Homemaker in training

It's so much fun when you have a little girl, and you see her begin to beautify little places with her own personal touches. We had some strong storms approaching the area awhile back, and Beth rushed out in the yard to rescue the last of our spring blooms and she arranged them in the kitchen for me: 

My Dad built her a playhouse a couple of years ago, and while it's always been very special to her, this year I've seen her begin to truly appreciate being able to "make it home".  It's her own space, and I really don't give her any rules or boundaries.  She's free to create and display anything she wants in that space.  She can make as big of a mess as she wants as long as she cleans it up when she's done...and the cleanup is all part of the fun.

She sweeps her floors and drags a bucket of soapy water out to wash her dishes.  I love seeing her rugs "hanging out" on the swingset. 

She makes her way around the yard finding various "greens" to cook with...

Care for salad?



 Most of the decorations in her playhouse are things that I didn't need/want that she's scavenged from around my house: 

Occasionally, she'll invite us over for supper or tea. We're always warmly welcomed: 

If it's chilly outside, there will be a fire in the stove:

 I really like what she's done with the place.  :-) 



When this playhouse arrived in our yard, I really hoped it would be put to good use--especially since it dominates the view from our back windows!  But I can see now that it will not be wasted on Beth Marie.  She loves to have her own little place to entertain friends and have the freedom to develop her own style of homemaking and hospitality.  In the years to come, I can see this little place becoming her own quiet retreat where she and her friends will get away together. 

I'm thinking this loft will hear lots of secrets... 

Hmm.  Scary thought!