An Addition to the Family Monday, Jan 7 2008

I am pleased to introduce you to “Chocolate”

She’s a baby guinea pig that belongs to our son Sam who is nearing his fifth birthday. Our tradition has been that as a fifth birthday present our children get their first pet of their own. Brian’s sister recommended guinea pigs, and it was good advice.

Sam’s birthday is a few weeks away, but we found this sweet little girl and so we brought her home early. He loves her. He is so very happy and excited which is good as he’s been a little sad and grumpy lately with the attention that older brother gets in school (and lots of other places.) Alex still has Brown–White and we still have dogs, Louie and Britta, so we are currently even on the people/animal ratio. We’re planning getting a second Canine Companion in the next couple of months. If so, we will be outnumbered by the animals. I’m wondering if I should be concerned about that.

Sam was particularly funny about her this morning. He urgently wanted me to call our house-sitter so that she could come meet “Chocolate” so she’s familiar with her. We don’t have any need of her services anytime soon, but Sam wanted to be proactive!

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January Comes Sunday, Jan 6 2008

I like January. January is a month of new beginnings, fresh starts, clean slates. Something about clearing away all the Christmas clutter offers a chance to look anew at my house and get ideas for how to make things warmer, cozier, homier. (The mantel needs new blue taper candles in the sconces and something green…so I have started ivy cuttings to plant.)

It’s time to relax after the Christmas hullabaloo. I have had time nightly to stitch while sitting on the couch, surrounded by dogs, near to my husband. It feels like a luxury after a month of a mindful of to-dos. Our calendar is fresh and uncluttered allowing us time to spend a whole day with friends. A chance to make a double batch of bread to share. A chance to take the home-grown frozen raspberries and turn them into a precious single-batch of jam. My heart finds such joy in simple things.

Simple things…like eggs. Farm fresh from our friends chickens. They are a small breed and therefore lay smallish eggs, but they are little and clean and delicious. Perfect.

Simple things like spending the night on the floor of my son’s room. No snuggling. No chitchat. Just the simplicity of being near each other.

Simple things like a comforting meal, a few minutes talking with friends, making a dog’s tail wag with a treat and a scratch and kind word.

Simple things…that I choose to fill my January with. Simple things that make my heart burst and sing to Him who made all things.

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