We Bought A Church!

Well, we really did it... bought a church that is.  I am SO excited! When we opened our shop a year ago, there was not much to choose from in the retail space department, and certainly nothing with any carachter or history. About three months after we opened, my favorite building in our little town of Monument went up for sale. It was the original Catholic church in Monument and was  built in 1911.  We had looked at it last Fall but it didn't seem feasable at the time.  The owner recently dropped the price and we went back for a second look. We decided to make an offer and WE GOT HER!  I am so excited to know that we will be carrying on the legacy of this little jewel. We had our inspection yesterday and I have to say it gave me chills to look up into the attic and just wonder what stories lie within these walls.  I am taking lots of before and after photos so I will keep you all posted on our progress.

This is a photo of the original  church circa 1911

This is how it appears today

Eventually, we would like to restore her back to (of course) white paint,

but for now I am just so happy to have her.

I will be linking up to Kathleen's White Wednesday

be sure to stop by and enjoy all of the creativity!

Thanks so much for stopping by~

Table Talk

Mealtime at our house means...sitting down, sharing a (usually) homecooked meal, and taking time to talk and listen to each other and share the events of our day. Where this used to be the norm, it seems it is a rare occasion for many families these days.  After seeing a show on bullying this week, it was really evident to me, just how important it is to have the communication lines between parents and children open from a very young age. My son is only in the second grade but he tells me of situations almost daily, where certain kids are picking on, calling names, or excluding some children from being in their group. It's really tough being a kid these days. My son has always been very open with his feelings, but that isn't the case with all children, especially when something is bothering them. I was thinking of how parents could encourage their children to talk about their feelings and actually make it fun! I started making a list of questions, and then made them into little flashcards. We call them "Table Talk" My son pulls a card at dinner, and then we take turns answering the question. I've found that these answers can lead to some really great and informative conversations, and my son LOVES it!  If you aren't able to sit down together for dinner, you could maybe have "Tuck in Talk" at bedtime. Whatever works for you...

I will probably change out our cards each month or so  in order to keep the

questions  fresh and relative to the issues for Luke's age.

If you like these, the files below are for twenty four cards (three sheets of 8)

to get you started.

Please feel free to use them.

http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k499/missshawna/TableTalk1.jpg
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k499/missshawna/TableTalk2-1.jpg

http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k499/missshawna/TableTalk3.jpg

http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k499/missshawna/TableTalkBack.jpg

I will be linking this to Kathleen's White Wednesday

Thank you for stopping by

One Missing Teacup

I hope you can help me...find my missing teacup.  I was visiting Alaina's  post last week and mentioned my missing teacup.  She suggested that I reach out to all of you for help.

So, here's the story...
Several years ago, my fabulous Gramma, who is ninety one, gave me a set of  china that originally belonged to my Grandfather's Aunt. This isn't just any set of china, but an absolutely beautiful, (and aparrently rare) set.  It is service for twelve, including platters, dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, vegetable  dish, gravy boat, covered tureen, dessert bowls, sugar bowl and creamer, teacups, and saucers. It truly has everything.....except one teacup! The pattern is TK Thun #299. This is what she looks like...

I have tried Replacements.com for years but no luck

All of the pieces have this stamp

Some of the pieces also have this written in gold

I keep hoping I will run across a teacup in an antique shop and then the set would be complete but so far it hasn't happened. If you know anything about this set or can help in any way, I would sure be grateful.

I will be sharing this with Kathleen's White Wednesday

Thank you for stopping by

Have a great week!

Lavender Bath Salt Recipe

I don't know about you...but I just love a nice warm bath. Especially when it's so cold out. I've been making some lavender bath salts for the shop and a big batch for beside my tub. I wanted to share the simple recipe with you all.

 I just love the look and smell of lavender but you can use any essential oil that you like

This is the big jar I made for myself. I have been making alot of these

 flashcards lately. I keep finding new, fun  ways to use them.

These are the little jars that I made for the shop. I think they would make a great little gift.

Here is the recipe. I hope you get the time to enjoy a nice, relaxing soak.

Bath Salt

 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups  sea salt. Hobby Lobby sells a big tub in the soap making section
• 2 Cups Epsom salt. Sea salts typically come in several grain sizes. Combining multiple grain sizes can make your salts more appealing.
• 15-24 drops of your selected essential oil or essential oil blend. 

Directions:

Place the salt mixture into a bowl.  Then, add the drops of your chosen essential oils. Again, mix very well. Add the mixture to a pretty jar,  or container that has a tight fitting lid. Salts that are kept in a container that is not air tight will lose their aroma more quickly.

After a day,  mix well again to ensure that the oils are well incorporated.

To Use: Add 1/2-1 cup of the salts to running bath water. Sit back and RELAX

Thank you all for stopping by

I am linking this to Kathleen's White Wednesday