up for the temperatures. For example . . .

fireflies lighting up the surrounding fields at night,

sweet watermelons, {and fond memories of} juicy messes and sticky fingers,

a large patch of Black-Eyed Susans,

campfires at night, while roasting marshmallows and sharing stories,

buzzing bumble bees,

walking on sandy beaches and feeling the sand between my toes, and

stunning sunsets that fill me with awe of our Creator.

Those are just a few of the things that remind me of summer, and make me thankful for this warm season. What are your favorite things about summer?

[11] Comments » | Categories: Inspirations, Life

17 July 2010

“Resolved To Be” is the new blog of my blessed mother. Having moved from Robin’s Egg Blue, she hopes to more thoroughly capture her vision through her new site, making it a sweet and inviting place to encourage other wives, mothers, and homemakers.

It was a delight to have the opportunity to design her new blog, and she’s a joy to work with.

The theme incorporates gentle shades of taupe, blue, and red through an elegant combination of the decorative font, seamless background, and beveled edges.

And the added detail of a faded clock in the top-right corner of the header is a quiet reminder of the shortness of life . . . the brief amount of time we have on this beautiful earth . . . and how we must resolve and be intentional in all that we do.

I encourage you to visit Resolved To Be, leave my precious mother a comment, and maybe even subscribe to her updates.

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[11] Comments » | Categories: Encouragement, Family, Portfolio

14 July 2010

Cookies. Chocolate. Peanut butter.

All together in one perfect little cookie. These are the best cookies I have ever had – with a couple others falling in at a close second and third.

If it hadn’t been for eating gluten-free, we probably would never have found the best chocolate chip cookie recipe . . . and believe me – even though they’re free of gluten – these taste wonderfully normal (and even better)!

With no further ado (except to say “Thank you!” to Kate, who has graciously let me post a slightly altered version of her recipe on my blog), here is the recipe . . .

The Best Chocolate Chip + Peanut Butter Cookies
BAKE: 9 minutes at 325° | YIELD: Two Dozen | NOTE: They’re gluten-free!

Ingredients:

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups Gluten-Free Flour blend
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325°F. Combine the brown sugar, peanut butter and butter in the bowl of your mixer. Beat until fluffy – about 3 – 4 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until fluffy – about two minutes.

Dump in the dry ingredients (all but the chocolate chips) and mix until combined and smooth. Add chocolate chips. Mix until well distributed.

Form into balls (we use a 1″ scoop) and place on parchment paper about 2 inches apart.

Bake at 325°F for 9 minutes or until the top becomes slightly golden brown.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 3-4 minutes on the cookie pan before lifting gently with a spatula to the cooling rack. Store in an airtight container.

Note: To use whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour in substitute for
the gluten-free flour blend (making it non-gluten-free), you can
use the same amount for the replacement. (Thanks, Katie, for the tip!)

These taste wonderful! I hope you enjoy them!

[28] Comments » | Categories: Food, Gluten-Free, Life, The Home

10 July 2010

Jack is a part of the dear Devine family, who we visited last week. While we were there, we went to Indiana Dunes for the first time – it was breathtaking!

[13] Comments » | Categories: Family, God's Creation, Life, Photography

3 July 2010

There are some places that leave me in awe. Some places that reflect beauty in ways that I could not have imagined on my own. Some places that just make me smile at the creativity of our Creator. And some places that I’ll never forget.

If you were to replace “places” with “people” in the above sentences, it would all still be true.

We are continually surrounded by things that impact our lives: people, births, deaths, landscapes, walls, etc. And the things we do ourselves impact those around us: sowing, smiling, reaping, building, encouraging, weeping, creating, sharing, understanding, etc.

There is a ripple effect that we have on the people and the things surrounding us.

Just like the beautiful scene above had an impact on me, you have an impact on those around you – whether you realize it or not.

When we do something, it not only changes our lives, but it also shapes the lives of others, and sometimes it does so without us ever even realizing it. We are being watched by younger siblings, parents, peers, strangers, etc.

What do they see you doing that will have an impact on their lives?

[12] Comments » | Categories: Encouragement, Family, Inspirations, Life, Photography

29 June 2010

[10] Comments » | Categories: Family, Life, The Home

26 June 2010

Imagine the furnished living room of a home.

The lamps seem to brighten the rooms in the cool of the evening as the sun sets, adding a comforting warmth. The furniture well-worn, having the look of being well loved. The family China cabinet holds what appears to be precious dishes used for the most special occasions.

The end-table next to the sofa is noticeably hand-carved, as it could be seen that great care was given in the composing of its every detail. A writing desk in the corner has an unfinished letter on it, and in the writing of a child the beginning reads, “Dear Grandma.”

Four filled bookshelves cover one wall, suggesting a love of learning. On the other walls are found family pictures, paintings of virtuous men and women, embroideries of Scripture.

What does this room tell you?

What things do you imagine happen each day in the life of the family living in this home? How do you picture their outlook on life? What do you believe is important to them?

The things found and seen in this room reflect the daily life of the family who lives at the described dwelling. Their worldview can be found when searched for, and the things they hold dear are evident in the furnishings and surroundings alone.

Which leads me to a question we all should ponder,

If the rooms of your home were frozen in time, what would your living room
say about your family and what is important to you?

[13] Comments » | Categories: Encouragement, Family, Life, The Home