Squirrels

We had a mama squirrel think our attic was the perfect place to birth and raise her young! This mama thinks this house isn't big enough for two mamas, so one of them had to go, and it wasn't going to be me! We had some trappers come and set up some traps while the mama and her baby laid in the tree watching every move they made. We never caught them, but they are out of our attic, so we can now repair the holes. Always an adventure around here!

Dirt + Water = Mud

This sums up our AJ quite well.

Fire in the teepee

These ten toes are anxious to get out there and get dirty with the rest of them!

The Westward Movement

We've been studying about the Westward Movement in history. They have always loved dressing up in their Cowboy and Indian costumes, but this study has taken their interest to a new level. Daddy jumped on their enthusiasm and built them a teepee, got out his bow and arrows set to teach them all about archery, and then made some bows for the boys. They now have targets set up in the backyard. It's a very big deal around here.

Eating dinner by the fire, because that's what the Indians did.

Rosemary - 18 Weeks

A dress I made for Annabelle now fits Rosemary. It's so nice to see stuff that I made be used again.  It's been quite awhile since I've done any sewing, but pulling out of storage the baby clothes of Annabelle's that I made makes me want to make more. I struggle with already having so much on my plate. How do I add yet another "want" when the needs are so pressing?

I know how good it is for me to create and continue to invest in myself, but it's hard to justify it most days when there are so many pressing issues. When I think about it, it seems so superficial to sit down at a machine and sew a dress for my daughter when I could easily go and buy one for probably cheaper than it cost to make one. And then during that time I could have been chipping away at a number of other things that actually matter in the scheme of life. Oh, the struggles of a mom...

Gamba Turns 9

I remember it so well. Once I graduated college I was finally able to meet up with Andy in NC where he had already checked in to meet his platoon. He had moved into our home a few weeks prior and was waiting for his bride to arrive. I moved in late one week and the very first Saturday we had together in our home we went in search of our puppies. We wanted two brothers. We came home late that afternoon with the two most adorable puppies we had ever seen. They were 41 days old.

Since then we have lost his precious brother, Lutalo. But Gamba is still with us. We are so happy he is our dog. We could not have asked for a better dog. He is so patient with the kids. He literally lets them walk all over him. He loves to take care of us. He loves to snuggle. He obeys so well. He still acts like a puppy even though his hair is turning gray in places. He fetches like his life depends on it... rarely stopping for a breath. We are just now starting to see him slowing down a bit.

 

We celebrated this year with making him some dog friendly popcorn balls. He was thrilled.

Our home would not be complete without this dog! He brings so much joy to our lives.