A Cardboard Kitchen

When people asked "what do you want to be when you grow up?" my answer was always the same: A mommy. 

It's a lot harder than my little girl dreams made it seem, and some days are more enjoyable than others. Some are just tough all the way through. But today was one of those really fun and sweet days... we got time outside, she colored a pretty picture while I studied Chinese, she took a good, long nap allowing me to get chores done, and she woke up in such a good mood. She helped me unload all of the groceries, carrying things from the box to me at the fridge with such delight on her face. Then I had time to make her something, and as I worked and tried to involve her, she kept snuggling me so we took lots of breaks for cuddles and giggles.

One thing we never have lack of is cardboard boxes. I often just throw them out, we have so many. With about 75% of my grocery shopping done online these days, we get a steady supply.

Not knowing how long we'll be living here, and with it almost certainly not being more than a few years, if that, I don't want to buy many big toys that I know we'll have to leave here. But I wanted a kitchen for Hadassah, as she's been doing more imaginative play recently. So...

  It's not perfect, but it was fun to make!

 Some amazing friends sent us a care package in a box taped so many times to make sure it wouldn't break that Ryan just cut around the sides to open it. Which started me on the idea for this kitchen, seeing it worked perfectly as a "door."

 It didn't last for too long, but Hadassah enjoyed playing with it for a while. And I think it's something she'll continue to like as she grows.

 Having a bear to feed makes a kitchen more fun! 

Especially when it's one of her favorite little friends. :)

Thank you, Lord, for the joy of being a mommy...