Hello February!

I'm finding it hard to keep up with the blogging thing, but that's good I think. Quick updates.. Me: I got a job! Working around children's books all afternoon & am still pinching myself! So ready to hang up my down coat & boots & put on a sundress!! Wishes there were more hours in a day & we didn't really need sleep. John: Is loving his job & we are all so proud of him! Continues to amaze me that he can play soccer into the wee hours of the morning..while I can hardly stay up for late night movies. Maddie is giving him piano lessons..for free!! He continues to love music & jamming on his bass. Wish GP D was here to see. Jack: Breaks my heart everyday:)) how quickly he's growing & showing us who he is. Teaches us about coin collecting everyday & has the best collection around! I for see a storefront in his future! Still the fastest fiddler we know:) Maddie: Loves reading us random facts &/or anything worth sharing pretty much everyday. Will turn 8 in 16 days:-) Is having a Taylor Swift birthday party/concert! Wants her ears pierced..:? Dances her heart out everyday. & plays a mad piano:-0 Applause is important!! Jemma: Loves belly rubs & sunny spots. Is never content without a morning walk...even on snowy coooold days. Has the most beautiful eyes that melt your heart! Sally: Has started playing with homemade cat toys again..needs an exercise routine badly. Lou: Has grown into a sweet kitty with such a loving, curious personality. Moo: Magical..hope he lives forever. Alabama Shakes..Brittany is my new hero!

What I'm listening to

Wonder

I started reading "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio yesterday. I'm already in love with August, the main character. Last year, it won the NAIBA book of the year for middle schoolers & this year it's a potential Newbery winner. The dedication reminded me of this amazing song/album by Natalie Merchant, Tigerlily. I listened to that album over & over for many years.

On an Island

Monday Music

Monday Music

November ago

November is the kind of month that slips away before I realize it's really here. I'm excited to be heading south for Thanksgiving & seeing my family for a few days. This picture was taken in November 2005 right after our first trip in the opposite direction that our normal Thanksgiving drives took us. We moved here in 2005 & went back to NC over Thanksgiving break. While we were there, we met a sweet & very friendly grey kitten at my Grandma Janet's house. She stole our hearts & became our Sally Smalley:)