Happy at Home

This past Sunday, which was Mother's day, I was rushing through Walmart on my way to lunch at my sisters place. I bumped into one of my hubby's cousins and she paid me a very high compliment, which I've thought about quite a bit since then. She said that she has been reading along via Facebook, etc on my life journey for awhile now, and that I really "seem to enjoy being a stay at home (and homeschooling mom). I told her I really do, and I've thought about it more since then. I really enjoy my life. I mean I've always made the most of whatever season I've been in. I loved so much of the experiences in my high school years. I loved the college years and I especially loved travelling and mentoring students in my twenties. I loved working in music and the creative arts, I have loved so many of the people who shared those years with me.

I can honestly say this though, I LOVE my life right now, probably the most. Oh yes, there are days that are the stuff of bad dreams, and there have been many frustrations and disappointments here and there, but really... I love being home with my boys and my baby girl. I love being the one to teach them, to share the moments that fill our days and to be the one my hubby comes home to. I have enjoyed learning about making our home a happy and peaceful one, a haven. A place where beauty is common and where our family is at rest and friends are always welcome. I would like to learn to infuse it with more joy, and to make it a place where wisdom flourishes. I am happiest when I hear laughter ringing in the halls and music in the rooms. Where the smells of good food lure people to a bright and vibrant kitchen and where people leave our home inspired and having encountered the Holy One in one way or another.

Homeschooling has given me the "excuse" to have books on display in every room. To have the tools and instruments for learning out in the open and put to good use. I love our relaxed daily schedule for housework, homework and soul work... and that I get to go outside with the kids everyday. To work in my garden, to have the baby nap in the cradle in the afternoon breeze (well not this week) but last week and in the months to come. I love that friends come and go, and we can go visiting without having to worry about the bus or school schedule and that if daddy takes a day off, so can we...

There was a day not so long ago, maybe a couple years ago, when I was not at peace like now. When I was harried and trying to "do it all" and struggling in it. I still have many moments when I feel like life is too good to be true, and that I'll have to give it up soon and go back to the grind I lived before...only to realize that I don't! Praise God~!

My heart is full of gratitude that the Lord has provided for us to live this way and that He continues to supply for our every need. I am so blessed with a supportive husband who loves us, loves to be with us and helps me make the most of our days together. I hope that I will someday fulfill the role outlined in Proverbs 31 for my family, I am trusting God to complete the work in me, but until then, I really am enjoying the journey and feel like the most blessed woman alive.

Christmas 2012

These posts are obviously "catch ups" and are posted months after the fact. It's for my records and for posterity's sake. The events of the past few months are too important to not have posts up for :)  

Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year...2nd only to Autumn. This past Christmas was special because we were celebrating Elaina's first Christmas. It was a lovely holiday celebrating the birth of our Saviour.

How we Decorated

I did up the urns, door wreathes and greenery on the antique sleigh
with cuttings from evergreens around our property.

In the foyer I did up this display with crystal covered trees, white lights and miscellaneous brown pieces.
It was so pretty to see this first thing every time we entered the house.

The formal living room had the white feather trimming with red, brown and gold accents. I borrowed the mirror from another room to hang behind the tree and it conveniently had hooks for the stockings.
I think next year I'll do a different window treatment...

All I did was string these giant snowflakes together to hang on the hall mirror.
The snow theme definitely worked down here.

I was going to wait til boxing day sales to buy things for Elaina's room, but found these bargains, and swiped one of the smaller trees from upstairs. Sparkly pink definitely was a fun change!

At the top of the stairs I did up our Nativity. I liked it here, it's always fun finding the best place to display this wonderful reminder of what the season is all about.

Our family room was definitely festive in red and gold. I loved the lights in front of the TV and our advent tree was a hit again. I actually used the "need" for space for the tree as the perfect excuse to get rid of the
bulky furniture that just was past it's usefulness.

This countertop tree was one of Aunt Fern's I loved having the reminder of her in my kitchen.

I went for rustic Christmas in the kitchen.

My counter centerpiece - hurricane candle in the center of a rustic advent wreath.

Happenings...   

Elaina's First Christmas

Her first Christmas dress for the beginning of the season.

Christmas Eve Outfit.

Christmas Sleeper

How we Celebrated The Season and the Saviour

Early in the season we participated in a baking exchange at my sisters. It was so much fun catching up with all the ladies and there were so many yummy treats that we came home with.

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Our Homeschool Co-op Christmas Party was alot of fun, food and merriment. The kids made gift tags and the moms socialized.

 Niagara On the Lake Christmas Parade - despite the rain, we braved it and had a great time.

Christmas Crafts and Activities

Large Homeschool Network Christmas Party - a great time for singing Christmas carols, sharing treats and doing games and crafts.

Dinner with the Taylors - I cooked Greek of course, and the best part of the night was hearing Elaina's first real laugh!

Christmas Morning

Christmas Dinner - roast pork, holiday sweet rice, honey-glazed carrots and Fennel & Feta salad.

 

Christmas Games Night with the Aunts, Uncles and Cousins...

It was a great celebration that lasted into the wee hours, and then we went to visit Grandpa's family on boxing day, celebrated Max's birthday the following day, went out with friends the following 

day and celebrated right through the New Year! God has been so good to us.

A perfectly pink baby shower...

These posts are obviously "catch ups" and are posted months after the fact. It's for my records and for posterity's sake. The events of the past few months are too important to not have posts up for :)

Back in October …a couple weeks after our lovely Elaina was born my dearest Jodi and sister Steph hosted a baby shower for us. 

It was perfectly pink and pretty and sweet.  Jodi has a thing for details it was everything you could imagine. We were blessed with so many gifts and everyone took turns holding her sweetness.She met her Great Grandma Baker and so many of our friends and relatives. The food was amazing and the company great of course. We are so blessed!

prettiest pink decor and food - in the back ground Stephy is setting up...her home is so picture perfect and pretty.

details like the No. 4 are Jodi's specialties

My sister Andrea did up the favours.

The cupcakes were from my dear friend Vanessa of Vanessa's Cupcakery and Confections.

My mom and grandma holding Baby Telis - Stephy's babe and Elaina's first cousin.

My Jodi - party planner extraordinaire!