circle of lights.

Choco got a new home!

An amazing couple from Ohio came to meet Choco this afternoon. I have been praying all week that they would be perfect for him.

I loved them & so did he. He runs marathons. They have an acre of land for him to play. No kids or other dogs so he will be spoiled rotten.

I am sad because I will miss him... he is such a sweet, great, super handsome, gentle, lovable boy. But I am so, so happy for him. He deserves this.

I hope they email me updates.

meet Choco.

We got a call Saturday asking us to foster Choco for the holidays. He is a two year old pretty chocolate Lab. Much more calm than Bentley, which makes me think he is actually a couple years older. Still in need of obedience classes but he does know "sit" (with encouragement) & he knows "come" very well. He is used to riding in the car & does not need to be restrained. He pulls a little bit while walking on a leash but does very well with a gentle leader. Choco was surrendered due to owner illness & now is in search of a new home. He is more gentle when playing with Bentley & submissive with Bentley. I think he would do find in a home with other dogs. He is housebroken & although doesn't need a crate, I am teaching him to go into the crate. We're not comfortable leaving him home alone to wonder while Bentley is crated. We were told he would refuse a crate but I worked with him for about 15 mins last night & (along with a hotdog as a reward) he now goes into the crate. He does bark/whine for about 10 mins but then settles in. He is neutered & microchipped. Choco is a sweet boy with a precious chocolate face who needs someone with patience while he is still learning & adjusting because he hasn't been socialized very well yet.

Here he is on the Love of Labs website.

our tree.

angel tree girl.

I started this two years ago & I have so much fun. This year I adopted a 10 year old girl. On her list were her clothing sizes (the focus is on new clothing), jewelry, & a bike. Buying clothing for a stranger makes me nervous - what if it doesn't fit? I hope it fits & that she likes it! I found this super cute vest at Old Navy & got her a matching long sleeve shirt. I figure when it warms up she can still wear the shirt by itself. & then I found a pretty bracelet at Justice, which I think she'll love. I'm hoping next year maybe I can adopt two children to help for Christmas.

JFK memorial.

This is the layout I created from this inspiration piece.

The red & rustic immediately made me think of our recent trip to the JFK Memorial in Dallas. What's more American than the color red? I love the red with kraft so I used kraft paper as my background. I incorporated texture (that I note in the firewood & the basket) by using a scrap of burlap & the corrugated letters. & I love the curve of that old door so I cut out the brackets from a piece of patterned paper to incorporate the curve of that as well.

Christmas vignettes.

the sewing desk in the hallway.

 This is my old sewing desk that sits in our hallway. Snowman garland around the mirror from TJ Maxx this year. Photo of Hunter during a blizzard two years ago & another xmas photo of my brother & I when we were little. Silver candle from Home Goods. Complete with berry/jingle bell garland.

close up of the sewing desk.

Next up, the space above the kitchen cabinets.



red wreath [Big Lots], an xmas photo from 2 years ago, xmas tree topper.

above microwave

We found the frame at Goodwill for $7 (originally from Kohls, $24). The apothecary jar I think I got at TJ Maxx & it's holding red disco ball garland. The silver garland has little stars on it & it came from Hobby Lobby. & then the greenery garland with colorful lights is so pretty :)

I am linking to A Thoughtful Place/Christmas Cheer blog party.

I count you twice.

photo is from our Christmas card photo shoot