I’m just not really a thing person. When I was trying to think of 12 things I couldn’t live without, I asked myself, "If someone told me I had two minutes to grab what I needed to go on a vacation, what would I have to grab." One thing would be mousse, to contain this curly, frizzy mess on top of my head. Then would be mascara…and maybe some lip-gloss. I didn’t feel like that was going to make for a very exciting list. Then, I started thinking about what we could NOT live without around here, and the word that kept resounding through my ears was laughter. And that’s what I wrote about.

#1 The most intelligent, brilliant, caring, funny, crazy, and most hyper child I’ve ever known: My son. (Taking after his mother, of course.) There is nothing more special in life than a child and I am so blessed to have two (and maybe more in the future!)

#2 My chunky monkey, baby boy. My second child is more like his daddy and I smile thinking there is no better role model. Being so young when my first child was born, I feel like I may actually know what I’m doing this time around and get to enjoy every minute of it.

#3 My hubby. I’m so blessed to have found such a great husband that works hard that allows me to stay home and be the "MommaHen." I truly believe we are a perfect match: One just as stubborn as the other!

#4 Taking pictures. This is one the "favorite" things I didn’t really discover until I started my blog: Mommahenscoop.com. My camera is no where near professional, nor am I. But, it is something I love — all I can do it hope it shines through!

#5  Staging photographs. Do you ever sit and drool over photos in a magazine? So. do. I!  Since finding my love for photography, I realized how much greater "the look" can be achieved with photography staging. Kind of like making a photo talk? Maybe I’m just crazy, but it’s fun.

#6 Painting furniture. If you read my blog, you know I paint A LOT of furniture. This all started out of necessity. Being a stay-at-home mom, I just don’t make a lot of money. Now, when I see that beautiful piece of furniture in the "high class" magazine: I recreate it! And, I paint professionally so that others can get great furniture at an affordable price.

#7 Eating …errr…I mean cooking (but mostly eating). Even before I was old enough (as my husband would say, "I was only knee high to a grasshopper.") to reach the top cabinets, I would pull up a chair, climb on the counters, and start picking out ingredients. I remember standing in the kitchen whipping up my own little creations, far from making mudpies, and acting out my own Julia Child "cooking shows."

#8 Jars. I have a small obsession with jars. Apothecary, Ball, Mason, big or little. I like them all. They are usable, practical, cheap, and beautiful. What more could you ask for?

#9 Sponge Bob. Random? I know. I actually find myself watching SpongeBob while the kids are no where around. The crazy humor of the show draws me in every time. I just can’t help myself.

# 10 Enamelware. I’ve been collecting pieces of enamelware for a few years. It all started after my great aunt passed away; I received an enamelware pot that she actually used. I have been in love ever since.

Last, but not least:  #10 kitties. I read somewhere that if you are a cat person you probably are a bit of a loner, yet have a fairly high job satisfaction. You tend not to tow the line when it comes to the rules and rituals. Plus, cats give them selves a bath, what more could you ask for?  And, #12 Chapstick. Those of you that know me, in real life, know that I don’t go anywhere without my Chapstick. It’s in my purse, car, house (in almost every room). My husband thinks I’m obsessed. I don’t agree, I just like lovely, smooth lips.

I reside in the back woods of KY; some say amongst “rednecks.” My favorite people are those who have quality values and enjoy the simplicities in life. 
I’m a Junk-ie. I love that my husband puts up with me stopping to pull random items out of trash piles, dusting them off, and displaying them in my home. He loves me and I admire that. My favorite accessories are a baby on my hip and the hand of my oldest boy holding mine. I live for the love of my family.
 My most favorite days are of those sitting idle. Simplify. Laugh. Love. Give. Create.
 I created MommaHen’s Coop to share my love of home decorating, designing, cooking, and many other random things. I hope to inspire everyone to become the Mommahen in their home. Creativity is contagious … think of mommahenscoop as a big giant sneeze! {metaphorically speaking, of course.} Stop by Momma’s blog mommahenscoop.com I’d love to have ya!

photos by Amy @ MommaHen’s Coop - Please do not copy, save, print or alter images in any way without permission.