{ Preparing for Spring }

Hi!!!

It's me, I'm still here.

You're probably a little shocked to see an actual post that is not just the usual Happy Homemaker Monday.  I am too, honestly.  But I had a few moments to spare and as I sat down on the couch to figure out what I would do with my free time, I felt this urge to open my blog and just write.

Nothing in particular in mind, nothing specific, just saying hi and chatting, if you will.

A lot has been happening around here, but not really anything interesting or that bears mentioning or sharing, it's just the usual life day to day things.  We all have families, and children, husbands and homes and pets to mind.  There's chores and responsibilities, and bills to be paid, meals to be cooked and intermingled fun things to crochet or interesting shows to watch on TV.

In other words, I've been living and caring for my family. :)

I wish I had more hours in the day though.  I'll be honest, this time change and the whole daylight savings has thrown me into a crazy constant tired state of being.  My head hits the pillow at night, and a few minutes go by when I'm woken by the sound of the alarm.  (couple hours, but it surely feels like minutes)

One thing I have been busy with, is preparing for Spring.

The weather hasn't exactly cooperated, most days we still switch from 80 degrees to 30 the next morning, but for the most part, I can say that it seems this week we are finally embracing Spring in all it's glory.

See that scent above?  Lavender and Basil?  Not something I would have ever thought to pair together, but it smells amazing.  I found these sachets at my local Hobby Lobby.  I love using these type of scented sachets around the house and actually have a few throughout.  In the linen closet, laundry room, dresser drawers, bathrooms and so on.

I've been pulling out my fabric quarters and working on some new projects as well.  It's been a while since I've sewn or made anything for the house and the little creative bug has hit me full force.

Another way I've been preparing for Spring, is by getting my hands down in the dirt, planting, tending, working on the yard and watching my seedlings come to life.

My strawberries are growing quite well and so is my tomato plant, which you can see below.

Also growing is a Ghost Pepper Plant.  My husband's idea.  I love spicy food and love peppers and chilies, but yeah, ghost pepper is quite hot, but it will be fun to grow them.

Spinach, lettuce, parsley, cilantro, basil, cantaloupe, watermelon and some lavender is what has been planted below.

And just look at my Poinsettia, how beautiful is she?   I'm so happy that it's growing new flowers again.

Reading has been top of my list of favorite things to do, lately.  I've poured through review books and my book shelf too. 

Just picked this book up on Saturday.  I'm a huge fan of Jennifer Chiaverini so I'm glad to add this one to my stash.

And speaking of stashes, my stash blanket is growing and I'm really, and I mean really loving how it's turning out.  I've just used colors that I have in my yarn bucket, small balls of remnant skeins that are laying around with no particular project in mind.

It's such a cheery pattern isn't it?  If you're wanting to make one yourself, it's the Spicier Life blanket from Sandra at Cherry Heart, and you can download it for free.

Life has been good, not completely free of ups and downs, and at the moment we have two family members in ICU and desperately needing your prayers and thoughts.  I can't go into details, but would so appreciate your prayers.

Even though there are sick family members, and problems and issues here and there, it's a full, joyful life and I can tell you that I'm finding extreme contentment lately. 

My relationship with God is on the right track, I'm devoted to Him and to praying and reading and learning more about Him, and that in turn has made such a huge impact and change in my well being and my outlook on life in general.

I've always been open with you all, there are very few things of my life that I don't share, and usually because they're private or involve other people who have not asked to be online or blogged about.....but for the most part, I really am an open book.

Sharing my ups and downs and trials and tribulations, as well as my joys, has been something that I've thoroughly enjoyed these past twelve years. 

Twelve years!!!

It sounds insane just saying it out loud. 

There have been days that I've thought about calling it quits, not continuing my blog, just walking away and leaving it as it is, but then I remember how much of my soul I've put into this little corner, and I can't let it go.

So, I'll continue sharing as time permits, and I do hope that you will all continue following my life journey.  I may not be the best blogger, and Lord only knows I fail miserably at leaving comments on your blogs, but I do read them as often as I can.  I will try to do better when it comes to actually saying hi and letting you know that I'm still here, reading and enjoying.

Anyway, I just wanted to pop in, chat a bit with you all and let you know what I've been up to. 

Sending you all blessings and waves and waves of love.
xoxoxoxoxo