Puppies

I heard this saying a few weeks ago:

 

Thirty days hath September, April, June, and November.

All the rest have thirty-one except February which has twenty-eight and January which has five hundred.

 :)

 

Well for the usual long month that January is (and I get that, I really do; January is usually a really long month it seems like), this January just flat out flew by. Why? Well it might have something to do with the ten adorable little critters that have taken up residence in our garage these last four weeks. They're really cute, really they are, but man they're a lot of work. I mean, we knew Brandi was big, but TEN puppies??? That's a lot of dogs for one garage. And a lot of dogs make a lot of manure. I mean work. At any rate, all pups are sold except the smartest one. If you know of anyone interested in an adorable smart yellow lab pup with AKC papers, drop me a comment, text, or email.

 

There have also been a few times skating - some on our backyard rink, some at Koch's rink, and some  at the Pekin rink as the temps have been pretty mild for outdoor skating.

 

Also littles. Lots of littles find their way here and we enjoy them all. Although some of us are really tired by the end of the day. And ready for silence.

 

Otherwise it's been school, jobs, and some free time here and there.

 

Oh - on the news front: Sarah and Kate are now milkmaids at the Aberle Dairy. They seem to like it although that's beyond my understanding. It might be the 6:00 start time. Or the manure they get to work in - and sometimes fall in. Or the cows which are always so cute and cooperative. Or... it just might be the paycheck. Whatever the case, they like it. I don't love the smell they bring home, but hey if it helps pay for their college I can put up with it. Kind of.

 

Also new is that Levi and Echo's residence will soon be changing. They'll be moving about ten miles away from here to a beautiful property with some outbuildings and a nice big old barn on a few acres. We're glad for them although we'll sure miss having them right down the road!

 

And me - well, I've had major writer's block. Just haven't felt like blogging and so I haven't. Seems like by the time I'm free to blog, my mind is scrambled eggs and my energy is gone and I'm pretty much in couch potato mode. Or puzzle table mode. I'm trying to encourage a couple of school-age girls to continue this fine work but so far I haven't had much success.

 

Well and besides that, looking back at the month of January, most pictures are puppies, kids, and puppies and kids. And how many pictures of puppies and kids can you blog about anyway?

 

Anyway. Here are a few peeks at our January.

 

One of the two Favorite Littles that hangs out here sometimes. He's getting such a spunky personality.

 

 

Music program at Restmor.

 

Same spunky little.

 

A few wood projects for Josh.

 

Spunky again.

 

Monopoly Deal. Fun new card game that we all like. Biggest challenge is beating Tori. How she consistently wins we'll never know.

 

Ping-pong ball shooter that Josh made.

 

January 10. Ten puppies!

 

A few days later, finally big enough to wear collars.

 

Empty rink on a Tuesday afternoon public skate!

 

Sweet littles.

 

 Fun Friday Skate #1.

 

A few days later.

 

And more littles.

 

360YC Open House was a few weeks ago. Josh had many questions which Jesse was good at answering at his level.

 

Fun Friday Skate #2.

 

 

Sweet little kitchen helper.

 

This Favorite Little never tires of reading books.

 

 

A few days later.

 

More littles.

 

Ah.

A highlight of my winter.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate.

My own recipe. It's fabulous. Not quite as good as Eli's but not quite as pricey either.

I love this.

 

Rumor has it that Clay now sleeps with not one but four stuffed puppies.

 

I really think this little boy needs a real live one.

 

How Kids Do Chores In 2020.

 

Aannddd - - - my baby is 11.

 *gulp*

How can this be?

 

Fun Friday Skate #3.

 

And that's a wrap for January. We'll see if February's blogging is any better. I have dreams, I have hopes, I have ideals.... but there's also this thing called reality.

:)

 

Have a blessed day!!