snow days should be spent sleeping in, eating big breakfasts, making snow forts and drinking cocoa…
family
for 2014
2013 in Instagram
I’d say we had a pretty big year. Moving, traveling, making lots of memories…
the younger brother he never had…
Colin is the youngest.
He’s never been bigger than anyone.
Now he has a puppy. And he is loving being a big brother.
He gets the dog all wound up and chasing him around the house (while giggling madly, of course) then complains, “Mom! Winston is chasing meeeeeeee!”
He dangles a toy in front of the dog while running around the room, then complains, “Mom! Winston is trying to steal my tooooooooyyyyyyy!”
He’s like the younger brother he never had.
But don’t worry. Behind the teasing, its all love between these two boys.
canceled plans
Its been so busy.
I feel like we’ve been running around like mad. Every weekend we’ve had tons going on, people visiting, throwing parties or whathaveyou. Its been fun – don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t have missed a minute of it. But we’re worn.
I’ve been sick for three weeks now yet can’t find time to rest.
Colin was diagnosed with Lyme Disease and has been sick.
My husband is at the doctor as I type.
We’re a mess.
Today, once again we had a full plate. Basketball practice, a party, another party, having people over for lunch after church tomorrow, then another party…
Then this happened:
And everyone canceled everything.
So today we’re home. Sitting by the fire. A batch of chili in the crockpot.
The Christmas cards have been sent, the house is clean, the laundry is done.
What to do?
hiking in the cove
adjusting
We’re having so much fun with our pup!
He’s not perfect – he’s got a bad habit of chewing up the kids stuffed animals and tends to chase squirrels every chance he gets. But he’s very mellow and quiet and is fitting right into the family.
But he has really bonded with the family. He adores the kids. He sleeps all day while they’re at school, then practically wags his tail off in excitement when they get off the bus. He just loves when we’re all home and can’t decide where to sit if we’re all together. (“I want to be next to Eliza! No! Gracie! No! Colin!”)
Oh, the sweetness.
meltdown
As we’ve been settling in to a new place, there have been remarkably few bumps in the road. The kids have adjusted beautifully. The house is great, we’re slowly making new friends and getting plugged into our new community.
But this weekend, we hit a wall.
We had several epic meltdowns about seemingly inconsequential things. We ended up talking a lot – about how this has been an incredibly stressful few months and that its ok to cry and have a little meltdown once in awhile.
I think now everything is doing well – but I’m sure its not the end of the bumps in the road.
I think we need to cut ourselves a little break and let ourselves recover a bit longer after this summer.
*****
We’re full swing in activties here. Dance, music lessons, running, clubs, Sunday School… and I’m a soccer mom again.
*****
The pup is doing well. We had a few rough days last week, but he is definitely making progress! We’ve still got a lot of work ahead of us, but I’m seeing the light at the end of the tunnel… although it probably has dog hair on it.
and then we got a dog
Meet Winston.
He’s a one year old, beagle/border collie mix.
This sweet boy joined the family on Saturday and we’ve been adjusting to each other. But one thing is certain.
Winston is in love.
He cannot get enough of these kids. Wherever they are, he’s right behind. Wagging his tail and happy as a clam.
Except for this morning when they all had to go to school. Then he was very, very sad…
Stay tuned. I’m sure hijinks will ensue shortly.
nine
Happy Birthday, my sweet Gracie.
May your next nine years be just as joyful and adventurous as the first.
You are loved.