Water Bugs and Dragonflies by Doris Stickney

Down below the surface of a quiet pond lived a little colony of water bugs. They were a happy colony, living far away from the sun.
For many months they were very busy, scurrying over the soft mud on the bottom of the pond. They did notice that every once in awhile one of their colony seemed to lose interest in going about. Clinging to the stem of a pond lily it gradually moved out of sight and was seen no more.

"Look!" said one of the water bugs to another.
"One of our colony is climbing up the lily stalk. Where do you think she is going?"

Up, up, up it slowly went....Even as they watched, the water bug disappeared from sight. Its friends waited and waited but it didn't return...

"That's funny!" said one water bug to another.
"Wasn't she happy here?" asked a second...
"Where do you suppose she went?" wondered a third.

No one had an answer. They were greatly puzzled.

Finally one of the water bugs, a leader in the colony, gathered its friends together.

"I have an idea". The next one of us who climbs up the lily stalk must promise to come back and tell us where he or she went and why."

"We promise", they said solemnly.

One spring day, not long after, the very water bug who had suggested the plan found himself climbing up the lily stalk.

Up, up, up, he went. Before he knew what was happening, he had broke through the surface of the water and fallen onto the broad, green lily pad above.

When he awoke, he looked about with surprise. He couldn't believe what he saw. A startling change had come to his old body. His movement revealed four silver wings and a long tail.

Even as he struggled, he felt an impulse to move his wings...The warmth of the sun soon dried the moisture from the new body. He moved his wings again and suddenly found himself up above the water. He had become a dragonfly!!

Swooping and dipping in great curves, he flew through the air. He felt exhilarated in the new atmosphere.

By and by the new dragonfly lighted happily on a lily pad to rest. Then it was that he chanced to look below to the bottom of the pond. Why, he was right above his old friends, the water bugs! There they were scurrying around, just as he had been doing some time before.

The dragonfly remembered the promise: "The next one of us who climbs up the lily stalk will come back and tell where he or she went and why."

Without thinking, the dragonfly darted down. Suddenly he hit the surface of the water and bounced away.

Now that he was a dragonfly, he could no longer go into the water...
"I can't return!" he said in dismay. "At least, I tried. But I can't keep my promise. Even if I could go back, not one of the water bugs would know me in my new body. I guess I'll just have to wait until they become dragonflies too. Then they'll understand what has happened to me, and where I went."

And the dragonfly winged off happily into its wonderful new world of sun and air.......

From: "Water Bugs and Dragonflies : Explaining Death to Young Children"
by Doris Stickney

Life Lessons....

So, it's been a while... a long while.
I've taken a bit of a mental break.  A much needed break.

While I love this little space, it does take much effort and time to keep up.  I guess I went through a sort of burnout.

I LOVE CRAFTING, THRIFTING, RE-CREATING, YOU-NAME-IT... but, it all takes time.  And when you have 3 littles under foot, you just need to put some things into perspective.  Family first.  Family FIRST.

Don't get me wrong... I've never struggled with priorities.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I put my children and husband first and everything else falls into place after that.... and me?  Well, I'm usually last on that list.  That is, until 2 months ago.  I realized that if I didn't start putting ME a little higher on that list, then all else in my life would start to failing.

My girl-babe is starting school in the fall.  Oh. My.  I don't even want to think about it.  My whole life, I feel, was formed, shaped, guided-by-fate to be a mom.  And I know I'll always be a mom to these 3 little wonders; but, in all honesty - I am the woman who could have been a mom to TEN little wonders.

But, my resolve...

My resolve...

I know I can only have three.... and my time to be the full-on-full-time mom is coming to an end. 

I needed to take stock.  Put ME first. 

Holy Crap!  Did I just say 'Put ME first'?

I did.  And, I have.

Time to reclaim this body of mine.... time to think of what I want out of this life (aside from the obvious - my family).

I've joined the gym.  Working with a trainer who is amply qualified to kick my A**!  And - I'M LOVING IT!  I. LOVE. IT.

I am a consultant for an AMAZING direct sales company which I believe in WHOLEHEARTEDLY!

And, when September finally comes, which I know, inevitably, it will.  I will have some free time to fill with another Mom-preneurial side business....  but, until then....

Drink in EVERY. SINGLE. MOMENT I have left with this sweet little lady and her brothers... I cannot miss a thing.  I owe it to her, I owe it to her brothers.  And most of all, I deserve - DESERVE - to relish every second while I can - while they'll still let me.

I had the best compliment a mom could get yesterday on Mother's Day...

'My mom is as special as LEGO.'

I love my life... what else can I say?

Happy Belated Mother's Day.  **Miss you B  ((((HUGS))))**

;)

REFURB-RECON-REPURPOSE: old suitcase, new doll case

I've always loved the idea of making something old, new again, and when I saw these on Etsy, I knew I could easily do it myself.... and then, the hunt was on for the perfect case....

And, I found one....  

Actually, Mr. Monkey found it on his very first trip with the girl-babe and I, to our nearest Bibles for Missions thrift store.  This pretty blue case was sitting on the floor with a bunch of other sad looking cases.... a diamond in the rough for sure....

The price tag.... a WHOPPING $3.00!  Yes, folks, this was the steal of the day!

So here it is.... the transformation....

original condition, ok, but, not really... and still has it's keys!

let the stripping begin - woo-hoo!!!

interesting.... butter cookie packaging as backing.... repurposing, I LOVE IT!

original lining stuck.... ah, no biggie

completely NAKED!

vintage sheeting fabric, batting, glue gun, and many-many-many glue sticks

pretty trims, not sure what to use just yet....

fitting and gluing the batting, really just winging it....until....

OUCHIE!  why does this ALWAYS happen to me?

burnt fingers forgotten.... bottom lining finito!

glue and press, glue and press.... top lining also finito!

cutting, trimming, fitting and attaching the pretty flowers

oops, forgot to take a shot of the trim being applied, my bad, here it is finished

the monkey-girl throwing in Bear's clothes before I could finish, love her excitement

'take a pitcher of me, mommy!' (heart melting)

DONE!  and PACKED!

I had so much fun whipping up this project!  In total, it took me about 4 and a half hours.... well worth my time and effort just to get that HUGE smile from that BEAUTIFUL girl....

I think, later-later, I'll add some clear pockets to the top to house the socks and shoes, and maybe paint the monkey's name on the outside.... I'll be sure to add that as a REFURB-RECON-REPURPOSE post too!

I hope this inspires you glue-gun toting craft-goddesses to tackle your own repurpose projects.  Have a lovely day my friends  ;)

THRIFTY MONDAY: is back!

While out driving around last tuesday, my husband and I decided to head to one of our favourite Antique-y places.... Southworks.  He was looking for chairs for our dining set.... I was just looking at, well, everything...

 
The entire upper floor of this building is all antique, nostalgic and vintage treasures....  Now, being the thrifty (cheap) lady that I am, I find a great number of things here are highly overpriced.  That doesn't mean I don't like the hunt, I do.  It's a challenge to find something I like and for a reasonable price (or priced right).... but, I can do it if I'm given the time to really scrutinize what I'm after.

Of course, the prey of the day for me, was Pyrex.... just a little-teeny-tiny piece to quench my thirst, sate my hunger, tide me over til, um, next month (who we kiddin'....next week)....

Aaaanyway.... While browsing, I heard the man say to the girl-babe, 'Oh, Mommy's gonna be in these booths for hours'.... My interest was piqued.... I knew exactly what he meant, and so, calmly, not too-too hurriedly (I didn't want to look like a total geek!) I headed in the direction of his voice....

Ahhhh!!!!  3.... count 'em.... 3 booths of perfectly pretty Pyrex and fabulously fun Fiesta ware!  WHAT?!  I know!

So once the excitement (that was really only going on internally.... again, the geek in me was caged) was harnessed, I got down to business.

After picking up, turning over and checking for chips on almost every. single. piece.... sadly, only a few were to my liking, which is to say, in almost 100%, A-1, perfect condition.  And those that were, were so over priced, I just couldn't bring myself to drop that kind of money....

But I wasn't sad.... I know where I can find what I like at very thrifty prices.... I went on my way, happy with just browsing at all of the beautiful colours.... and then, I spotted 3 teensy-weeny-little bowls on the floor of a booth that sold almost entirely old paper materials....

I chose this beautiful brown bitty....

Isn't she sweet?  I brought her home, suds-ed her up and she was on the dinner table that night full to the brim with little sweet peas....

:D  That's me.  Smiling cheek-to-cheek.... have a great day  ;)

FAMILY DAYS: production line

For Christmas, my middle monkey made me a button bracelet from the pretty buttons in my button stash.  I saw the bracelet about a month before Christmas; but, had no idea it was for me.  He put it together using a caramel coloured pipe cleaner and some shiny metal buttons (his favourites).

On Christmas morning, he handed me a pretty little box that he carefully wrapped himself.  On top was the cutest little tag that was made from a thick piece of golden wrapping paper that he hand cut and folded.... on the inside it simply said, 'To: Mom.  From: Marek' with a sweet happy face.  My heart gushed and I had to hold back the tears.... I mean, really, I hadn't even opened the gift yet; but, I knew I would cherish it forever....

So, in his ultimate wisdom, and I'm sure after days of processing my tearful thank you to him, he came to me and said, 'I want to make button bracelets for our yard sale.  Because if you like yours so much, so will other Mommy's.'  My heart exploded, and I knew, even more than I had ever known before, that these moments were the reason I wanted to be a Mom.

And today, on this frigidly cold Sunday, we decided to start production in the button factory.  I'll I just say this.... I was in my crafty glory, sitting with my three monkeys, working away, watching them sort through the ga-zillions of buttons we have.... These pretty necklaces and bracelets are the fruits of our efforts today....

For girls; pretty ribbon and button necklaces made by the hands of my two boy monkeys, with help picking colours from the girl-babe; and elastic threaded bracelets made by Mommy.  My oldest monkey had the brilliant idea to make army man necklaces for boys.... so this week we'll be taking a trip to the dollar store for some army men and hemp lacing....

I love that they want to have their own sale table for our annual community yard sale.  I love the initiative, and the excitement they feel over doing something for themselves; and the pride they have in their ideas and finished product....

They make me love them more and more every. single. day.

Happy family day everyone  ;)


p.s.  stay tuned, we're back in the swing of things here on the blog.... starting tomorrow!

THRIFTY MONDAY: santa's gift to me

Santa must have been watching me for the past few months, because look what I found.... hidden in one of my dresser drawers.... obviously, a-hem, Santa forgot to wrap it and slide it under the tree before Daddy noticed.... Aaaanyway, sometimes Santa slips up too....

This is THE cutest little Spring Blossom bowl, from the original launch in 1972.  It features the same larger patterned flowers as one of my previous finds.

See.... if you're a good girl, sometimes Santa comes through with the gifts that make you smile.

;)  .... that's me.... smiling .... have a lovely day....

COUNTDOWN: one

Only one shopping day left!!!!

Ok.... I haven't lost it, I do know how to count, and I do realize that technically, there is still one more shopping day left after today.... we'll get to that tomorrow  :)

Please, just humour me for today....  Look at today like it is your last shopping day.  Use it wisely to do any last-minute store shopping; driving here, there and everywhere; and impatiently standing in line with others just like you....

I have no gift ideas for today, other than to give of yourself and maybe pay-it-forward.  Treat someone to a coffee, a perfect stranger.... give up your spot in line to someone who's arms are overflowing, because when it comes down to it, you've left everything to the last minute, it can't get any worse....  Keep your emotions in check, and remember what the season is all about....  Spread the holiday cheer by wearing a smile even if you don't feel like smiling; say Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas to everyone you make eye contact with.... You'll be amazed at just how happy you'll be just by simply spreading the love....

For me, Christmas is not about the presents.... it's about time.

 The time we spend with our friends and family.  Times past that we reflect upon.

Time.

We think we have so much of it, but we do very little of actually enjoying it.  So, finish your shopping, as quick as possible with that cheer-filled smile plastered on your face.... then when all is said and done, go and be with the ones you love....  There's no greater gift you can give someone than the gift of your time....

Tomorrow is another day, but spend your time wisely.... stay tuned  ;)

COUNTDOWN: ten

Only ten shopping days left til the big man appears!

We'll be counting down from today until the 24th by sharing some simple, quick and heartfelt last-minute gift giving ideas....

LAST-MINUTE IDEA #10:

From 3 monkeys archives, the I LOVE YOU JAR.

A super simple little gift that tells someone exactly how you feel about them.  A project that for me, takes the place of and is more doable than scrapbooking.  Whenever I see my children do something new, or funny, or we create another special family memory.... I jot it down and slip it into the jar.... easy-peasy!

All you need is a jar (I love vintage canning jars), pretty scrapbook papers, assorted markers, scissors and your favourite memories, feelings and thoughts about the recipient.

You could also adapt this to create smile jars (jokes), inspiration jars (uplifting quotes).... the possibilities are limitless.... give it a try.... a simple, from the heart gift that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Have a great day everyone.... HO-HO-HO!  ;)

FAMILY DAYS: lights

The tree is up.... but still naked.... Arg!  The lights don't work!  Thankfully, I made sure to test them all before stringing them onto the tree.... So, first thing this morning, I'll be rushing out to Canadian Tire for some new ones.

The lights we have are the old, not-so-energy-efficient kind.  While I love saving energy where I can, I am not a lover of the new LED lights.... I really don't like the harsh glow of them.  My mother assures me that they've come a long way since they were first introduced.... She tells me there are softer glowing LED's that look similar to my old ones.  Nevertheless, I am stuck buying these new, less desirable type regardless of whether I like them or not.... there are no longer any other options in lighting.

I know they'll grow on me.... and I also know that what it really comes down to is this.... my tree will be getting dressed by my little family while we listen to Christmas songs and drink eggnog.... and make more wonderful family memories.... The colour and glow of the lights is really an insignificant thing when you look at the bigger picture....

my birdhouse all dressed for the season

We'll be together, and that's what matters most.... I'm very thankful for that....

Have a fantastic Sunday everyone  ;)

RANDOMNESS: admiration

While sharing family pizza night with a friend and his three children, my friend told me how he wanted to make something extra special for his children to honour their mothers memory.... He wants to make memory quilts for each of them, made from her clothing....

I've seen these quilts before, they've been around for years.... I'm just so moved with emotion that he wants to do this himself.  What a beautiful way to work through the loss of someone who meant the world to you.... and what an equally amazing thing to gift to your children - something you made with your own two hands that represents the love you have for your wife and the love you both have for your children....

The admiration I have for her since I've known her extends to every single one of her family members.... I can't say how I would react if I were in his shoes - I can only hope that I could be one tenth as strong....

Reluctance by Robert Frost

Out through the fields and the woods
And over the walls I have wended;
I have climbed the hills of view
And looked at the world and descended;
I have come by the highway home,
And lo, it is ended.

The leaves are all dead on the ground,
Save those that the oak is keeping
To ravel them one by one
And let them go scraping and creeping
Out over the crusted snow,
When others are sleeping.

And the dead leaves lie huddled and still,
No longer blown hither and thither;
The last lone aster is gone;
The flowers of the witch-hazel wither;
The heart is still aching to seek,
But the feet question 'Whither?'

Ah, when to the heart of man
Was it ever less than a treason
To go with the drift of things,
To yield with a grace to reason,
And bow and accept the end
Of a love or a season?

Yielding with grace, and holding on to memories.... could never be treasonous. It's admirable, and what's needed to move forward....

SIMPLICITY

I know I've written about this before; but, it still amazes me how kids are thrilled by the simplest things....Sure the 'in' toys; the over-commercialized items that are thrown in our faces every time we turn on the tv or open up a flyer are what they desire, want and hope for.... these are what I like to call flash-in-the-pan objects.... they're liked and admired and played with for short periods then quickly forgotten and passed up for the tried and true.  You know the ones, the toys that force kids to use their imagination.... because when it comes down to it, kids love creating their own play.  It's inherent in a child's very make up.  That's what they do - it's how they first begin to learn about the world around them.  So why not nurture these sometimes forgotten forms of play?

I'm not saying that children shouldn't have some of the things they long for.... rather, they should be given a good mix of what they want and what they need to help foster their growing minds.

Aaaanyway.... I painted a set of wooden peg dolls for my daughter last year for Christmas.  One doll representing each person in our family.  A fun little project.... painting.  Painting.... my favourite artful thing to do.  Every time I pick up a paint brush to do a project, I remember just how much I love doing it.... My daughter loves her set.  She even found a little carry case for them.... And I'm certain she would have loved them and played with them just as much if they were left naked....

Anyhow, these little naked people beg me to dress them.... and I lovingly oblige.  I just love choosing the colour of clothes, the hair, the personality.... and my favourite thing - giving them life at the very end by adding their little dotted eyes.

These four little ladies are so pretty.... and finished with a little sparkle.... what little girl doesn't LOVE sparkle?  Every time I walk by them, they make me smile.  Something so simple - and it brightens my day.... I hope the little lady who these will be gifted to, will feel smiley when ever she glances their way too.

A good rule to follow at this time of year.... keep it simple.
Have a great day folks  ;)

p.s.  REFURB-RECON,-REPURPOSE will return.... eventually....

THRIFTY MONDAY: signs.... ok, just one sign

My local consignment shop is one of my favourite places to browse for clothes for myself.   I tend to go there at least once every two weeks....  But, it's not just clothes.  They accept everything from clothes to living room sofas.... the shop is pretty small, but they know what moves....

The lady who owns the shop is one of the very sweetest people I have ever met.... and I admire the fact that she remembers every. single. person's. name..... that's pretty amazing, considering her shop clientele is HUGE!

Aaaanyway, for the looooongest time, she had a beautiful restaurant sign displayed above one of her clothing racks.... it's fairly large, about the wider than a king size bed and roughly 15-18 inches high.... I had admired it for such a long time and never ever asked about it.  I had actually assumed that it was just a really cool display piece she used in her store.

Eventually, curiosity got the better of me and I inquired, she said it was definitely a consignment item and the price tag was $200.  A little more than I like to spend on a thrifted item; however, finding a sign this size for such a small price (as far as signs go), I just couldn't pass it up.... She agreed to sell for $175 cash.  NO PROBLEM.... I'll gladly take that baby off your hands....

Ho-ly buckets!  This things weighs a TON!  Thus, the reason for only the sneak peak you see here.... I just couldn't lift the thing on my own to get a better shot....

It looks like it's from the inside of a restaurant.  You know, the ones with all of the kitschy pictures and signs everywhere?  Aaaanyway, this big green beauty will find it's place in our future finished basement family room.... I am so looking forward to seeing it anchored to my wall.

Happy Monday peeps!  I hope you can find room in your hearts for some lovely thrifty-ness too  ;)

FAMILY DAYS: hockey

Much of our fall/winter family time revolves around hockey.... the boys play four, sometimes five, days a week.... we watch NHL hockey.... at least three times a week there's a mini sticks game going on between the girl and her boys.... and Daddy helps coach the middle man's team and plays pick-up with a bunch of guys on Tuesday nights himself....

Old Hockey Skates.  Art print by Danny Bailey

Where do I fit into all of this?  Well, I don't play.... I'd love to but there aren't any women's pick-up leagues around here, and if I'm being honest, I skate very, very poorly.  Yes, I said it.  I'm a Canadian and my skating skills are beginner at best.  I'd love to invest the money and buy all the equipment and just play.  I think it's the only way I'm going to gain any kind of hockey/skating skill.... but; as I said earlier, they just don't offer, a-hem, women of my age the opportunity near here.

Don't get me wrong.... my role in all of this hockey is very important too.  I wouldn't give up being the bus driver, the skate lacer, the #1 fan, and the after game high-fiver for anything in the world.  Anywhere that my family is involved in something (anything).... it's my job, responsibility, honour, absolute pleasure to be the side liner; watching, cheering, and beaming with pride.  I take this role very seriously.  Sometimes, maybe (always) I can get a little excited.... and maybe, sometimes (always) I make a little noise.... but; I'm sure, positive really, that my guys are very happy to hear Mommy encouraging them from the stands.... right?

Happy hockey season everyone  ;)

FAMILY DAYS: yummy-ness = togetherness

It doesn't matter how busy our week was, or what conflicts we've had, Sunday mornings are always reserved for this....

On today's menu:  pumpkin spice, o.j. and earl grey.... cartoons and TONS of snuggles.... life is good.
Have a fantastic family day  ;)

You say it's your birthday....

Today, my husband turns 40. 

First off.... have you ever noticed how men don't age the same way as women?  I swear, he looks more like early thirties.... so. un. fair.

Aaaanyway.... What can I say about the guy who took a chance on the new girl in high school home room?  I guess, technically, I sought (stalked) him out.... but, once he responded, my shyness took over.  I was so insecure in thinking that he wouldn't really want to date me....  Remember those days back in high school?  The days when you were finding your way....

I'm not meaning for this to be a trip down memory lane.... I just still sometimes can't believe that he picked me.... 

He's my best friend.... my confidante.... the father of my children.... and the person I can trust with my life....  He's funny (like crazy funny, and I love that)....

Happy birthday, hunny.... I love you so much.... we love you so much....  I hope your day is full of happiness and great memories; and that you can see this milestone as the beginning of a great new chapter in the book of YOU....

xo  ;)

Baby no more....

My baby girl turned 3 at 12:05 this morning.

She is my little ray of sunshine.... and now she's 3.  A bit difficult to take because I know she's my last.  Tough to swallow because she's no longer a babe or toddler.... she's school aged.  Yes, school for my little lady begins at the ripe old age of 3.

I thought that being the Mommy to my two boys was the best thing I had ever done in my life....  but, being a Mommy to two boys and one fiery little girl, well, it's even better than the best feeling I've ever had.

She brings so much to our family....

She's funny,

She's beautiful,

She's my companion when everyone else is away.... she is one of four people in this world who I care for more than life itself....

Some people think that winning the lottery will solve their problems and bring them the happiness that they seek.... my husband and I feel otherwise - we're already rich.  We have the love of our three children, we have our love for one another, and we truly cherish the time we have together....

Strip away everything else, and you'll find it's the relationships you form that enrich your life in the most important ways....

From the moment the pediatrician said, "It's a girl!"  I knew that our lives were forever changed....  we had the girl that we never knew we wanted so bad.... both our boys from that moment on were older brothers and protectors.... and a whole new world of emotion melted our hearts and flooded our home.

Hammy-girl, I hope this day brings you all the happiness you deserve.  Mommy and Daddy are so proud you, and are so fortunate to be able to snuggle you tight every. single. day.  We love you, Bug.... to the moon  xo  ;)

FAMILY DAYS: sprouting up

At 12:05 Monday morning,  this little monkey will turn 3 years old....

Yeah, I know!  Where does the time go?

Aaaanyway, today we will be hosting a perfectly pink and pretty purple princess party!  I always said, that if I had a daughter, there would be no way she would be the foofy type.... WOW! Was I ever WRONG!

Ok, so she's not all the way pinkalicious, but she does show some love for the girlie things; while at the same time, thanks to two older brothers, she loves this too....

YAY!  Yay for me, I'm so NOT the girlie-type.... and YAY for Daddy who wants nothing more than to see his little princess play hockey....

Anyhow.... I'll post some pictures of the party later (maybe today, maybe another day)....

Have a great family day  ;)

HOW-TO-TUESDAY: t-shirt bracelet tutorial

So, there's no science or secret formula here.... the t-shirt bracelet is one of the quickest and easiest crafty projects one can do....  All you'll need for this project are:

- old t-shirts
- needle (sewing machine optional)
- coordinating (or not) thread
- scissors
- safety pin

Lots of fun to make.... and always an endless supply of t-shirt yarn.... 

Have a great day everyone  ;)

THRIFTY MONDAY: 'Le The'

Wow!  What a fantastic thrifty shopping day the girl monkey and I had with Mr. Monkey on Friday.  We found so many interesting and fun finds while browsing a junky old flea market and a Bibles for Missions thrift store.  But one of the best things I found was this....

A vintage 1975 Centura Spice O' Life tea pot for Corelle.

In searching for the particulars about this piece, I found out that this tea pot, my tea pot, is not the original design.  Originally, the pattern was larger and leafier (1971) then went through a redesign released in 1975 (my tea pot).  There are actually four versions of the Spice O' Life tea pot, each of which may or may not bare the french wording 'Le The' printed under the handle.... unfortunately, my little pot does not have this imprint. 

My little tea pot is in pristine condition.  It looks like it's barely been enjoyed with very, very minimal marks or discolouration on it's base.  The pattern itself is perfectly perfect with no scratches at all....

I am in love with this little steaming pot of morning joy.... My old tea pot, which was a brown betty look-alike, dribbled terribly.  I loved the look of her, but sadly, she made me growl every time I poured a cuppa.... She is being donated, and hopefully, will find a home with some other tea lover who has more patience for her insolent, drooling nature.

My inspiration to seek out and purchase a Corelle tea pot, was my mother-in-law.  She had a Corelle Blue Cornflower tea pot that she remarked, 'was the best tea pot I ever had.'

Blue Cornflower Tea Pot - A Lot To Collect Shop on Etsy

I remember back in dating days, having dinner at my in-laws house.... while clearing the table after we ate, my father-in-law would pour the hot water in the Blue Cornflower pot and it would sit steeping on top of the stove until we were ready.  He would bring the tea and milk to the table, and I would have to ask almost every time for sugar.  The sugar was housed in yellow plastic Tupperware container....

Anyway, I had to see what all the fuss was about.  So, I cleaned the tea pot thoroughly, then me and the middle monkey, who loves to enjoy a spot of tea with mommy, wasted no time in steeping a fresh pot of decaf earl grey.  We sat at the table together sipping from cheerfully coloured Fiesta.... I love the moments where my children share something simple, and so adult.... they are certainly cherished times....  And!  NO DRIBBLES!  I love. this. tea. pot.

Have a great day everyone  ;)


Oh, and P.S.  Here's a shot of the TWO t-shirt bracelets I'm giving away....

Check out yesterdays post for the particulars of my second anniversary blog giveaway.....  The bracelets are seriously cute.... I'm definitely making more.... Enter your comment after yesterdays post to be eligible to win.... CHEERS!