tea for three

A few years ago, my sister Katie and I had a dream...to open up a flea market shop.  This year that dream has become reality!

Katie is the now the owner of "Tea for Three" which is located at the Kane County Flea Market!

She specializes in custom chalkboards, signs, adorable kitchen sets, vintage and antique home decor, refurbishing, and up-cycling.  

Katie can build pretty much anything you find on Pinterest!  She's A-MAZING!!! 

Stop on by and check out some of her prettiest pieces as we "kick off"

 the flea market season May 31st!

"By wisdom a house is built,    and through understanding it is established;4 through knowledge its rooms are filled    with rare and beautiful treasures." Proverbs 24:3-4

Happy Easter!

Jesus is Risen!  Hallelujah!  

What a beautiful Easter yesterday!  The sun was shining, flowers starting blooming, weather near 80...the perfect Easter!

On Good Friday Anya and I made Resurrection Rolls.

Yes, those are Christmas jammies...don't judge;-)

We read about Jesus' death and resurrection before making the rolls (in her children's bible).  

I think making the rolls really helped her to understand the basic Gospel message, because the next day she said "Jesus died on the cross because he loves us.  He got a boo boo.  Jesus is alive!" It was so amazing to hear her "get it".   I was determined to get a video of her saying it because it was so precious which my sister posted on Facebook.

Easter morning Josh had to head out quickly since he was doing a monologue at the church service.  So we did a quick Easter Egg scavenger hunt with simple clues that led Anya (and Ollie) to their Easter baskets.  The Easter Bunny put their baskets in the "garden" sprinkled with candy.  (Molly recognize that blue candy?!)

I prepped breakfast the night before so we would have a smooth morning since Daddy had to leave fast.  Monkey bread muffins are so quick and easy...cheap too!  They are a huge hit in our family!  I also made my Grandma's Egg's Rebel (casserole).

Anya loves Easter!  She kept saying "Happy Easter Egg Hunt"! and "Jesus is alive!"

And this little boy...sweetest baby EVER!  HE was cutting two teeth and had a runny nose but was still smiling.  

Leaving for church!

Anya loves sitting on Jesus' lap on the statue. I could just picture Jesus with the little children in the Bible!  How precious that must have been.

(See what I mean about beautiful day?!)

Then we headed home for naps, while I got things ready for our families to come over.  Katie and I decided to move the tables outside since it was gorgeous out.  So we had dinner on our patio!  It felt more like Memorial Day rather than Easter.  

Mom made a poke cake with pound cake and strawberry jello, with cool whip frosting and fresh strawberries on the side.  Isn't it a pretty cake!? She knew Anya would get a kick out of the sprinkles on top and she sure did!

The cake stand was my mom's grandmother's, who just so happened to be a baker.  I think Anya is following in her footsteps.

Oliver had fun with Papa Nilsson.

My dad took Anya to the park.  

 I hope you and your family had a wonderful Easter celebrating our risen Lord and Savior!

Good Friday

The Old Testament prophecy amazes me.  Before Jesus even came to earth it was written.  

Thank you Jesus for dying for us.

It's Friday...but Sunday's coming!

TBT Grass Comparison + Outdoor Fun!

It was a gorgeous day and we were lucky enough to get some fresh air!  Oliver played (and ate) in the grass for the first time today.  He was so happy he kept clapping his hands.  He couldn't be more opposite from his sister.  Anya hated the grass...apparently she was a princess. Oliver couldn't get enough of it!

Throwback Thursday Comparison Picture: Anya vs. Oliver

Poor Ollie.  Need I say more?  Good thing he's so laid back.  Anya sure does love him lots!

Anya's "washing the dirt" in our garden

  

Digging for bugs....apparently not the princess she once was

We had a play date at the park today with Anya's BFF Zekey!  I wish I got a picture of them.  They are too cute together!  

And yes, she got dressed in her raincoat and boots!  Thanks Kelly!!  Can you tell she loves them?!

Five on FRIDAY::Easter Edition

[ONE]
It was the first day in the 70s and we had a garage sale!  Perfect day for one!  It was nice to finally come out of hibernation and announce that spring is finally here:-)  Thank you Mom for watching the kids for me.  And thank you Dad for helping me set up and manage the sale!

[TWO]
Easter is a little over a week away...  CRAZY!  Here is my Easter mantel this year.  Because we are moving I don't have many of my decorations on hand, but printables are a great way to spice up the home for holidays without taking up any space.  "My Redeemer Lives" printable found here.

[THREE]
This year for Easter we are celebrating at our house (since it will most likely be our last holiday in this house). Our families are coming over after church. I thought it would be fun to make these with Anya.  Aren't they...cute?

http://thepreppyplanner.weebly.com/1/post/2013/03/easter-bunny-rolls.html

[FOUR]

Have any of you tried this cheap idea from Pinterest for dying eggs?  All I have to say is:

1.)  They don't look this bright.

2.)  The dye gets all over your hands because it just coats the eggs, it doesn't dye them.

3.) Bummer.

[FIVE]

Anya is at that age where she is very curious and inquisitive.  This year more than ever, I am talking to her about why we celebrate Easter.  I've heard her randomly say "Mommy, Jesus is alive!!!"  I found this creative idea before I even had kids and have been waiting to use it and now it's perfect for teaching Anya about Jesus' resurrection.  

http://www.aroundmyfamilytable.com/2013/03/empty-tomb-rolls/

Happy Friday + Happy Easter!

10 on 10:: April 2014

{Once a month on the tenth taking a photo an hour for ten consecutive hours. Finding life and beauty in the ordinary things of our day to day! }

I started this project back in January of 2012 as a way to capture my days during the precious time of raising my baby girl.  I am a reflective person and have a passion for taking photos and blogging so Ten on Ten really appealed to me.  It helps me to remember the little things in everyday life.

I woke up and Josh took the kids so I could get ready for my morning at Women2 Women at church.  Anya comes up and announces to me "Dinner's ready Mommy!"  Such a sweet girl to wake up to.  I love hearing her voice in the morning...when she's not screaming.
Daddy made a cheese omelet and sausage for Anya!  Anya loves eggs.  She would eat them every meal if I let her.  He was so sweet and made me a breakfast sausage sandwich:-) Luckiest lady ever!

 The second Thursday of the month means Women2Women at church!  I lead a table and the kids come with for the childcare/ "pre-k". The message titled "The Cure for the Hectic Life".  I had a bunch of take-aways that I want to apply to my life; including making the Sabbath a priority for rest, reflection, God, & family.  How awesome that we have a God that commands us to rest for a day?! Yes, please!

 My phone died at W2W, so I wasn't able to take any pictures...

 Ollie Man had mango for lunch and approved!

 After lunch Oliver went down for a nap and Anya was playing so nicely independently.  When I came downstairs I saw this..."Good job, Minnie.  Mommy, Minnie went potty!"~Anya.

I've learned that Anya sometimes takes the best naps when they are later in the afternoon, like 2pm.  So I put her down around 2:00, and then I even took a nap...and when I woke up the clock said 4pm!  

Little O after he woke up from his nap....  He loves those fingers;-)

It was a gorgeous day so we played outside before dinner.  Anya has fun collecting pinecones.  She's such a nature-kid like her Daddy!

 Peaches!

 Bathtime after dinner was next.  My kids are messy eaters so this is a must!  I love Ollie's hair.

 After Oliver went down I let Anya stay up and later and eat some graham crackers+PB with me.  Daddy had a meeting so we enjoyed some girl time and snuggled on the couch:-) 

P.S. Can you tell 3T is too small on this girl now?  #tallmodel

I love how my Ten on Ten always revolves around my kids.  They are my life!

I am blessed.