Well, hello Jake...

A puppy?  Who in the world needs a puppy?  Certainly not this family that is already busting out of our oh so tiny house.  No, certainly not us.

I love puppies of course, who doesn't.  They are all paws and nose and so much baby cuteness.  They are also a lot of work and I really didn't think we were up to adding any more to our plate.  We had already agreed on what new animals might be the next addition to our clan, and a puppy wasn't it. 

But then we saw this little guy in need of a home and absolutely fell in love.

 

 

How could we not?  There is one member of our crew that is especially smitten with Jake, and the feeling is quite mutual.  You won't often find one without the other.  I will admit to it being a bit of a rough start, however.  Even though he was immediately smitten with Kinsley he loved her a bit too much and she wasn't quite sure how to handle all the puppy affection, and nibbles.  Thankfully they seem to have gotten a handle on that and are back to loving one another.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'd say they have definitely found a friend for life in each other.  What more could a little girl want? 

Savoring

I know it's been a while since I've written anything new in this space.  The truth is I just haven't felt like sharing much lately.  Not because of anything bad or a lack of anything good, just due to a bit of selfishness really.  These girls of our are growing so quickly and I just wanted to take a few moments for myself, to really soak in just who they are right now.  I'm sure many of you understand that feeling of time passing so quickly and just wanting to slow it down as much as possible.  And I'm sure (I hope) that you will all forgive this bit of indulgence and welcome me back into your world as I welcome you back into ours. 

We've found it to necessary to make a few changes around here this winter as well.  Some due to the weather, some due to a mama trying to keep her sanity, and many at the urging of this young lady. 

 

 

It seems as if she's growing up so very quickly and with this sudden growth has come many requests for changes in her routine, activities, and surroundings.  Wise beyond her years has always applied to this oldest sweetheart of ours and it is becoming ever more obvious as we continue on this journey with her.  While it is still a mystery what the next year will hold for her (and us) it is certain to be filled with excitement and maybe just a bit of magic as well. 

 

Some days it still amazes us how different each of their personalities can be and yet how perfectly it all seems to work together.  This littlest one of ours is still keeping us all on our toes.  Everything is an adventure and a learning experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ah, there she is.  Our little ball of energy, every day she brings new adventures, ideas, and yes even trouble sometimes.  There certainly is never a dull moment with her around and we wouldn't have it any other way. 

 

Clean before Spring

I don't know about anyone else but by the time Spring gets here the last thing on my mind is cleaning house.  When the warmer weather of Spring finally arrives we are ready to bust out and enjoy the outdoors as much as we possibly can.  Gardens have been planned out, seeds purchased, new and exciting adventures dreamed up...there simply isn't time to stay indoors and clean.  For us it just makes sense to do our "spring cleaning" during the winter when we can't get outside as much anyway. 

I got a bit of an early start this year but it feels so good to get things cleared out and reorganized.  A great fresh start for the new year. 

This year I started with my crafting area simply because it was to a point of being depressing.  The mad rush of holiday crafting left it in less than ideal condition and there was to be no hope of doing any creating until I wasn't avoiding the disaster of a space.  I'll save you the horrifying before pictures but trust me, it was scary. 

 

 

It still needs a bit of decorating (bunting anyone??) and a couple more hooks up on the wall but I'm in love.

  

 

 

 

 It's so nice to have everything I use regularly organized and easily accessible while I'm working.  It makes it much more likely that I'll actually be inspired to sit down and craft.  I have some great projects in mind for this year. 

 

 

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual inspired by Soulemama. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

 

 

 

 

Sewing Stuffies

Lots of sewing happened this holiday season but like most years a lot of it went off to new homes without being photographed.  Something about waiting until the last minute to finish gifts... 

Thankfully these little cuties did stick around long enough to have their pictures taken.  These sweet little Dinos went off to a sweet sister pair for a Christmas surprise.  They were from the Tommy T-Rex pattern at Bit of Whimsy Dolls. (notice a theme with my patterns last month?)  I'm not going to lie I was a little intimidated at the idea of making them originally but they were really simple once I got started.  The jumbo ric rac for the spikes is my favorite part.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This little guy was another Bit of Whimsy pattern as well, her animal patterns are just too much fun to pass up.  Afterall, who doesn't need a fun little squirrel to brighten their day? 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 The big fluffy tail is so much fun, though I think it would still be really cute without it.  I have a feeling I'll eventually work my way through all of the animal patterns.  Except maybe the spider.  I don't care how cute the fabric is, spiders are still creepy. 

New Year thinking...

 An apple juice toast to ring in the new year!
 

 

I woke this morning happy to face the bright new year ahead of us. Not that I'm wishing 2012 away by any means, it was truly a wonderful year, only that I'm feeling the promise of another terrific year.  Every New Year's Eve we sit together and make our goals for next year, not resolutions as they seem to be things you want to stop doing and the word just seems to have such a negative vibe for most people.  We like to make goals:  things we're looking forward to, things we've always wanted to try, and places we'd love to go.  My list is of course always long but I do try and narrow it down to a few specific things that will get top priority. 

Learn to knit
Have a regularly scheduled date night with the hubby.
Visit as many local landmarks and tourist traps as we can.
Read at least 2 new books every month.
Play more.


Those are only a few of the thing I'm looking forward to for 2013.  This year we also continued a tradition that we started last year.  Each year we will choose a word to serve as the driving force for our family for the next year.  A word that inspires us and reminds us of our focus.  Last night many words were suggested:  adventure, gratitude, understanding...

Kinsley suggested manners and laughter while Kait exclaimed "parties" would be perfect.  I must say those all appealed greatly to this mama as well.  In the end it was daddy's suggestion that we all agreed upon.  Happiness.  Such a simple idea and yet something I think will suit us perfectly.  Afterall, if happiness is our goal then all the other ideas should naturally follow.

 

 

Here's to a year filled with laughter, adventure, parties, silliness, fun, love, and happiness...