an *UNexpected* break...

*quite literally!*

littlest Princess #2 was in a frightening accident with her horse a few weeks ago...

while she has been on-the-mend,

she has been working on her little Christmas gifts...

and in-between Doctor's appointments, basketball practices and games,

football workouts, a-million-and-one-home building decisions, birthday parties,

celebrating Thanksgiving, out-of-town company visiting, Christmas shopping,

cleaning up after septic tank back-ups in the house we are renting TWICE!,

desperately trying to catch-up and respond to all the *overwhelmingly* kind emails I have received-

so sorry if yours is one I have not yet reached! - I promise I'll be there soon!

AND replacing the dead battery in my car-( which died at football pick-up),

I have also been working on a few Christmas gifts!

(which I hope to share soon)

but mostly I have been counting my Blessings that with His mercy and grace

I am able to celebrate the wonder of this glorious season...

the birth of our Saviour!...

even with broken things and exhausting schedules!

Many Blessings!

Jill

So true...

and what a lovely little thought to ponder

throughout this Holiday season!

Happy Monday!

Many Blessings!

Jill

p.s. I'm linking to my sweet friend Heather's "Life Made Lovely Monday"

simply celebrated...

a handmade birthday...

for our littlest Princess #2...

her special outfit created for the big day...

the shirt made by mommy (me)...

the skirt by one of our very favorite shops...

lots and lots of bitty buntings created...

the cake bunting boasting a tiny flag to celebrate each year...

placed atop a homemade birthday cake-

complete with a few "finger swipes" through the icing...

(she didn't think I noticed!)

and bitty buntings topping cupcakes to share with sweet friends at school... 

and of course a *few* little presents too!

just a simple celebration...

filled with lots of love for our littlest Princess!

"It is the accumulation of the little details, the small things, that

cumulatively make a big difference in our life."

Have a wonderful weekend!

Many Blessings!

Jill

Well, Hello Dolly!

Little Princess #2's "thoughtful gift" I created for her birthday...

a little dolly...

(and my very first attempt at doll making-don't look too closely!)

with brown eyes just like hers...

a pretty posy in her hair...

a lovely pink dress gathered with a tiny bow...

and of course, a hug and kiss stitched in...

(cause she was made with lots and lots of love!)

she spent her first night tucked gently beside little Princess #2...

grasped in her little hand,

and proudly given the name-

"Olivia"

Oh, how my heart just melted!

I do believe the "thoughtful gifts" are my very favorite!

Have a happy day!

Many Blessings!

Jill

just a thought...

"Thankfulness...

the soil where joy grows."

Have a wonderful weekend!

Many Blessings!

Jill

In the bag!

my book bag...

because 99.9% of my current "season" of life is spent on-the-go!

(with a lot of waiting in between the "going")

and a good book always makes for good company...

currently in my bag you'll find-

for the home...

(really love that couch!)

for the upcoming holidays...

for creative inspiration...

and for the soul...

(a very appropriate title for this "season" of life!

an insightful read, filled with wonderful wisdom and encouragement!)

As for the bag...

I simply purchased a pre-made tote (found at Jo-Anne's Fabric Store),

and embellished with a removable raw silk flower pin I created...

so now I can just grab my bag of books and go (and wait)!

Are there any other books you might recommend to fill my bag?

I'd love to know some of your current favorites!

Have a wonderful day!

Many Blessings!

Jill

"A Moving Story" Chapter 5: Windows, Doors, & White- Oh My!

This post is dedicated to my Mom,

who taught me by great example

the true art of making a house a home!

Happy, Happy Birthday Mom!!!

(wish I could be there today!)

All my love!

xoxo,

Jill

they have been busy at the farmhouse...

adding windows,

(I'm so excited!- this little room will be my new studio,

I can hardly wait to begin creating up here!)

and doors...

and more doors!...

AND the outside is becoming white!- Oh my!

A longtime dream come true,

a white farmhouse!

Looking so forward to "moving day"!-

perhaps Christmas?

Happy Monday!

Many Blessings!

Jill