Something New

 

In which Clover and Violey get new fleece liners for their houses. xo 

Last Saturday of 2024

 

Holiday buns. xo 

This Evening

In which these two enjoy Taylor's Long Pond Studio Sessions (again) while I am working on chapter five of my dissertation. I am pretty sure this their favorite of her albums. xo 

Sunday Bunnies

 

I'm pretty sure that if Violet is not lounging under the tree she is lounging in that exact spot so she can look at it! xo 

Sunday Bunday

 

Just some Sunday cuteness for you! xo 

Hop To It!

 

The look I get when breakfast is five minutes late. xo 

During the Festive Season

 

This year was easily the least I have ever blogged. Here is it, Decemebr 30th, and I have (including this post) blogged a total of 39 times. Before this year, the lowest number of posts in this space of ours was 127 (in 2022). This isn't to say that there have not been blog worthy events that would total in the hundreds, but it does speak to how full life is with two teenagers, a full time (paid) job, my full time unpaid job (as mama of those two amazing girls), as well as life as a wife and doctoral student. In early November I ended up resigning from my job as the Director of Children's Ministry at the church in Holliston, and we have fully returned to our church home/family in Framingham. That brought with it more downtime than I have had in a long while, though that will be short lived as I move into the proposal and disseration phase of my program starting in January. 

Our December was full of wonderful traditions. The Advent Spiral, Saint Nichoas Day, Winter Solstice (my most favorite Deemebr holiday!), cinnamon roll making (and delivering), and of, course, the Christmas Eve service. It was so lovely to be there, with a pew full of my church children, all of whom have grown into the most incredible young women and men. 

The bunnies have loved sitting by the tree as much as we do, and we are all so sure that they will be very sad when the tree comes down. Truly, is there anything more relaxing than sitting by the light of the tree before the sun comes up or after it goes down? 

It was quite a year for this family of ours. But more about that tomororw. Tonight is all about getting this blog updated so that we can go into 2024 and this next chapter, fresh and ready to go! xo 

"Up On The Rooftop...."

 

It's really so fascinating how much Clover and Violet love being up on the roof of their houses! xo

Our Week

On Monday, I arrived home from work to discover that Emma had created a beautiful bouquet of flowers for me from the flowers we brought home from Easter. It was such a lovely surprise! 

Tuesday saw Clove and Violet spending more time together. They are doing really well and while it's a slow thing this bonding process I have no doubt that in the end they will be besties! 

On Thursday we spy the rare Emma bird in her natural habitat. Perched on the counter enjoying the remains of the banana bread bowl! 

Thursday and Friday evening both looked like the above pictures. With the temperatures unseasonably hot (annoyingly so for us who don't love summer weather) we sought refuge outside on the deck where it was cooler than inside. Even Gretchen joined in the fun! Pizza followed by peach popsicles rounded out the day. 

And on Saturday I put the finishing touches on the final project for the two classes I took this semester. I love my doctoral program, cohort and school and these two classes were some of my favorites thus far! Here's to hoping that I can stay on track and finish up by summer 2024! xo 

In

On Easter Eve

 

When you are married to the Director of Children's Ministry you get drafted for all sorts of projects. Like building a cross for the congrgation to flower on Easter Sunday! 

This one is about a foot taller than the one he made for Plymouth Church many years ago. We weren't keen on how short that one turned out so he went a bit bigger this time and it feels better to all of us! David did such an outstanding job! 

Grateful to Trader Joe's for the fllower haul! 

And much like husband's get drafted when their wives are the Director of Children's Ministry, daughters get drafted too when their mama is. So incredibly grateful to have such amazing helpers in Dave and the girls! 

While Grace prepared the flowers for the cross, Emma assembled Easter treat bags for all the children for tomorrow. 

The flowers are ready! So excited to bring this tradition to the congregation! I hope they love it as much as we do! 

I pulled out the girls Easter baskets to prepare them for the morning and we couldn't resist putting Violey in! She has been part of our family for one week and she is an absolute perfect addition and a toal sweetheart!

And, of course, we can't leave Miss Clover out! 

Wishing everyone celebrating a very happy Easter eve! xo