tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35380305125754169272011-10-31T07:25:13.640-07:00My attempts to live as gracefully, simply, sustainably, and joyfully as possible!Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.comBlogger1331100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-29188377521349945162010-12-15T01:27:00.000-08:002010-12-15T01:27:00.326-08:00

OK, I finally got a pic of the drapes to show you all, and it totally sucks, but alas, it's hard to get a natural light photo of drapes on brightly lit windows with a point and shoot camera...  These drapes are not pressed properly, nor were the pleats set properly, and it will bug me later.  When it does, I'll fix it, but for now... I'm glad to have them up and not have the curtain rods glaring

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-17029072127384824022010-12-10T01:10:00.000-08:002010-12-10T01:10:00.396-08:00

I've been kind of a machine lately, just turning out project after project for Christmas... having my new sewing table right in the center of all the commotion helps motivate me to get projects done.  Also, it motivates me to clean up after myself before the guests get here!  I have so many projects to post, I've got to divide and conquer!  I'm rather proud of these socks, they're pretty and the

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-52385351531632458532010-12-09T14:34:00.000-08:002010-12-09T14:34:53.907-08:00

Apparently, it's a movement or something...  even The Nester is feeling it!!!!

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-7322892736043414352010-12-08T07:40:00.000-08:002010-12-09T15:04:38.240-08:00

Well, I've found the camera! Whoo hoo! Thought I'd add some photos of Christmas Decor... I've been on this "Less is more" thing lately, putting the breakables up high because of the little destroyer.  I found these teal and red balls at JoAnne's half off and thought that'd be perfect for my chandeliers... I like it, well, I like the little bird.  I also bought a Christmas papercrafting kit from

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-9407410407483991952010-12-01T10:38:00.000-08:002010-12-01T10:38:36.784-08:00

Well!!!  Here I am again, your faithful, if sporadic, crafty friend!  I have lost my camera, today, so no pics from me.... but I have been making things... I have been very inspired by the Sew Mama Sew Blog, they are so good about coming up with lovely ideas for making handmade things for gifts for people you really, really love, and who really, really love you!  So far I've printed gift tags and

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-23038367093569150722010-11-14T11:56:00.000-08:002010-11-14T11:57:21.145-08:00

I've spent it schooling and cooking, doing laundry and sewing... and knitting... this stuff:

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-31375883605066685682010-09-14T06:00:00.000-07:002010-09-14T06:00:02.952-07:00

I have sung the praises of my planning book, and it continues to make life easier for all of us.  I've been really digging this super organized Melissa chick.  So new and unexpected and effective!  I was out on my own the other day and someone asked me, "Are you a teacher?"  I was a little unsure how to answer.  I asked why and she said I just look like a teacher.  I am a teacher, since I home

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-40864967201434181462010-09-12T05:58:00.000-07:002010-09-12T05:58:31.470-07:00

When it starts to get cooler, I come out of a summer hibernation... OK, I'm not really hibernating, but summer always makes me feel as though I'm going to die of exhaustion very, very soon. I think this is a thing... otherwise, why would there be a song called, "There Ain't No Cure for the Summertime Blues," or something.  Aaaanyway, moving rooms around to make a study for my older students to

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-69963906269091221622010-08-28T17:36:00.000-07:002010-08-28T17:36:00.259-07:00

I've been getting lots and lots of boxes of books in the mail lately.  I love books, especially in the fall, when the crisp scent of decaying leaves and apples and smoke remind you that it's time to wear wool, and snuggle in, and learn some new stuff!  I'm especially excited about the Dauphin's new books this year.  He's starting the Veritas Press Omnibus I curriculum.  I'm excited for several

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-47921278247556404712010-08-26T05:40:00.000-07:002010-08-26T05:40:00.590-07:00

So, guess what!  I made the jalapenos and they're very yummy, approved by my pickled jalapeno loving husband.  Also, my friend Joy gave me some kefir to use so I'll start making that for soaking grains a la Nourishing Traditions.  It incubates at room temperature, so no more accidentally killing my yogurt in the oven while I prep for dinner! Also, I'm going to try to do the sew along at

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-31298405866455898132010-07-26T12:57:00.001-07:002010-07-26T12:57:36.526-07:00

So, my pickles are crunchy and tasty, very salty, though... trying again with whey and jalapenos...

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-15281570763656176012010-07-21T09:22:00.000-07:002010-07-21T09:37:11.283-07:00

Ok, so anyone who eats yogurt enjoys the benefits of lactofermentation, it's basically growing good bacteria, the kind that your tummy likes, in a milk medium.  I've found out that it can be used for preserving foods, too, and still with all the benefits to your tummy!  Not to mention, there's no cooking involved, so the food remains nutritionally dense during preservation, unlike canning or to a

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-9618387879464597822010-07-16T17:09:00.000-07:002010-07-16T17:09:16.811-07:00

I planted the herbs in April, like a week after we moved in.  This is what they looked like immediately after planting.  Kind of bare and scraggly... I know.  There's rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano, and parsley, plus marigolds. In June I took pics of the gardens as we planted and prepared them, it was late for planting, but we took awhile to get the gardens ready.  Between unpacking and

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-20081226317688949292010-07-15T13:24:00.000-07:002010-07-15T13:24:50.914-07:00

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-48589867711161819062010-06-15T07:05:00.000-07:002010-06-15T07:05:03.857-07:00

Buttercup in Elisabeth Lavold Hempathy...Size 4 circular needleCool and comfy, except for the plunging neckline, which requires a tank, which sort of ruins the sublime coolness... I'll make it again, and make the neck line a bit more discreet!  And this color, really any shade of blue green makes me feel happy... looks good with my hair, too!

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-62545577500198027732010-06-15T05:41:00.000-07:002010-06-15T05:41:47.400-07:00

My mother's recipe, in her own handwriting: The first time we made this together, I had a boy-man coming to dinner, and she wrote it in a book that she'd been preparing for me with other recipes... I don't remember that boy's name at all, but making dinner with my mom is a very fond memory.  I made it one night last week and thought I'd record it pictorially.  I used fresh rosemary and my

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-91040747822449286122010-05-29T17:59:00.000-07:002010-05-29T17:59:19.083-07:00

I am now the age my mother was when I graduated from high school.  This could possibly be depressing, but really, I'm happy to have lived all this life of mine.  My birthday was a wonderfully fun day, thanks to my darling husband and my dear children.  I slept in, had brunch in bed, rose to a family cleaning the house for me, finished a knitted t-shirt, and then took an hour and a half to get

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-30025960189139409152010-05-27T06:53:00.000-07:002010-05-27T06:54:43.250-07:00

Hello, People!  I've been thoroughly enjoying the country life this past week!  We've had lots of rain, and I finally got my garden planted.  The baby hoed it over after I planted it, so the seeds are probably all in the wrong places now, but I think I'll just wait for them to germinate and then put them where I want them.  Evenings here are magical this time of year.  The humidity holds scent

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-73731247348883142902010-05-18T00:00:00.000-07:002010-05-18T07:03:33.221-07:00

So, I've assembled what I have in the Living Room, and arranged the furniture, but I'm sort of stumped when it comes to curtains.  Any suggestions?  I have the orange fabric that was in the old living room... not enough for drapes, but I could make valances or pieced drapes combining the orange with another fabric... I prefer drapes to valances, but beggars can't be choosers.  I also ordered some

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-15520264729822355042010-05-17T07:39:00.000-07:002010-05-17T07:39:29.686-07:00

Well, we are officially starting our food production endeavors as of this morning!  The chicks have arrived!  This year to save time we ordered two specials from Murray Mc Murray Hatchery, the Barbecue Special (Straight run cornish x's or cornish roasters) and the Rainbow Layers Special (various breeds of chickens that lay colored eggs).  So, as of 8:23 this morning 51 little funny little

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-2180803772853608402010-05-15T11:19:00.000-07:002010-05-15T12:32:24.934-07:00

This is the house, the day after we moved in... I started unpacking the kitchen right after I made the beds. I think a cabinet that's white inside is wonderful!  Everything looks so clean and bright.  An old (as in long time) friend came to help organize things... she's good at it.  Plus she likes the kids, bonus! And of course the Prairie Princess got busy dressing appropriately for her

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-71896975582132038002010-05-13T12:45:00.000-07:002010-05-13T12:45:23.364-07:00

Hi!!!  I've missed you all!  My internet was installed about 10 minutes ago and the first thing I did was come tell you darling people.  I've been really missing my narcissistic ramblings.  Have you?  Probably not, but really, what is blogging but narcissism, really? I have some good news!  I am the proud new owner of my dream house as of last Friday, thank Goodness. We were moved in late March

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-36142152028377712142010-03-14T18:57:00.000-07:002010-03-14T18:57:29.874-07:00

Well, we have a closing date, finally, which gives my life some focus finally!  May 3rd we have a scheduled closing and we move in two weeks... woo hoo!  My FIL mentioned to my husband that he'd like some exterior pics of the house so I got right on it.  We went to the house yesterday and measured rooms so I could plan furniture layouts, and walked the property, and I took some shots of the house

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-75750922352162605532010-03-08T08:31:00.000-08:002010-03-08T08:31:00.278-08:00

I'm getting super excited about the move!  I can't wait live in my dream house!  Well, this is the last sneak peek, as these all look alike and I'm going to include them all in one post.  The bedrooms in this house are not over large, with the basement bedroom being the exception, but all have at least one large closet and large windows.  These, I think, are the most essential features in a

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-23337197132253898682010-03-06T08:30:00.000-08:002010-03-06T08:30:07.624-08:00

I'm very excited about the move, now that we have a place to move to!  Packing is in earnest and the POD is being stuffed as full as it can get.  We're signing the lease this week and going to measure the rooms precisely, and I'll plan furniture layouts in the evenings after the chillens are in bed, resting from their long days of forced labor carrying boxes and washing walls!  So, I thought I'd

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-63291780271757281372010-03-03T15:50:00.000-08:002010-03-03T15:50:17.696-08:00

Here is my second Ravelympics project... I was going to do my Great Room in Orange and Turquoise, but now I'm thinking this throw would be a beautiful palette for the room.  The chartreuse and turquoise are cheerful enough for a schoolroom, but they're also cool and calm... hmmmm... the orange could be the Play Room color!  Decisions, decisions... Also, some house news.  We still haven't got

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-77785581059121728632010-02-27T09:25:00.000-08:002010-02-27T09:27:32.043-08:00

This is my Giant Slolem Afghan... he wanted an afghan for his 6th birthday, and this is it... and accomplished in the alotted time for the Ravelympics, not to mention the progress I've made on the Print o the Wave stole and my Giant Granny afghan!  I'm not getting much else done, however, and packing has come to a rather screeching halt.  Only one more day till the Olympics are over and then I'm

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-36800812114314650502010-02-13T06:32:00.000-08:002010-02-13T06:34:33.601-08:00

Hi!  Feeling very sad for the Georgian Olympic team and the athletes family and friends... how very awful when a young person dies.  I did get to start my Ravelympics competition and I thought I'd share my progress... I was up till about 4am... and when I got in bed, Hubs got up as he was picking up coworkers in our Suburban... thank the Lord for 4x4s, and my hardworking Hubs  Who else wants to

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-51827014849758032032010-02-12T16:04:00.000-08:002010-02-12T16:04:18.479-08:00

Here it is!!!  I really am proud of this!  Now I'm ready to start my Ravelympics2010 project tonight when the torch is lit... I know, it'll be late.  I took a nap! I bought some new brown Mary Jane pumps to go with it!

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-13303184457863038842010-02-12T15:51:00.000-08:002010-02-12T15:51:04.110-08:00

I have successfully tied up some loose ends here at Contentment... I finished my brown cardigan in time for my trip to Texas next week... I even got some pics today, which I, of course, will share... We've started our luge track here at the house.  OK, it's a sled track, but we're calling it the luge track.  We've worn ourselves out packing snow.  I mean, we all came in and collapsed and I still

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-71322622760215408132010-02-11T06:30:00.000-08:002010-02-11T06:30:18.714-08:00

Hmmmmmm.... someone's not staying emotionally distant.....

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-26082871662579864842010-02-10T16:00:00.000-08:002010-02-10T16:00:00.096-08:00

Ok, all, I've teased you and teased you with these sneak peeks, I know.  There are only a few left, as I WAS hoping to have approval from the owner's lender by now, but we're still waiting... still....  ..... ................ However, I did think you all deserved a pic of the basement and it's uber high ceilings (in a BASEMENT) and beautiful ceiling fans and french doors out to the fenced back

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-10470044306666730952010-02-09T15:16:00.000-08:002010-02-09T15:24:20.283-08:00

It's been snow, snow, and more snow around here!  It snowed so much it filled up the cattle guard and the cows thought they'd traipse right out of their field this morning to look for forage.  My neighbor's son called and gave us a heads up, so I thought I'd just roll out of bed, wash my face, get dressed, and see what's up out there... Or what's out up there... hard to say when I've just woken

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-3717588716243205412010-02-08T07:06:00.000-08:002010-02-08T07:10:45.110-08:00

This girl is a born Mama... the first thing she did after learning to crawl was to go get a baby doll and haul it around, everywhere, without fail.  She loves her little kitchen, which she got for her fourth birthday this year, along with this oh, so, cute ruffly pink dress.  The apron is one of two that she wears when working in her efficient little kitchen.  I think she's just so stinkin cute

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-79084677965344058272010-02-01T08:59:00.000-08:002010-02-01T08:59:08.406-08:00

We're coming to the end of a Star Wars movie marathon here at Contentment.... to explain the title. I told you that I made another skirt and I wore it last week, and the sun came out, but the Hubs wasn't home to help take pics, sooooo.... I just took them myself. Sorry. Anyway, here's the skirt... OK, I know it's kind of juvenile, but I'm not really that grown up yet. I love it. I know you

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-9244409001824714522010-02-01T08:00:00.000-08:002010-02-01T08:00:03.850-08:00

Most modern art I dislike... OK, well, postmodern art. But I love to look at Mark Rothko's later canvases. Let me clarify, I love the Color as Field pictures before the darkness sets into Rothko's work, cause that dark stuff makes me super sad. I can't wait for the Mark Rothko Exhibit that opens at the National Gallery of Art in May. We visited last Tuesday for a first hand look at Jackson

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-45333771531314058112010-01-30T14:47:00.001-08:002010-01-30T14:55:22.506-08:00

And, here we are at the Master Bedroom's Walk in Closet... three walls of hanging storage, not to mention the shelving possibilities... there's even a window that opens so that I can get fresh air in there... I really am excited about the vanity... so is Hubs, actually... I wonder why? Could it be our constant battle over counter storage space in the bathroom? So, I'm thinking this room needs

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-17966628274897574832010-01-23T09:34:00.001-08:002010-01-23T09:50:42.737-08:00

Can you believe we still haven't gotten word about the house! I have been really patient, trying not to count my eggs before they're hatched. Well, that is over, my friends. I am counting eggs. I am completely emotionally invested in this house now. I want it bad. So, now that I've shared my idolatry with the world... here's a Sneak Peek of the Master Bath, and my pretty friend.I know what

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-64325356241191403332010-01-22T10:26:00.001-08:002010-01-22T10:36:43.106-08:00

The kids wanted to "snuddle" (snuggle) on the couch... and Baby says "I tode!" (cold) I love the button detail on the end of the arms... I think for comfort sake, it'll need a couple of throw cushions; what do you think of bolsters? Two, that could go horizontally across the back or laterally against the arms?

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-32688467551226815692010-01-21T14:47:00.000-08:002010-01-21T15:15:55.349-08:00

Look at this beautiful picture from my new favorite Color Blog House of Turquoise. I adore this room and totally want to absorb this vibe for my own great room. I love the light walls, the light, casual curtains, the view outdoors, the turquoise.... I have been thinking of recovering my flowery $75 garage sale couch in orange and copying this room, sort of... but my friend Joy always says you

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-76931777853966441002010-01-21T09:13:00.000-08:002010-01-21T09:31:11.200-08:00

Hello, Dear Readers,I know that you all hearing me say over and over again that my current status is "packing" is not all that interesting. So, I thought I'd give you photographic proof, and also let you in on a deal I snagged yesterday. I found these lovely, buttermilk colored pieces on Craigslist day before yesterday. I can't wait to see them in the Little Woman's room. They're short enough

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-40452331120279020942010-01-20T07:54:00.000-08:002010-01-20T08:13:41.622-08:00

So, I got on to blog about a couch I found on Craigslist last night and I see the news about another quake in Haiti. I'm horribly shocked at what is going on in Haiti... I imagine people there are feeling like the world is coming to an end. I feel silly even thinking of writing a post on decor. I mean, really, who cares in the long run, if my purse pops against my grey skirt, or if I get a

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-38749396251793694722010-01-16T07:31:00.001-08:002010-01-18T16:46:14.104-08:00

OK, this is not the best pic, ever... I admit it. Still, you can see the big windows, the floors, the light, the double door entry, and my Hubs. Eat your heart out ladies! He thinks he wants to install a fan... I asked him to wait till summer to see if I want a fan, because, I've always wanted a big curtained bed with a chandelier... These things are made impossible by a large ceiling fan.I

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-63447008086963838302010-01-14T09:51:00.001-08:002010-01-14T09:58:58.697-08:00

Look, more distressed hickory, just yards and yards of it! Yay! And I love the ceiling fans, too. I love the extra tall windows, but I know I'll have to open those windows on the top not the bottom, or you know SOMEONE would fall right out and down 15 feet to the ground outside! I love the trim on the fireplace, too. Stephanie, any ideas on a floor plan? Any free advice?! I think it's this

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-52439849299650656802010-01-13T07:48:00.000-08:002010-01-13T08:00:00.756-08:00

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-21821767629912130952010-01-13T06:49:00.000-08:002010-01-13T07:41:52.750-08:00

I did some major sewing before the holidays and just haven't had time to photograph all of the garments. Here is another skirt I made for me from fine wale corduroy... I made another one, too exactly the same except for the fabric, perhaps I'll have Hubs take a picture the next time I wear it! I wish I could photograph myself, somehow!In sewing fitted garments, I've taken to cutting and basting

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-22176673928879626342010-01-10T10:26:00.000-08:002010-01-10T11:00:23.558-08:00

Well, knitting is continuing, though I've packed up the sewing equipment, and even most of the yarn... though I did keep out some projects to keep me busy between packing, cooking, laundry, and school. I have been garden planning, too, but I really can't do much till we're in the new house, except do a little mail ordering. Party month is coming... February is coming and there will be gifts to

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-70815287420323848532010-01-10T07:20:00.000-08:002010-01-10T07:27:44.706-08:00

My oldest son plays baseball. So does my husband and my father in law, and so does my two year old. My oldest is right handed, but he learned to bat left when he was two. It is sort of a family priority. The Babe Ruth League in Amissville VA has a sign at their baseball complex... it says,"Amissville, VA. Where the sun rises and sets on baseball." When I told my Beloved and Friend, he said...

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-7765073050649540312010-01-09T13:08:00.001-08:002010-01-09T13:13:17.056-08:00

Oh, be still my heart, I love this room soooo much... I do believe this is the first house we saw that I didn't automatically think... "we'll have to change the light fixtures!" I really like these... can you see the chandelier swathed in netting for summer? This room is big enough for our table, a good thing, and wide enough for the buffet and I love it.

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-4618603527849646012010-01-06T10:03:00.000-08:002010-01-07T17:01:53.114-08:00

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-79050033124045278362010-01-04T16:37:00.000-08:002010-01-04T17:07:06.482-08:00

I've caved... I used to think I hated grey on me... that it didn't match my colors... but I've found that I've changed my mind. I love grey now. I love it as a contrast to my colors, and it really does set a good red orange off perfectly... anyway... I found a beautiful warm medium weight wool at JoAnne's and bought it with a coupon to make Butterick 5249, et voila!It was, by far, the most

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-61154900880414011662010-01-02T15:06:00.001-08:002010-01-02T15:29:04.727-08:00

Did you all know that Little Women love frilly aprons? Mine definitely do. My girls love to throw on a pretty apron with as many ruffles as possible and "play house" while cleaning the real kitchen or making their real beds. I guess it's like a uniform, but fun to wear! This little gem was a gift to a dear friend of Mini Me's. She's a sweet little blue eyed, pink cheeked cherub who likes to help

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-8804884414834083022009-12-30T08:23:00.000-08:002009-12-30T08:23:00.274-08:00

Hi! Look, I'm making this pretty cushion cover out of my special Williamsburg yarn... I think it'll be perfect to bring the color in my curtains onto the couch without trying to get back the giant burnt orange velveteen couch that my husband's grandparents passed down to us and that I used to hate, but now wish I had again. I've been dreaming of recovering my couch, well, since I bought it for

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-5457252226006251932009-12-29T11:10:00.000-08:002009-12-29T11:14:49.409-08:00

Is it just too weird that I get such a kick out of my laundry? Of course, these are all socks I've knitted, too, and all my favorite colors as well, so no wonder it hit my eye... but still, it's a little kooky.

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-65932695965390263942009-12-29T08:20:00.001-08:002009-12-29T11:02:16.125-08:00

Wow! Being in VA was a little like being in North Dakota there for a little while! Doesn't this look like fun snow? Daddy took these pictures outside while playing with the boys. The girls mostly used the snow day as an excuse to bake and make cocoa!

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-39362983972646887682009-12-26T16:41:00.000-08:002009-12-26T17:11:25.735-08:00

Um, I'm a Texan by marriage, in case you wondered about the "y'all"! It's the day after Christmas and I didn't go shopping. No, I stayed home and made Christmas dinner! Yeah, I should have made it last night, but about noon yesterday I started dinner, or asked my hubby to make the marinade and put the beef roast in it, and he did... then at 2pm I pulled out my new copy of "Mastering the Art of

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-54346716315561324392009-12-19T09:06:00.000-08:002009-12-19T09:32:31.139-08:00

I've been knitting my fingers to little nubs this month... in late October, everyone asked for mittens for Christmas, hand knit mittens. Actually, my husband requested his in November. No pressure. Anyway, I have managed to knit all but one pair of mittens and a pretty hat for my youngest girl. And most of a sweater for the Dauphin. I don't really mind! You know I love it! Bird in Hand stranded

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-56371297693630166482009-10-31T05:38:00.000-07:002009-11-01T05:22:38.307-08:00

I hate to be scared. Sometimes, at night, when my husband comes home and I didn't hear him and I see him out of the corner of my eye when I'm doing dishes or something. I freak out. By this I mean that I gasp, I scram, and then I actually cry real tears because I'm so startled and scared, and throw myself into my husband's arms feeling happy that he's not a bad guy while he apologizes for

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-25690535531367214452009-10-30T16:45:00.000-07:002009-10-30T17:29:00.603-07:00

So... I haven't posted in MONTHS! I know you're all busy and hardly noticed, but I missed blogging. I always wondered why people decided to take three months off in the summer instead of having year round school... and now that I have a little mini-farmlike lifestyle, I KNOW WHY! Summer is hard work. The freezer needs to be filled with veggies and fruits and chickens, and the pantry needs to

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-32169876621218668392009-08-19T17:23:00.000-07:002009-12-19T09:05:05.079-08:00

Wow, have we had a weekend! My wonderful, studly husband and I had our 13th anniversary this past weekend and.... all I can really say is WOW! We went to Baltimore, which is not exactly my idea of a romantic vacation, but I was definitely looking forward to the seafood. I mean, I'm a seafood super fan. I'm, personally, not very good at cooking seafood, so I try to eat it when on a waterfront any

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-76140739755929287042009-07-20T18:37:00.000-07:002009-07-20T18:37:00.341-07:00

So, I only have one done, but I decided to share! I did make a whole entire stocking but when I tried it on it was very itchy from the knee up, so I did the frog dance (rip it, rip it, rip it) and made it a knee sock again. I can see myself wearing them with my tall black boots and a denim skirt, or under a dark wool pleated skirt... they'll be a cheerful color extravaganza on dull winter days

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-66241238173777826662009-07-19T17:13:00.000-07:002009-07-19T18:13:36.921-07:00

Our first real initiation to a farmer's market couldn't have happened at a better one. San Luis Obispo's farmer's markets are kind of legendary, really they're rather more like carnivals with really fresh food. Street musicians, fresh flowers, magicians, street corner preaching, and prepared foods joined the fresh food in vying for our attention. Our local markets are less complicated, but

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-61301288190929002602009-07-18T11:36:00.000-07:002009-07-18T11:36:00.685-07:00

I made: a box for my Latin vocabulary flash cards out of two sheets of 12x12 scrapbooking paper.A blouse from Weekend Sewing:Summer Afternoon BlouseSize LModified neckline and sleeve length.JoAnne's brand cotton lawnAlso, ipod cozy, from leftover orange sock yarn (Zitron Trekking and Knit Picks Palette) and vintage blue button.

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-51149177626675356712009-07-16T19:06:00.000-07:002009-07-16T19:21:03.506-07:00

Well, these were started ages ago... I had no trouble knitting the first sock, but then I got a really bad case of SSS (Second Sock Syndrome) and I didn't cast on that second sock for a really, really long time. But I did, finally, and slowly knitted away, when I didn't have anything else to do. And I finished them, and I tried them on, and it was a LOT smaller than the first one, it was a whole

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-73010758299505495902009-07-15T13:02:00.000-07:002009-07-15T13:29:33.997-07:00

We are locavores, when at all possible. We like to eat stuff that is grown around here, which is really easy in our area because we're very rural, but near a city, so there are tons of small farms and farmer's markets, etc. very near. Monday morning we went to Hartland Orchard and picked blueberries. We have the luxury, being at home to go in the morning on a weekday, which is the best time

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-27229232022927507462009-07-15T13:01:00.000-07:002009-07-15T13:35:07.065-07:00

Mmmmmmmm, blueberries, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of black pepper!?!Next the Crumble! Flour, dark brown sugar, and lots of butter...And very small people to help.Baking the pie crust, using dried green peas as pie weightsMore crumble-ing, and little baby helpfulness:

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-16601171046507425362009-07-15T13:00:00.000-07:002009-07-15T13:27:38.763-07:00

The finished crumble all, um, crumbly I popped this all into the pie crust, put it in the oven, and made a little tart with the leftover filling and crust... to give to the neighbors. What do you do with the leftover crust and filling.All served with a litle iced cream, warm and tangy sweet, with that nutty, molassas flavor in the crumble, wonderful! I'd have added some oats and maybe some nuts

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-31348134448523423882009-07-13T10:14:00.000-07:002009-07-13T11:13:11.468-07:00

Did you ever get the feeling that something is wrong at the heart of your soul? That you've missed some essential, foundational point that is necessary for contentment? I've been feeling that way lately. It's sort of like an itch on my psyche... and I can't seem to scratch it.I look at my life and see many areas that are being neglected, but the most important are always the most difficult to

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-74229188300036787902009-07-10T15:15:00.000-07:002009-07-10T16:23:53.166-07:00

Wow! I'm going crazy here... there is so much to do in our life right now and waaay too little time to blog about it. We have gone camping, to Williamsburg, and to the Hill Country and Odessa in Texas. My in laws have some wonderful river front vacation rental property and a bed and breakfast (Bend O' the River) where we always love to go. Plus the grandparents are always highly desirable to

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-50139636637472652882009-06-13T08:41:00.000-07:002009-06-13T10:10:02.853-07:00

Here's the stocking I've been working on... all in stockinette, so it's going really fast, but I'm wanting to make them as long as possible... maybe knee highs, maybe thigh highs, I'd have to get a good garter belt, because they probably wouldn't stay up.They're kind of funky and fun and cool to knit... they'll be interesting to wear! This yarn is a souvenir from our trip to Williamsburg. It is

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-8068143728604462122009-06-04T19:17:00.000-07:002009-06-04T20:51:13.298-07:00

Wow! Did you notice I have nine followers!? Yee Haw! Hi, ya'll! Virginia in June is just a Paradise. Night before last, we drove home from ballet class with the windows open to take in the gorgeous scent of the season. The honeysuckle is growing on fencelines all the way home, plus there are catauba trees, which have these huge fragrant orchid-like flowers. It was one of those fragrant,

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-37330973059250772632009-05-18T10:06:00.000-07:002009-05-18T11:32:25.970-07:00

I am Reading: A Book on Calculus... weird, huh!? Romans, Make, Grow, Gather I am Thinking: About my girls that I lost. We're down to three hens now, and four in the brooder with the broilers. They were such good little hens, such good layers, such funny little barnyard companions. I'm mourning the chickens. I miss their eggs, too.A lot. I asked my landlord if he'd sell me some hens, but he

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-81979755239324886142009-05-04T16:20:00.000-07:002009-05-06T07:10:15.303-07:00

OK, so I'm checking in... the farm is getting soaked right now... it's chilly and wet, but I've got some tomatoes in thanks to the Studly Man in my life. I can't believe it happened, but I forgot to bring my camera to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival this past Saturday! ACK! I know!It was amazing, there was yarn and fiber everywhere, spinning wheels, looms, vintage sock machines,

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-25106634740196975932009-04-25T07:15:00.000-07:002009-04-25T07:28:07.103-07:00

Whoo! How busy I've been! I don't want to recount all the rigmarole we've been through this past week, but I thought I'd post a to do list for today:1. Wash sheets and dry them on the line. The weather is begging for this and the sheets need a good washing desperately.2. Wash woodwork. I've been taking down the plastic film we covered the windows with and opening windows to let in the

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-10826309574943745402009-04-18T18:30:00.000-07:002009-04-18T21:12:58.212-07:00

Wow! It's been a doozy today, and I've been really wanting to tell about it! It started with a lazy, daisy sleeping in kind of morning... lots of sunshine, kids quietly snoozing, except for the Prairie Princess who decided to take a morning bike ride and feed the chicks early. Daddy made breakfast while the Princess and I got ready for a tea party in Culpeper with Mimi Cheri and M. We dressed up

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-27955464357846308972009-04-13T15:53:00.000-07:002009-04-14T08:23:15.545-07:00

These arrived just in time to make us all remember that Resurrection Day means New Life! Aren't they just adorable... it makes you forget that a previous incarnation of downy chick just tried to attack you in your own back yard... we have a beautiful, and I mean really, really handsome but also really, really mean rooster. That rooster will soon be hitting the chicken pot, I think. Which is OK,

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-21557992704975274342009-04-08T10:18:00.000-07:002009-04-08T10:18:01.240-07:00

Fair warning: There may be a lot of sewing projects to come, as I'm a little fabric crazy lately, and I want new summer clothes. I've had some $3 a yard taffeta for a long time that I'd planned to make spring dresses out of for years. I decided to go ahead and cut a skirt for myself. I'd made the pattern before out of a toile cotton print, which I like a lot, but the pattern definitely lends

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-51303324441350866742009-04-07T09:54:00.000-07:002009-04-07T10:18:25.401-07:00

Well, I've been enthralled by this wonderful book that I purchased recently: Weekend Sewing. If you're interested in her blog, take a look at Weekend by Heather Ross. She recently had a really cool contest where people made sort of "Show and Tell" boards for their ideas for a summer wardrobe using the patterns from her book. Here is the Oh, So, Cute wrap skirt I made (like the one on the cover

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-60429158461127857842009-04-02T12:00:00.000-07:002009-04-02T12:17:05.616-07:00

My five year old son is a very fascinating creature (of course, I'm his mama). He's got the mind of an engineer and the soul of a poet. I'm not sure what that bodes for his future passions and pursuits, but I know that it makes him a wonderful child to hang out with. Last week he borrowed the camera and I thought I'd treat you to some of his photos.

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-28482131498381358422009-04-02T11:52:00.000-07:002009-04-02T12:11:28.155-07:00

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-8396792024000412562009-04-02T10:22:00.000-07:002009-04-02T11:31:06.690-07:00

I'm not sure of the exact day that we first drove onto this farm, but I know it was just about a year ago. The farm looks just the same today as it did the first day we came... a little cool, and wet, dreary sky, newly green fields, maples abloom, daffodils smiling. I've spent a wonderful year nesting and creating, teaching and nurturing, making and growing. I've even fulfilled the goal I had for

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-36147853838202425072009-03-31T16:48:00.000-07:002009-03-31T17:03:43.135-07:00

Look at this pretty little vignette...My stove, though not pretty in and of itself, especially since it always needs cleaning, still manages to catch my eye occasionally when I'm cooking.But look what's on the stove...A beeeeeeutiful enameled cast iron pot in my favorite blue! I got it half off. Yay for me! I got two actually, so really two for the price of one! Except they're different sizes,

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-11356972467286368842009-03-31T16:27:00.001-07:002009-03-31T17:01:00.652-07:00

Wow! It's been a month, I tell ya! So many things have happened here. Not as many as I'd like due to illness... mine, the kids, the hubby's. A plague of gastrointestinal illness in a family of 8 can take a really long time to recover from! My blogging was postponed due to a total crash of my hard drive two weeks ago and having house guests. So, some interruptions were really bad, but some were

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-74303986020623484172009-02-27T16:20:00.000-08:002009-03-31T16:26:39.588-07:00

Have you noticed? It's a big thing for me, you know... We have a follower to the blog! Yay! If you want to follow and be alerted whenever I post anew or whatever, just scroll all the way to the bottom and click "Follow This Blog". School is just humming along right now... of course, I have totally dropped Latin. But otherwise, we're running on all cylinders right now. We should be done with the

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-72919647338381145842009-02-15T16:03:00.000-08:002009-02-20T15:02:55.422-08:00

I was perusing Blue Yonder today and lo and behold, she linked HEREI'm blown away. How could someone have such beautiful artistic sensibilities and still have such a clean, organized space?! It's as though her aesthetic and art have melded into a cohesive whole that I previously thought impossible. It makes me want to just go through everything and organize it beautifully... but perhaps washing

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-17682145328569360392009-02-06T10:17:00.000-08:002009-02-06T10:21:26.415-08:00

I am Reading Exodus, Matthew, and Psalms/Proverbs, also looking over Plutarch's Lives, trying to come up with a reading schedule for next year.I am Thinking about femininity. In many ways I am very feminine. But my girls are ever so much more so... they delight in a swirly dress, in pinks and purples, in graceful language and manners. I want to want to be modest, lovely, gentle, and eminently

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-79540406262910962272009-02-02T13:29:00.000-08:002009-02-02T13:53:37.845-08:00

Now this looks promising! I can definitely see us enjoying using this natural recipe, project, science, and loving each other guide and memory book at Contentment. Over at The Crafty Crow you can get ideas for projects and enter a drawing for a year's subscription to the Book of Days from Blue Yonder. I am! If you don't win, you can buy a subscription online by clicking on "this" in the first

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-60569195581516987402009-02-02T12:25:00.000-08:002009-02-02T13:52:55.201-08:00

My husband comes from a family of really hard workers. These people don't sit around and play games, they build patios together, they don't go out and buy an outfit for a baby gift, they make a crib... my husband's father is such a hard worker he pushes himself till he gets ill sometimes. I'm telling you, this has to be genetic, or something. My boys are really hard workers, too. My almost five

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-73423555762927990962009-01-27T15:56:00.000-08:002009-01-27T15:56:00.324-08:00

Look! Aren't these the most beautiful, fascinating, and delicious eggs you've ever beheld? OK, I know, they're just eggs, and those of you with chickens are perhaps underwhelmed, but to me, they're beautiful. Now, all of our nine laying hens are officially laying! The blue/green eggs belong to the Americaunas, this I know, and I think the pinky buff ones are from the Buff Orphingtons (all of

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-82682806760616382812009-01-24T15:27:00.000-08:002009-01-25T09:34:31.948-08:00

Here at Contentment, February means three kid birthdays. We are kind of anti-birthday party around here. We have a big day, of course! We give the birthday child the choice of every meal that we eat, cake choice, we take the day off of school and give the birthday kid the choice of what we do all day, and of course, we give a few gifts. But we kind of nixed the Birthday Party circuit a few years

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-30012892117445131302009-01-14T09:54:00.000-08:002009-01-14T10:28:04.397-08:00

Well, I'm finding that this farm is just as wonderfully beautiful in winter as in summer and fall. I'm smitten with this place. It so often reminds me of the farm I lived on in Upstate New York when a girl. I hope my children experience that kinship with nature as I did growing up. I always felt as if I could almost feel things growing, like I could sit on a big, old rock and almost hear it

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-8901574145547644302009-01-07T19:29:00.000-08:002008-12-30T21:00:47.175-08:00

Well, the holidays are over. I hope yours were as peaceful and filled with family fun as ours was. We stepped it back this year and kept it even more simple than usual. It was nice! Maybe it was just lazy, but still Daddy was home for almost two weeks and it was wonderful. So happy new year. And now: it's the season of seed catalogs! I'm so excited to start planning gardens. The children are

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-1178721163759271932008-12-31T12:44:00.000-08:002008-12-30T21:01:31.526-08:00

Christmas knitting: the ones I managed to photograph before I gave them away, anyway. I made my MIL a neckwarmer and wristwarmers in a beautiful handspun aran yarn she picked at the Local Yarn Store that did not get photographed, but trust me, they were awesome! Here are the wristwarmers I made for my sister to go with a thrifted coat that I bought at the Goodwill. I really wanted that coat. I

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-54048933054337603862008-12-05T12:01:00.000-08:002008-12-05T12:01:00.731-08:00

We're busy decorating for Christmas here. I felt that a new fresher color palette was called for in my home and so last year I bought a whole bunch of shatter proof ornaments for very, very little after Christmas. So, here's the tree: Also, I wanted to show you a picture of my front door's wreath. I think it's so sweet. I love natural decorative elements, and am hoping for a few houseplants to

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-1326228610340411922008-12-04T10:30:00.001-08:002008-12-04T12:33:14.539-08:00

If you look way into the middle ground of this photo, you'll see some people on horseback. They're part of the Piedmont Hunt here in Fauquier and Loudoun Counties, and they're fox hunting. Oh, yeah, hounds, guy in red coat blowing a horn, and lots and lots of people in riding habits on beautiful horses jumping across our bucolic countryside. It's oh, so Jane Austen-ey. It's like they're wanting

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-86526880474765128732008-12-03T21:27:00.000-08:002008-12-03T21:46:51.133-08:00

I remember planning my life out when I was a girl. My dreams changed, but I was very particular and specific about them, at least till I changed my mind. My eight year old daughter pronounced that she wants to have 13 children and fill up a 15 passenger van the other night at dinner. The next night she said that she wants to sew all the clothes for her family in "Prairie Style" and weave the

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-70375277246195577442008-11-19T11:13:00.000-08:002008-11-19T11:29:57.302-08:00

I've been a little in love with orange for a bit. It makes me happy, it looks really fetching with my favorite blue color, and it's a natural foil for my greens. Plus I happen to be one of those people who actually looks good in orange... so ha! I found this fabulous tea set at a garage sale for five dollars along with my harvest basket and a cute pair of froggy salt and pepper shakers. This is

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-22856577883009631272008-11-18T04:52:00.000-08:002008-11-18T04:59:51.441-08:00

I just heard about the book Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day, which I so want for Christmas. It sounds amazing. I mean, I want to make all our bread, and have been toying with the idea of making my own sourdough starter, which I still plan to do, but the idea that you just mix a few ingredients, let it rise for two hours without kneading, stick it in the fridge and just get bread dough when

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-45458540504787032462008-11-16T17:20:00.003-08:002008-11-16T17:38:00.872-08:00

Wow. I really love this statement:"Get Perspective:~Hold a sleeping babe in your arms, mouth agape and warm breath drifting, and stand before a map of this world. Which would you rather have? Paris, New York, Tokyo, London------or this flesh lying against yours, this one made in the image and likeness of the very Divine? This world is going to burn up, cinders for the universe….but your child is

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538030512575416927.post-87362370529528239502008-11-11T07:51:00.000-08:002008-11-11T08:17:47.089-08:00

Well, it's gotten cold here again after having a beautiful Indian Summer. Last night the water froze in the chicken coop, and, though you'd think we could have seen this coming and planned for it, we didn't and haven't. The house has managed to stay relatively warm, though I can see dollars flying out the windows every time the radiators start to warm up. I have taken pictures of a couple more

Lissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06467618694347245333noreply@blogger.com0