348. Cookies

Today, the girl and I shopped then came home and baked Christmas cookies.  She loves her "Mrs. Santa" apron.

She loves icing, too.

This was her first time making Christmas cookies.  We made a bunch -- and we are ready to share.

347. Happiness is...

Seeing her run,
With happiness in her smile,
And in her gallop,
With her hair like a halo,
Surrounding her sweet face.

"Is it really that long now?," she said.
It is.  It really is.

346. Embers

Clementine has been practicing how to sit while we go on our walk each day.  She is learning!  It the rush of every day (and evening), it has become my favorite part of the day as it becomes the only part of the day that I feel focused.  No multi-tasking on these walks -- just dealing with a hyped up puppy willing to sit for a treat trying to ignore the squirrel on the tree or the cat sitting in the driveway.  

We sat in the yard for a few minutes to relish in the lovely weather and the last of the setting sun before going in and cooking supper, doing laundry, cleaning up after art projects (the girl has gone crazy with her painting projects), entertaining friends who have stopped by.

My time with her makes me happy.  She gives me that reason to escape the madness -- if only for a few minutes.

Life has been so packed lately --  constantly coming and going and in motion.  Life is just on fire!

Now You
52 of You - Fire
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345. Last minute

The days have been full.  The children at school are ramped up with excitement.  The adults seem short on patience.  The calendar seems bursting with activities and things to do.

And I took a picture of the plant in the windowsill at the end of the day on Wednesday.

344. Creating

On the way out of school (late... again), Julia noticed a fruit crate by the trash can.  She decided it would be perfect for her to decorate as a gift for Jeff.

She takes her creativity pretty seriously.  Here she is painting a menorah beside the Christmas tree.

I love that she wants to give.

343. The Christmas Pickle

Just a little Christmas pickle in the tree with Julia's name on it.  Isn't it adorable?

Here is the story of the Christmas Pickle...

342. Obedient

Clementine had her first round of lessons at puppy charm school and she did great!  She is now learning to sit on command (more or less).  Also, she is learning to stop barking at other dogs.

Dog treats are so motivating for her.  Her favorite treats are pieces of Mili's food.

Five more weeks of obedience training left to go then she can move to the intermediate class.