Yesterday I had to go to the grocery store twice to buy 1 thing for dinner.  This really put me off because we plan our week's meals in advance and grocery shop as a family every Sunday.  I absolutely love this system.  It really makes for a relaxed week and allows me to make the most of the time I have to be home with my children.

So, yep, I had to go to the grocery store twice yesterday in order to make the chili that I knew my husband would be anticipating all day long.  On the second trip I prepped the kids in the car.  "We're going to go in the store, head straight to the onions, buy them and go.  Let's see how fast we can walk!"  And it went along swimmingly, until I dropped the onions in the produce bag and Aria asked, "Can I weigh it?"

Immediate response.  "No." 

"Please, Mama!  I really love to weigh things!" 

Now she never asks to weigh things in the grocery store.  Our family doesn't use the produce scales, but she does weigh things at home, occasionally.  When I slowed down to reflect...  What was the rush, really?

"Yes, go ahead."  And to our mutual delight, she was able to read the scale, "One and one-fourth pounds."

Mommy beams with pride.  Second child inquires, "Can I weigh something?"

And a five pound bag of potatoes is declared "Five and one-fourth pounds."  What a deal.

We made our way to the checkout smiling, myself particularly glad that I'd slowed down enough to actual be there with them, even if "there" wasn't home.  And since we homeschool, chalk that up as "math" please.  Don't you just love it when you feel like "super mommy"?  Of course we all have moments that are just the opposite, but it's these good times that inspire our hearts to reach for more.

With just over a week left before Christmas, I think it's time to slow down, don't you?  In that spirit, here are some slow stitches I've been enjoying.



Embroidered bookmarks on kraft paper fabric, a la Amanda Soule. Backed with wool felt.



Childlike stitches inspired by Aria's drawings.



Those bookmarks and our felted wool soaps were wrapped by the children and have made their way under the tree. Aria embellished her tissue wrapping with flourishes of scissor snips.



Needle holder gifts in progress, inspired by I like orange, too!



My cozy perch.  Embroidery + Quilt + fireplace = pure delight.

I couldn't be more thankful!

Thank-you, dear reader, for slowing down enough to share this space with me.  Each of you is a blessing.  Wishing us all a Merry Christmas!