1. making tablescapes. That I even know this word is a lame, I'll admit. But really, tablescapes are what make a home just perfect to me. And they're what make a gathering into a special occasion. Just a random gathering of objects looks like clutter, but turn them (with lots and lots of moving and replacing and rearranging) into a well-planned tablescape and I'm happy every time I look at it for weeks.

2. sewing stuff. My mom would never believe that I actually like sewing things for the house now. There was a time that I would die of exasperation when the bobbin ran out halfway down a seam. There was a time when I would just give up on the project if I had to use a seam ripper. Yes Mom, that time is gone. Now I can sew pillows, curtains, and quilts without crying. And I'm even thinking of a foray into aprons and decorative birdies! I LOVE fabric! Hooray for the 20% off annivesary sale at Material Possessions this weekend! I'm planning on picking up a bunch of Amy Butler fabric for projects yet to be thought of.

3. creating things with the boys. Teaching the boys to use their imaginations is really becoming my favorite part of my job as a homemaker. J, being 4, is finally into inventing things, drawing things, creating things, and imagining things. And T, being 2, of course wants to do whatever J does. This results in lots of artwork, lots of monster hunts (with tools and gadgets designed for the job), lots of running around, and lots of messes. Yes, the mess part is not my favorite, but it comes with the territory of creating. And it's better than raising a vidiot. (Video Idiot (vidiot): a phrase coined by my parents to describe someone who watches entirely too much t.v.)

4. decorating. Yes, I wanted to be an interior decorator when I was in elementary school. I still do, I guess, but I just want to decorate my own house and my friends' houses however we want to! Oh, it is so much fun. I LOVED the planning stage of our downstairs remodel. Now I already have visions for the bedroom. Sigh.

5. cooking. Oh, if I only didn't have anyone running through my kitchen screaming, I could cook such amazing things! Uh...but there'd be no one home to eat them then, huh. Sigh. Cooking with toddlers around is frustrating, but I do love to try. Right now I have my first loaf of bread baking...can you believe it? But the most amazing thing about preparing good meals is when the boys embrace something new. It's rare, but it happens. Just the other night, after months of offering them various vegetable options, J says, "What's that, Mom?" me:"zucchini" J:"What's zucchini?" me: "It's a kind of a squash." J: "Squash?! I love squash!"