Amen

“To be Queen Elizabeth within a definite area, deciding sales, banquets, labours, and holidays; to be Whitely within a certain area, providing toys, boots, cakes and books; to be Aristotle within a certain area, teaching morals, manners, theology, and hygiene; I can imagine how this can exhaust the mind, but I cannot imagine how it could narrow it. How can it be a large career to tell other people about the Rule of Three, and a small career to tell one’s own children about the universe? How can it be broad to be the same thing to everyone and narrow to be everything to someone? No, a woman’s function is laborious, but because it is gigantic, not because it is minute.”

G.K. Chesterton

The fashionistas

With four girls, there is a lot of fashion going on over here.  I'm slowly figuring out that every girl is different and may not work with her bigger sister's attire.  So, here is what's happening...

 Anna has decided that she wants to wear dresses.  Everyday.  Not just any dress.  "Beautiful" dresses.  If you ask her why she wants to wear a dress, she says "Because I'm a girl."  Got it.  Here she is with a beautiful dress, accessorizing with a headband, pearls, tape measure, and her infamous pink boots.  She wouldn't be Anna without them. 

When Madeline was five, she decided that she would only wear jeans.  No comfy pants, just jeans.  That means I have a tub full of jeans for Lydia at age five to wear.  However, Lydia is a skinny minny with no behind.  She has nothing to keep jeans up with.  After seeing one too many "rear views" from her, we are going the legging route with her.  Seriously, she even has trouble keeping leggings up.  (This is from Mark.  Not Me.)  With a cute pair of boots, she is styling as only our Lydia can be.

Decorating help

Since we have been back home from Christmas, I have been busy making this house feel like a home.  Before Christmas, we got everything moved in and organized.  Then it was preparing for Christmas.  I decided I would not worry about curtains or hanging anything on the wall until after Christmas.  Well, it is after Christmas now and I've been having a lot of fun.  Here is a preview of some of my favorite finds, and a shot of a room that I really need your help with.

This is the dining room, where we eat supper.  Nothing in the house is really done yet, but this room is getting there.  I've had the red mirror for a long time and have always hung it horizontally.  I like it vertical in this room, and am not sure if I'll hang it or just keep it leaning.

This chicken makes me smile.  I got it from TJ Maxx (Love TJ's!).  I am trying to buy things that I like, even if I don't have a specific spot in mind for it.  I think it is great in the niche above my kitchen sink.

The piano room. I have no vision for this room.  It is a big room with high ceilings, right when you come in the front door.  We're planning on getting a comfy chair for the corner.  Other than that, I'm at a loss.  Any bright ideas?

This is the front entry way.  I wanted to get a color table.  But then I saw this table, liked it, was a good price, and small enough for the space.  I have some frames for it, but what else does it need? 

I love these pillows!  The first and third pillow are from Pier 1 Imports.  They were clearanced waay down.  I wasn't sure if they were going to work, so I just got them and brought them home.  They really brighten up the room and I love them.  The red pillow is from the good ol' standby Target.

Another TJ's find.  I have renewed my love for TJ Maxx and Pier 1.  I had forgotten about them for quite some time.  But they have my undying devotion again.  I love the colors in this rug.  Happiness by the kitchen door. 

I was really drawn to this print in the store but really didn't know if it would work.  I brought it home and it sat in our kitchen for a few days, growing on Mark and me.

And of course my three all time forever and ever favorites in this house.  Chocolate chip cookie faces and all!

Cinnamon crackle cookies

These cookies taste like Christmas.  They are excellent dipped in coffee or hot chocolate.

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons grated orange peel
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream butter, shortening and sugars.  Add the egg and extracts; mix well.  Combine the next eight ingredients; gradually add to the creamed mixture.  Shape into 1 inch balls; roll in sugar.  Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned.

My Madeline

Earlier this week Madeline and I left Daddy with the little girls, and snuck out for some time to ourselves.  We perused Barnes and Noble, drank some hot chocolate, and did some Christmas shopping.  It was just what we needed. 

One of the most amazing things about Madeline is how thoughtful she is.  Sometimes when I'm trying to think of a gift for someone I will ask Madeline if she has any ideas.  She usually has some fantastic ideas because she is so considerate. 

On our night out together we were looking for a gift for my cousin Kaylissa.  Kaylissa is a year older than Madeline, and they are great friends.  Whenever they see each other they give each other a big hug.  Madeline didn't want to get Kaylissa just anything.  She wanted to get her something that Kaylissa would love.  She wanted to get her something that showed Kayli how much Madeline loves her.  I'm not going to share the secret of what we bought, but we think Kayli will be excited.

About a month ago, I found Madeline and Lydia in their room together, scheming about what to get me for Christmas.  They had their own money, looking through a catalog of things they know I love.  How sweet is that?  That is my Madeline!   

Here she is on our first day of school in our new house.