Celebrating March 25th

This prior Sunday, Belle & Peanut had their Greek School Independence Day program after church. They donned traditional Greek costumes (Hubby wore that same exact outfit as Peanut many moons ago) and put on a fabulous show.  

They began the program with songs.

Then the older students danced the traditional kalamatiano and tsamiko. 

Belle delivered her memorized poem verse perfectly. She was nervous about getting up in front of the crowd, but shined when it was show time. 

Then it was Peanut's turn to recite a classic Greek nursery rhyme: My Little Shining Moon. During the Turkish occupation of Greece, children were not allowed to attend school so at night they would gather in the churches for lessons. This poem talks about the moon lighting the children's path to school.

Afterwards it was back to singing and Peanut really got into the song. 

These little one's stole the show & had the whole audience in smiles. I for one was grinning from ear to ear.

The program wrapped up with a few more dances from the older students while the little ones kept the beat. 

Both Hubby & I spent the better part of a decade performing these same dances, it is hard to believe we are now the parents. In the blink of an eye all three of my babies will be on stage. I better start remembering the steps to all those dances I learned years ago.

Mudroom Update

Painting is finished…whoot whoot!

Now it is time to put it all back together and tackling this pile………..

Guess where I'll be today.

Easter Trimmings

Seeing as how most of you will be celebrating Easter on Sunday (we celebrate on May 5th according to our church's calendar) here is a quick peek at the eggcellent pretties gracing our home.

In the kitchen, a pair of egg topiaries flank a cabbage leaf bunny bowl filled with easter eggs.

A smaller cabbage and bunny bowl is displayed on the island. 

And this sweet tray rounds out the seasonal decor.

In the dining room, (currently housing the mudroom refugees hence the close up pic) each place setting features a delicate bird's nest.

My favorite wooden bunny is at home on foyer table aside another set of egg topiaries, bird's nest & past Easter photos of the kiddies. (Why yes said table use to reside in the dining room, but I've been playing musical furniture lately). 

Last but certainly not least, the burlap wreath I made for the living room now adorns our front door. The simple addition of a birds nest is a classic, Spring touch. I also love how the nest holds three eggs; 

I think of them as symbols of the Trinity: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  In the past, we have hung easter eggs on the two bushes that flank our driveway, but since it has been so cold this year I've yet to make it out there. 

Wishing you all a Blessed Easter.

Store Crashing {HomeGoods}

On my last trip to HomeGoods all I needed was cupcake wrappers and sprinkles for Belle's birthday party, but that didn't stop me from perusing the aisles to check out all these lovely finds.

The whimsical octopus on these plates caught my eye. I thought about buying them to use for summer dining on the deck.

Loved the lines of this chair and it was on clearance for only $89! The wood finish was a bit "plasticy" but nothing a coat of paint couldn't fix.

Oh apothecary jars how I love you so. I would have taken all of these home with me if I had enough counter space. I have found Home Goods is often the cheapest place to buy them.

This settee would look lovely nestled up against a dining table.

The reading lamp would be a great addition to our office. I passed on it though since the office isn't on our 2013 Home Goals…..must stay focused.

They had a varied selection of preserved boxwood topiaries at very reasonable prices. You all know my love of boxwoods. (And as a side note, I saw some at Home Depot the other day so it looks like my wait is over.)

Oh I love bunnies. Not just in the spring, but all year round. You may find this statue residing in my backyard if he is still in the store come my next visit.

This looked like a fun office chotchkie. 

I was so elated to see this large capiz charger. Last year a purchased a similar one to use as a tray on the family room ottoman. It has since been broken beyond repair, so this lovely replacement came home with me for only $20!

These packs of ribbon were a mere $9.99. Loved the chevron & dots.

Finally, I found magazine racks/bins for the mudroom. I had been stalking Home Goods for months looking for these as I refuse to pay the high catalog prices. The three bins are a nice size for holding school papers & binders. The finish isn't what I had in mind, but that is nothing a little paint can't fix. 

Speaking of the mudroom, here's a little sneak peak. Today, Bear & I are headed out to finalize the wall color. 

How about you, have you been HomeGoods happy lately? 

Housekeeping

In the past month's craziness, I've not had a chance to touch on all our goings and doings.

A few week's back it was Godparent-Godchild Sunday at church. Theo N is Peanut's Godfather.

After church, we all stayed and enjoyed brunch in the church hall.

I made Ellie Krieger's Jamacan Jerk Chicken for dinner a few weeks ago. It was refreshingly different than our regular dinner fare and the whole family voted it a repeat meal.

The day after Peanut's birthday Belle had her school musical. She did a fantastic job as she preformed front and center singing and dancing the entire 45minutes of the program. The preforming arts seem to be something she has a knack for….it will be interesting to see what develops.

And speaking of developing…this little man turned one and suddenly became a full blown toddler. He happily passes his time sorting items, playing with cars and "talking" up a storm. Crayons are his favorite addiction at the moment.

I snapped this picture before Belle and Hubby went to church (I was home with a sick Peanut). When did my 7 year old become 17!?! I guess I should be so lucky if that is the outfit she comes downstairs wearing at 17, pretty sure that skirt isn't going to be grazing the top of her knees.

And tooth #3 came out a few weeks ago. Thankfully it was a bottom incisor, but both her center top teeth are loose…I'm am dreading the day those are gone and her baby smile is gone for ever. Fingers crossed they stay put until after our family photo shoot in May.