Happy New Year!

Well, the new year is upon us along with its resolutions and sparkling new-ness. I, for one, am excited to be at a crossroads. Technically, I'm currently unemployed and, due to a minor fender-bender, I may be unemployable. Totally scary. The job I had (a great, perfect-fit-for-me job that I'm sorely missing right now) was reduced (to, um, nothing) by the state. The Department of Early Learning gave back all the money for this new program with no idea of when it may be reinstated. Sigh.

So, I applied for another (much lower paying) position within the same organization (because I love it there) and fully expect that this will work out. But for now? Yeah, I'm unemployed. And with my back and neck all kinked up I may end up with light duty which my potential (and former) employer may not be comfortable with.

In spite of this situation, I am finding some things that are making me very happy. One, I may be able to finish my birth doula and child birth educator certifications this year! With our ample tax returns I plan to invest in this line of work that will make me oh-so-happy. I see it as a great opportunity to diversify and do something that I already enjoy, helping mamas and papas on their journey.
Two, my dearest friend, C, has moved backed to the Northwest, surprising and delighting me very much! Let's just say, that girl can keep a secret like no other. I'm so excited to have her back...I'm planning all the very usual and mundane things we can do together that will feel new simply because she's there.

I'm also looking forward to a few resolutions. I actaully dislike resolution-making. I think that's it's often to rigid and then it isn't followed out and then you feel like you failed. Blech. So I took the few days before the new year and assessed what I wanted, not to accomplish but to gain, in this year. My plan is to declutter our house and make it feel more like a home. My friend, E, has a great home that always feels inviting no matter if she was expecting company or not. It isn't a page out of a magazine it is just friendly and warm. That's a great goal...and I get something that I want from meeting it. Another goal is to spend little and save a lot. I want to start using coupons (gasp!) and making every cent work for us. I'm participating in the monthly No-Spend Challenges here.

I have great hopes for this little year. With a new national leader, a few new certifications, and looking forward to a new job, this year will be awesome. I can't wait to share it with good friends and cherished family.

Have a Happy New Year!

Snowed In

I have never in my completely Washingtonian life seen so much snow here.

It has been snowing for 4 days now and we have over a foot of snow outside our door. I know there are a lot of places that see this much snow and more every year but this is very unusual for our area.

I, for one, am enjoying the cozy feeling of snow falling combined with a warm house, needlework, and tree decorating. We did get into town for a few hours yesterday. We picked up a tree, stocked up on food and other supplies, and made a trip out to my mom's house to collect mail. We've spent most of today decorating the tree and reading books while in between these activities doing laundry and cleaning and organizing other parts of our home. Jake spent lots of time out in the snow. We are enoying it while it lasts.


Our first tree in our new house is being adorned with cranberries and popcorn.


Though I'm not sure how things are going to come together for Christmas now (I still have little things to get for finishing touches on gifts) but somehow it all will. It is supposed to snow for the next 3-4 days before (can I say, finally) turning to rain before a little bit more snow around Christmas Day. We may never see a snowfall like this again so, I say, enjoy it!

Christmas is Coming!

Snow has come to the Pacific Northwest! Just in time for school's Winter Break, it has snowed for the past two days so now Jake will get an extra two days of vacation. He's very excited about the 5 inches we got and has been out tromping around in it even though it is only 26 degrees out there and the poor kid has no snow boots or waterproof gloves. I placed an order with Sierra Trading Post for gloves, Smartwool socks, a hat, and some socks for me. We will be more prepared next time!

Our plan to get a tree has been delayed once and, depending on the possible arrival of more snow, could be delayed again.

It is absolutely beautiful, this snowfall.



Christmas gifts are being made and hopefully will be ready before Wednesday although I see a late night spent embroidering a doll face in my near future.

That's our update here! I'll be back to fill in with pictures later.