Happy place

On any given day, you might find me whining about all the time I have to spend in this corner of my home. It seems like there is constant work to be found here. And keeping this spot tidy seems to be the key to me feeling like life is manageable, you know?

But looking at this photo, I must say, it's a pretty happy place.

It's where my girls update me on their days, ask if they can help, and complain about having to do their homework. It's where I listen to the radio, and skip happily from stovetop, to sink, to fridge, and back again. And again. And again. It's where I look out the window and smile at my kitting lounging in the sunshine. And when I fold that washcloth and drape it over the sink edge to dry - an indication that all is tidy in this space (for a few minutes at least) - I let out a happy sigh of relief and contentment. Yup, it's a very happy place.

Thankful

Our Thanksgiving group this year includes my brother, his family, and my niece's college roommate. Yum! Fun! So thankful.

An Afternoon

I'm only working about 25 hours a week for a few months. It's been a nice little break. I have afternoons at home to get things in order, to practice my photography, to relax with a cup of coffee and craft blogs. In January, I'll be back at it, working up until the kiddos get home in the afternoon. Until then, I'll enjoy these few hours a day that belong just to me.

:: on the stove ::

:: out the kitchen window ::

:: out the front window ::



:: an abandoned little girl game ::

:: my cozy corner ::

Braces OFF!

My baby's growing up. *sniff sniff*

She's Amazing

I didn't take this photo. Eric did. I'm so jealous. Look at her! She's amazing.

Time in front of the fire

These girls are just wonderful, and spending time with them is just the best. 

Thanksgiving Table Runner

When I started this project, months (years?) ago, I think I planned on it being a blanket. It would have made a nice blanket. But I just couldn't stick with it that long. I put it away for a good, long while, then got it back out, and it became a Thanksgiving table runner. Just in time!

My favorite part just might be the way I joined the squares, with this method. It's not quick, because you have to drop the yarn off the hook to do it, but it sure is pretty. It feels great to have this out of a box on on our table, where it belongs!

An Autumn Supper

ancient grain muffins :: butter :: rhubarb preserves :: beef stew  

A Portrait of Bella

Why is it so hard to get a good photo of this lady? Her beautiful features are hard to capture in 2D I suppose. She's as black as night and oh, so gorgeous. My only complaint is that I wish she would cuddle with me A LOT MORE than she does, which is about... never. But, other than that, she's purrrfect.

Boo!

They were seriously creepy this year. I didn't get a photo of my Soni-girl. She stayed at swimming into the evening, then put on a temporary devil costume just so she could trick-or-treat. My little girl is growing up. These two are still kinda little though. They are all so precious.