Dog Pee

Some days are just harder than others. Try to handle with grace and humor and get through it.

Christmas All Around

I have traditionally hated the Holidays the last few years. I'm not sure what changed this year - having my own home, being grateful for so many things, or just being so absolutely stressed out-crazy that it feels good to enjoy a moment of Christmas lights here and there. But I am over my Scrooge-ness, it seems!

The tree is up and the house is decorated. I bought a new wreath for the front door and stockings for the fireplace. And I hope to put Christmas lights in the tree and front porch this evening!

I have a love affair with Christopher Radko ornaments and try and collect at least one new one a year. They're mouth-blown, hand painted glass and each ornament takes 7 days to make. They're awesome. And my tree is covered with those, Pier One glass and Old World Christmas. (check out the cool built-ins in the house. Amazing details).

I can't wait for the after Christmas sales to stock up on even more. This year the one I can't keep looking at is new to the tree from a 1/2 price bin in January. It's a huge pale green glass ball with a glass insert of a painted partridge in a pear tree inside. I LOVE it. More pics to come. Definitely.

Lots and lots and lots

Misty does in fact have a brain tumor, but yes, over a month later I used the present-tense "has." Misty has been on prednisone since her initial vet visit. We've had to add a couple other medications as well and continue with 30-day visits; however, she is doing incredible! I have to remind myself that it's only treating the symptoms and not the tumor, so this won't go on forever. But I have my baby girl back and she's back more than ever! She runs, barks, plays and is back to her best fighting weight! I couldn't ask for anything more this year.

However, we've moved into our house as well. It's been about a month, but there are still boxes and piles and things to go through each and every day. Slowly I'm pulling the place together. It's an old, old place, built in 1940 and feels like it sometimes with the cold and dust everywhere. But it's beautiful and will be crazy awesome once we finish all the reno.

Here's a before and after of the kitchen, just as an example:

Amazing, right?

AND we opened a second store. Am I crazy? Absolutely. Have a lost my head a few times? Beyond yes. But I'm trying to seek the good and positive and enjoy these moments. When else in my life will all of this happen at once? (NEVER! Thank God - I hope).