So much to explore in rubber boots after a good rain. So much so that I wish I had rubber boots.

Structure in life does a lot for me: I can do things I love if I'm creative enough with my time, I can cook and bake for my family the way I've always dreamed of doing, and mostly, I feel confident. Like I can balance all aspects of my life.

This structure, of course, comes in seasons. Right now, we're it an all time high since the move. Settled in a new place, two daily naps I can expect my babies will take, they're eating three meals a day, playing and rolling until they're tuckered out, etc. All of these elements have given me the structure I've longed for.

One of the most exciting parts of the day for me is in the morning. After breakfast, getting dressed, and the likes, we're all off to the basement for a time. Kids play, babies suck on anything within a foot of them, and I can run around and organize or sew.

Sew. It really is therapy. I pull fabric from my shelves, get input from the girls while they "cook", and I can whip something together. There is always a running list of things to make for children, friends, and our home.

Of course, vinyl sewn on fabric for this high chair mat. Super easy.

Press the back of your fabric to the vinyl, to get both sets of materials wrinkle free.

Sewn together, using tissue paper on the top layer to keep the vinyl from dragging. No fancy binding necessary. I think it would of taken away from the bold fabric.

And it is an easier size to clean than those store bought highchair mats. And talk about super instant gratification to start and finish by the time lunch comes around!

The first customers arrived about half past 5 and were seated upon arrival.

Orders were taken and meals prepared.

The head chef at the Blueber Restaurant was pleased with her menu and service last night.

There was a line wrapping around the basement staircase of hungry customers waiting to take a peek inside the newest establishment.

Now this customer wasn't really served. She sucked on forks and recently pressed table linens.

I'm not quite sure who the dish girl is, but whoever it is will be up late cleaning up from the grand opening.

Try your fancy-- the Blueber Restaurant is becoming the talk of the town.

There comes a time for a little girl when they all of a sudden talk, walk, and gesture like a real girl. Like a girl who is subconsciously dramatizing life as a woman someday.

Sewing something for Caroline with delicate lace and more mature print did the trick.

She still is a four year old, for goodness sake.

I love the way the hair kerchief is so feminine, drawing attention to the hairline and eyes. My style continues to deepen like today, when bold, fresh, and modern won't satisfy but classic, vintage, aged, and delicate will.

I'm sure you'll see more of my sewing inspired by this book and its whimsical, peasant approach. I could definitely do less vibrant and more subtle.

I have a new inspiration board for my new space. It reminds me a lot of my Granny, not only because I used her '70s knit fabric but it gives me a feminist woman-power feel. Maybe that will push me to do as I've done tonight, and stay up late just because I can. Now there-- that's woman power.

I thought you'd be interested in seeing my sewing area the way it usually looks, not tidy and cutesy, but definitely lived in. Piles of fabric, trimmings, paint (which really isn't supposed to be there), many half started projects, batting, and a hammer and nails.

I'm still hanging things around the corner from my sewing space in the kids' playroom. Now that has been the funnest room, by far, to plan and decorate. Still not quite ready to reveal.


But these are the pillows I made for the playroom. Thankfully there's still some of this crazy fabric left.

The news about Haiti has really humbled me, made me see how wrapped up in my little world I can get.

One moment you're moody about complaining kids, fussy babies, and traveling husband, the next minute you're reevaluating your whole existence, your healthy family, safe and warm home, and clean food, and abundance at that, in your cupboards.

Then you feel helpless. You feel distant from those suffering and yet, so close, as you have humanity in common, and with that, the ability to fall in love, to fail and succeed, to give birth, to find joy in the simple, to find hope in a new spring... and the list goes on.

And so humanity must act because of those precise commonalities. And so I ask you to do something. Spend a few bucks to make hygiene kits that are currently being sent to Haiti, donate money towards food, water, temporary shelter. Teach your children--about humanity, about giving, even if they are just pennies and nickels being saved up for a rainy day.

Do Something.

This is our first real formal dining room. A place that is far enough from the kitchen counter that you could still fake a semi-clean house if company stops by unannounced and dinner was never put away.

These chairs make this room. They were bought by my in-laws in Amish country, right here in our own Lancaster, Pa., from an Amish schoolhouse. They've recently been passed down to us, and thrilled owners are we!

Solid wood chairs don't get any better than this. They creak when you shift your weight and have minor wear and tear which only enhance their beauty and background.

My architectural paintings have a home once again and fill the long space on the wall well.

In Fung Shui design, red is the ideal color to paint a dining room as it encourages conversation. It sure encourages a ton of chatter from the many little people during meals. Bobby and I barely get a word in edge-wise.

White platters and lots of them are some of my favorite entertaining and dining-ware.

Family and food feel more sophisticated now--like our hamburger dinners have been elevated 10 fold. I'm loving that.