My Own Shop?

I'm thinking of starting an Etsy shop for knit and crochet items and paper crafts. I have loved browsing and shopping on Etsy for a long time, and I have toyed with the idea of starting my own shop for a while but I could never figure out what I would make. I finally came up with some ideas for products, and I think I might just go for it. I have a few friends who have them, and I am planning on picking their brains for what works and what doesn't. I am mostly worried about failing big-time at it, but I think even if I sold a few things here and there that it would be worth it. Then I could have a bit of my own spending money, and actually start contributing to my own retirement fund again. It's kind of a big idea, but I've always wanted to be in business for myself, so why not, right?

Spring

It's been a long time since I've been here in my blog space, and we have just been living life with all it's ups and downs around here. Spring is definitely here, and we are starting to transition our activities in that direction. The days are longer, and our outside time is increasing in response. It's been quite lovely.

Today we have plans to work on the garden (expanding it to accommodate the huge number of seeds I bought this week!), re-organize the cluttered garage, take the boys to a dinosaur movie at the IMAX, and do a few more little chores around the house. Tomorrow will involve going to church, brewing some beer, and probably working in the yard again.

We are raising 30 meat chickens, gathering eggs from our five laying hens, and loving our new-ish dog. One of our kitties has had to transition to living in the garage because she was having territory issues with the dog. My kids are growing and changing so fast it's unbelievable some days.

So, are we all caught up then? Good.

Happy Birthday, Coleson!

This past Wednesday was Coleson's second birthday! He has been really sick all week, so we actually haven't even celebrated yet. We are planning a nice dinner tonight, though, and we will probably give him his gifts, finally. A party was planned for tomorrow, but now Landon is really sick so we might end up canceling that too. Poor guys.

I know parents say it all the time, but it's true. Where has the time gone? I can't believe my baby boy is two years old. Since birth he has been full of joy, and he has brought us so much happiness. He is sweet, caring, goofy, loves his big brother, and takes such delight in the world. He always has a smile ready for everyone, and he gives the sweetest hugs. We love him so much. Happy Birthday, Coleson!

About an hour after birth.

At his first birthday party.

A couple months ago, at Thanksgiving.

An Early Evening

My boys woke up pretty early this morning, and then Coleson didn't nap. So, he just went down for the night at about 5:45 p.m. and I have a whole evening looming in front of me. I am planning some knitting and then Tyson and I are going to watch a movie after he gets Landon down for the night. I love it when evenings like this happen to come together for us.

A New Year

Well, Happy New Year! A few important things have happened over the last few days around here.

My dear friend Gretchen had a baby boy, James, the afternoon of New Year's Eve. He had to spend a couple days in the NICU, so I haven't met him yet but I cannot wait to snuggle the little guy! Welcome to the world, baby James, and congratulations to Gretchen and her family!

We found a sweet dog on Craigslist, met him, and decided he definitely needed to live with us. On New Year's Day we picked up Jasper from his old owners and spent most of the day getting used to having him in our family. We were told he was a golden retriever and lab mix, but he definitely has a few more breeds in him than that. He has fit right in with us, and we feel so lucky to have found him.

I didn't really make any huge New Year's resolutions this year. Now that we have Jasper, I will have to start walking every day again and that will be a good thing. I suppose I would like to read more books. I would like to lose a few pounds. But mostly I would like things to just keep going the way they have been going. I think I have it pretty good.

Guest Blogging!

My dear friend Chelsea recently asked me, along with a few other friends, to write a guest post on her beautiful blog. Mine is up today, so go check it out! And while you're there, take some time to browse around on her amazing blog. She is a wonderful, creative mama to two adorable little boys. Thanks for the opportunity, Chelsea!

Christmas Re-cap

We had a lovely, busy Christmas this year. This time of year is so magical for me, and I hope that my boys catch onto that spirit as well. There are, of course, a few things I will do differently in the future, but not many. I think that instead of trying to talk about everything I will just share a few pictures.

Dressed in their adorable Christmas outfits from Gram.

All of us dressed up for celebrating.

The lovely glow of the tree on Christmas Eve, after all the presents are in their places.

This photo is actually from today, but we did indeed have a beautiful white Christmas this year.

Merry Christmas!