Grateful XXVIII

While Jake and I were living in our apartment in DC, we both longed for some outdoor space.  Neither of us minded the confines of a smaller living area (it limited the stuff we could buy!), but we both had a strong desire for a little plot of land--a place to grow, mow, and care for.  So when we moved to Grove City, the thought of having our own little backyard was not something we took for granted.  Within a few months of moving into our new home, Jake quickly set to mowing, weeding, landscape dreaming, and the like. But it wasn't until this summer that we mustered the nerve to start our garden.  Neither of us claims a green thumb or any hidden horticulture knowledge, so we're taming our expectations daily; we'll be thrilled if we harvest even a few measly tomatoes this summer.  But we couldn't be more grateful to see our little seeds sprouting along our south-facing windows.  The miracle of growth really is something beautiful.  And heck, between our ducklings and seedlings, we're a regular ole' farm here in the Jefferis household! 

Grateful XXVII

There's nothing quite like little baby animals in a house with children.  So despite the fact that our kitchen currently smells like Agway, we're grateful for 

these little ducklings, happy children, and thoughtful in-laws who give live Easter gifts.  This one's for you, Adam--proof that the ducklings do in fact exist. 

Grateful XXVI

It's been almost a year since I created a grateful post; I suppose I'm due.  There's much to be grateful around here, but I'm especially thankful for these two today! 

Grateful: XXV

Looking back, I think my 5th grade teacher must have felt badly for me. Every few months or so, she'd bring me in a plastic grocery bag full of hand-me-downs from her daughter.  Now, my parents certainly didn't have a lot of money, but they had enough to provide for my basic clothing needs.  The problem was that I had a penchant for picking a favorite outfit and wearing it over and over again.  I guess Mrs. Strothers saw my favored cream sweater and navy blue skirt one too many times. In my naivety, I was always proud to accept those bags of hand-me-downs and even more thrilled to take them home and rummage through my "new" clothes!  And I suppose, deep down, I'm still that excited 5th grade girl.  I still love getting hand-me-downs, especially now when they're for L and W.  We just recently received a package from J's stylish aunt and uncle in Washington. Tucked in that box were some pretty awesome things for our little L, including these pink Hunter boots.  They're a little big for her still, but that hasn't stopped her from prancing proudly around our living room in her "new" boots.  So here's to hand-me-downs and a generous aunt & uncle who take the time to pass them along. Happy Thursday! 

Things I Love: Home Centerpieces

From the time Jake and I rented our first apartment in Maryland, I've enjoyed creating simple centerpieces for our dining room and kitchen tables. I certainly have no idea what I'm doing what it comes to arranging flowers or even pairing pieces the way a stylist would.  Oh, how I love looking through the incredible arrangements that professional stylists put together on Style Me Pretty.  I'm amazed by their gift to pair together often-times ordinary things to make something extraordinary.  I'm a far cry from these guys, but it doesn't stop me from attempting to beautify our home in little ways. So, when I saw these very reasonably priced glass candle pillars at Target, I snatched them up to create a colorful and inexpensive centerpiece that can hang around all Summer long! Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! 

Grateful: XXVIII

The summer before my senior year of high school, I attended a spiritual leadership camp in the mountains of Sequoia National Park.  Those seven days were an incredibly memorable and formative time of my life.  I still have many memories and photographs from that week, but the thing I hold most dear is a letter.  Long before the camp week began, the leaders asked parents to write a letter to their son or daughter--a letter of encouragement, affirmation, and love.  These letters were passed out one of the evenings before dinner.  As I watched our leaders distribute the white envelopes before our meal, I was sure mine would be from my mother.  It's not that my father was absent or unloving, not the in the slightest.  Still, my mother was typically the one who doled out compliments and words of affection.  But when I pulled the folded paper from the envelope, I was surprised to see my father's distinct cursive bleeding through.  As I read his words of praise for me, a deep well of pride and love swelled in my heart. You see, I have always admired my father greatly. And while reading the two-page letter, I realized that the admiration went both ways. 

My father is one of the, if not the, wisest and most intelligent man I know.  His knowledge is vast and his integrity is solid. A self-made man, he's not one to tout his impressive resume or accomplishments.  He keeps his head down, works hard, and is beloved by many. To say I am profoundly grateful for his example is an understatement. 

He gave me this collection of Robert Browning volumes a few years back. I've proudly displayed them on our book shelf. And while I do enjoy reading Browning here and there, I most love these books for what they represent--my father, our shared interests, and his love for me. 

Grateful: XXVII

In college, some friends of mine committed to having fresh flowers in their dorm room year round.  As soon as one bunch of flowers lost its burst of color or began to wilt, my friends would replace them.  I didn't really understand the appeal at that season in my life. But I do now. There's just something about fresh flowers in the home. I love a splash of color in the living room corner, on the dining room table, or atop the kitchen counter.  We don't have them in our house year round--I'm definitely not that organized! But, at $3.99 for a small bunch, it's worth it every once awhile:). Have a wonderful week! 

Grateful: XXVI

I was awakened earlier than normal yesterday morning by my little ones.  I struggled to fully awaken as I made my way down our staircase to start our breakfast and morning routine.  But my mood quickly turned as I turned into our kitchen and saw a present left on the counter. J surprised me with some Toms that I had pinned on Pinterest.  I'm so grateful for a husband who takes notice of my wishlists and still surprises me after almost seven years of marriage. 

Grateful: XXV

The waiter approached with his white platter of appetizers, complete with a rainbow of exotic sauces and freshly baked naan. As he gently placed the platter on our table, he caught my eye. And what will you two be having this evening? We anxiously rustled through our menus, making our final, last minute decision. Lamb korma and chicken tikka masala. Just like the last time and the fifteen times before that. I guess you could say we're pretty predictable.  I have that problem with restaurants. I find something I like and I just can't stand the unnecessary risk of trying something new. J's the same way. So lamb korma and chicken tikka masala it was, once again. 

When we lived near DC, J and I frequented Tandoori Nights at least once a month for our fill of incredible Indian food.   Moving to Grove City meant saying goodbye to our monthly Indian outing. So when I saw this tempting recipe for butter chicken (a common Indian dish) on Pinterest, I added it to my weekly list of meals. The problem? You just can't find most international spices in good old Grove City. In fact, I couldn't even find cardamom at our local grocery store. Cardamom! So garam masala? Yeah, that definitely wasn't going to happen. I contemplated driving into Pittsburgh to pick some up at the Strip District, but then remembered Amazon. Holla! Within two days, I had the necessary spices at my doorstep. And I'll tell you, the butter chicken was out of this world:).  

Grateful: XXIV

I love chocolate, probably a bit too much.  I'm pretty sure I have my mother to thank for this. Around every holiday, my mom would put out a bowl or two of chocolate in the dining room. And from the time I was a little girl,  I'd sneak in a couple times a day and snag a piece.  I'm sure my mother intended the chocolate for our frequent guests. My parents, after all, have always done an awful lot of entertaining.  My father's work in the ministry has undoubtedly facilitated their need and desire to host countless meals each year.  But I think they would have hosted regardless. Our Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter tables were always full of parishioners, out-of-town friends, and last-minute guests.  As were our 4th of July picnics and Memorial Day barbecues.  And, most of the time, I loved it.  I guess that's part of the reason I fill up a bowl of chocolate around every holiday. Sure, I can devour a package of Hugs with the best of them and I do love chocolate. But more than the chocolate, the little bowl reminds me of my parents and their incredible gift of hospitality.  

Grateful: XXIII

Our Western PA winter has been surprisingly mild this year--a strong contrast to last year. We didn't see the grass from the time we moved here in November to mid-March! I didn't think I'd ever want to see snow again....and it didn't help that my pregnancy precluded me from my favorite winter sport. But this year has been significantly warmer with only an occasional snow. I love the extra sun and warmth, but I have definitely missed the white, powdery covering.  I think that snow gives the stark January landscape added beauty and even an element of mystery.  And I love that it creates one of my favorite backgrounds for portrait photography--the snow is such a wonderful natural reflector!  So when a few inches came just in time for an engagement shoot this past weekend, I was especially grateful. I'll share the images tomorrow. But for now, happy Tuesday! 

Grateful: XXII

I know I've posted an image of seasonal cookies before, but what can I say? We love iced sugar cookies around here. And we're especially grateful for the new Christmas presents that made these ones look especially pretty--the Williams Sonoma snowflake cookie cutters and the beautiful Crate & Barrel glass stand. Here's hoping we get some actual snowflakes this week! Happy Monday, everyone. 

Grateful: XXI

We're trying to teach L about gratitude and the Source of all good gifts. In the evenings, during prayer time, we encourage her to list a few people and things for which she's thankful.  Her new kitchen set --the one she got for Christmas, the one J and I were up until 2am putting together--has made that list quite a bit the past week or so. Her kitchen set, Gree-gree, and Grandma from "Souf Cawolina." Have a wonderful weekend!

Grateful: XX

Happy 2012! We've returned from our vacation in the Holy City of the South and are slowly getting back into the swing of things. We were welcomed with some lovely snow and a stack of Christmas cards from dear friends--love that! I'm kicking off the year with another installment of Grateful. A few months back, inspired by Kara Layne, J and I decided to begin a family journal.  Our family is still quite young and small, but the journal is already filling up with funny little jottings. We keep our journal on our counter for quick access and grab it whenever something seems worth remembering. These little moments, tucked quietly into the mundane routine of daily life, bring us great joy and gratitude.  So we record them. And I especially love the thought of our children gathered around a living room--years and years from now--reading through a stack of journals, enlivened by laughter and fond memories from their childhood. Have a wonderful Monday! 

Grateful: XIX

I'm a photographer, so I'm SURE this goes without saying. But I LOVE pictures.  I love capturing a fleeting second in a way that is not only honest, but beautiful. I love finding a lovely and simple background to showcase a person, a relationship, a feeling. I love that beautiful and accurate composition can heighten the emotion in an image...that it can give a endow a photograph with something beyond words. I love that true, vibrant colors can bring life to a portrait. And I love chasing the sun and learning more about how God has given us this incredible gift of light.  We have prints all over our house and I treasure catching glimpses of captured beauty throughout the day. Today, I'm grateful for the gift of photography and the ability to create. 

Grateful: XVIII

I apologize to those of you who keep checking my blog only to find the same old things this past week! I have several posts in progress, but can't seem to find the time to finish any of them. In the meantime, I've got a little gratitude to share. Little L and I made our first gingerbread house this past weekend, and what a joy it was! It's not the prettiest one you've ever seen, but we put a lot of love into this little house of sugar. And, let me tell you, building a gingerbread house takes patience and self-control--patience while trying to get the pieces to stick together and self-control not to just eat the pieces instead;). Little L learned a little about both while we made this together, and I'm so grateful for little traditions that double as sweet lessons in virtue. 

Grateful: XVII

We haven't had a Christmas tree in our home for five years. I know, I know--pretty pathetic. But little L was too little to know the difference and it just never seemed worth the $85 down in Maryland when we wouldn't be around for Christmas anyways. But this year, we decided to go all out. We drove to a Christmas tree farm thirty minutes away, chopped the winner down, and created a wonderful new family tradition--all for only $18.  As we journeyed home, with a large Canaan Fir on top of our car, I couldn't help but whisper my gratitude to God for this abundantly blessed season. 

Grateful: XVI

I frequently complain about our local grocery store--the only fully-stocked one in town. I'm not proud of this, but I often bemoan our store's lack of organic options and small selection of meat cuts. And the high price tags on the outside-of-the-grocery-store items (you know, the fresh stuff) frustrate me on a weekly basis.  But, as some of my California friends have taken to saying, this is most definitely a "first-world problem."  After all, I've got an incredible variety of food at my fingertips, money to purchase that food, and a warm place to prepare it.  Never have I wondered if I'd have access to food for my family. Not even once.  When I think of food in these terms, my grumbling seems a lot more like selfishness and ingratitude.  Because really, I'm so very grateful for the abundance we have. 

Grateful: XV

I grew up in central California. I miss it dearly and often long for the wide skies, magnificent mountains, and glorious sun (that showed up almost every day!). But we have one thing here in the East that California lacks: the rhythm and beauty of four seasons. My hometown in California had Summer and not-Summer.  So as much as I wish our Winter didn't last five months, I'm grateful for the turning of seasons and the beauty each one brings. 

Grateful: XIV

I am in the throes of a pretty miserable cold, complete with the stuffed-up head, sore throat, and annoying cough. I'm sure it will pass through the rest of our household this week. But considering that we are healthy most of the time, I don't aim to complain. I'm very grateful for our overall health. I am also grateful for easy tried and true recipes that make for a warm, last-minute meal when I'm sick. I'm not always the best at planning our meals ahead or making diverse and delicious meals. So I'm grateful for the easy ones that never get old, like this quiche. Give me a break on the crust please--wasn't feeling the creativity last night.