These days...

Sometimes I feel guilty that I don't write here like I used to. I remember the excitement of creating a recipe for supper after work... now I get excited when supper is on the table in pots and pans and I can sit down to rest:) I tell myself this is a season of life I want to savor- and I don't want to miss out on Caroline's younger years. I can create recipes when I'm old and retired:)

My days are filled to the brim with the normal household/mom tasks and I wouldn't trade it for the world. 

Here is a bit of our lives lately...

 I've been having fun with my sourdough starter. My first sourdough bread!

 Sourdough waffles.

 "The second best heritage you can equip your child with is gardening. 

The first is food for the soul, but the second is food to keep that soul healthy." 

- Hope Helmuth

 Caroline's 2 year old photos.

 We had fun making a new play area after Caroline

broke a flower pot she pulled off the bench:)

Our little family of three. I'm one lucky wife and mom.

That's all for now...

Have a wonderful week!

Hope

Hopefulthings Boutique

My sister invited me to sell decor and gift items at her fabric store (Dressed Up Threads) that just relocated to Dayton. I was delighted at the idea! I love to decorate and I love to give gifts! It has been so much fun searching for items to place in my small, booth space. 

Here are a few photos of my booth.

 

 Stop by if your local! :)

Hope

Caroline Turns Two

Caroline has been anticipating her 2nd birthday for weeks. She would exclaim, "My birsday is coming up!" 

She even learned how to hold up two fingers for her age. 

It was fun to watch her anticipation for her special day.

 I went with a woodland theme this year. Here are some photos to document her birthday.

 I never knew a child could bring your heart so much joy.

 Daddy's girl indeed.

 Mom's baking buddy and all day shadow.

 The guest table.

 I gathered all the decor from our woods.

 Her cake.

 

  Meringue hedgehogs on the left.

 

 We practiced blowing out candles for weeks but she still can't:)

She blows her bangs up and that's about it.

Gift time.

 With love,

Hope

How to set a formal table...

I was having a group of ladies from church so I decided to film setting my table so I could share with you how easy it can be.

Just grab some flowers, small glass vases, mixed candle stands + candles, and a table runner.

 For the video go here!

Happy Friday!

Hope

Happy Valentine's Day

 Caroline and I had fun baking cookies together this week.

I decided to make a video.

Go here to watch.

 Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope

Simple Zuppa Toscana

I decided to try videoing myself making a recipe. Just for fun, since I have the camera to do so.

Here it is. It's by no means perfect, but it was fun.

To watch the video go here.

The recipe is typed below the video.

We are enjoying this beautiful snow.

 Donut dough is raising by the fire.

A happy day indeed.

Hope

Christmas 2015

It's been a wonderful Christmas. My sister was able to be here from Indiana and Joshua's sister came in from Nevada. Both families were complete.

My family Christmas started early and Joshua's just ended last evening with his sister, Sheri leaving today.

It's been a fun few weeks but I'm ready to get back into everyday life. Bring on piles of dirty laundry and dishes:) Hmmm I wonder if I will be saying that next week...

Here are some photos of our Christmas with each family. 

It was close to 70 before Christmas Day. Caroline had fun with her chickens.

 Uncle Wes and Aunt Charity ate breakfast with us Christmas morning.

 Aunt Charity making up for lost time with Caroline.

 Caroline and Caleb made quick friends.

 All of Caroline's cousins on my side.

 Grandmother the great story reader

 Dear, Grandma Rhodes.

 Mom and Dad gave each of us an old oil lamp for Christmas.

 Christmas morning...

Josh loves guns. The history of guns. He loves to hold guns like this.

I just don't understand.

But this year, I FINALLY bought the man a gun.

This one dates back to civil war. His Dad found it for me.

He was a happy man.

Christmas eve breakfast with our little family.

I thought Christmas was fun before Caroline but

now the joy has doubled.

 Grandma and Grandpa came up for our little family's Christmas eve.

 Christmas with the Helmuth's

 We hosted the family for a taco bar.

 Now these girls have real baby

 then we sang Christmas carols for an old neighbor

 Grandma with her grands

Such a good two weeks. God is good.

Hope