A Baby, Bittie Bugs, and a Beagle

 

Yikes what a title but all such happy/fun things I can't wait to share them with you.

A Baby

It has been about 12 years since we have had a new baby in the family. My son is twenty and my niece and nephews are all in their teenage years.  Before you all start wondering what is she thinking???--she is 45--Not to worry I am not the one having the baby.  My sister-in-law, Kim is the new mommy. The baby is due on August 24 and we are all going to be surprised to learn if it is a boy or girl.  It will be Stephen and Kim's first baby and they love the idea of surprise.  Let me just say I CAN NOT WAIT!  I think it is safe to say that the whole family can't wait.  This is going to be one very loved baby.  We had Kim's baby shower last weekend and I wanted to share just a few pictures of the fun day.  First the new mommy---doesn't she look beautiful...

Kim's mom, Liz---Liz's mom (the Great Grandma) and Kim

The two excited Grandmas Liz and Edith (my mother-in- law)

My mom, Edith, and family friend Marian

The quilt that my mom made to welcome the new baby.

I am so thankful that God has blessed our family with this precious gift.  I am so looking forward to showering this little one with tons of love.

Bittie Bugs

A few more dolls for the consignment shop and upcoming craft shows.....I love making these bittie bugs---their little antennas make me smile.

A Beagle

OK now you can say "What is she thinking?" 

But look at that face how could anyone resist it.  Alex and I sure couldn't.  After having Sassy, Alex decided  he loved her and the Beagle breed so much that we should get another.  And for those of you who really know me,  I don't have to tell you how much of a dog lover I am. I thought about it for oh a second and agreed.   So two weeks ago we decided to meet some rescued Beagles that were looking for forever homes.  We went with the intent to visit a little 4 month girl puppy named Clair.  I must say she was adorable!!! Toward the end of our visit we met Gene.  Alex and I looked at each other and we both knew we just had to add him to our family.  Gene came from a very high kill shelter in Ohio and was rescued by a wonderful foster home where he lived until we fell in love with him. Gene (we call him Geno) came to live with us on Saturday and I could not love him more.  He is about 3-4 years old and the biggest teddy bear/couch potato one could ever meet.  He is so gentle and after only being a part of our family for a few days has found his perfect place among us.

Gene aka:  Geno, Gene Gene the dancing machine, or Bubba was welcomed to our family with a special treat from Brewster's (a local ice-cream shop)   I actually think I saw him smile after he finished his tiny doggie sized scoop of vanilla ice-cream topped with a milk bone.

Welcome to your forever home Geno

A Happy Hello

No one really knows how they will react when life brings situations that have never been experienced. I can remember the birth of my son (our first and only child) I knew my husband and I would be overwhelmed with happiness but my husband's reaction is one that I will never forget. He actually leapt for joy. I could never have anticipated that reaction. In the same way I could never have anticipated my reaction to my father's death. Things I was feeling were hard to explain and definitely were not a part of my familiar personality. My creative spirit seemed to have disappeared and I did not enjoy spending time in my craft studio. I knew time was passing one week turning into two and here we are almost two months since my last post. I had no desire to write or even to keep updated with you all my blogging friends. Now don't get me wrong I have been spending tons of time with my mom, I joined a ladies Bible study at church,  and I even had a wonderful two day girl's sleep over with Kate and Emma (a fun post at a later time) but I just was not myself. But as the days are passing I find that I am returning to my familiar self. I am excited to create once again and have been super busy in my craft room. My neighbor will be opening a children's consignment shop and boutique and has asked me to create some items for the shop. I am so very excited--I have such a heart for children and it has been a dream of mine to have a children's speciality boutique. I am thrilled to be a part of hers. So to end this "return" post on a very happy note, I would love to share with you what I have been working on.....

Now that my post has been written, I am anxious to catch up with all of you.  I am sure I have missed so much.  So off I go to visit---look for my HELLO  :)   xoxo

One Day At A Time

It seems hard to believe that my Dad has been gone for three weeks.  I miss him more than words can describe.  I am taking one day at a time with some being more difficult than others.  At times it seems as though it were all a dream --- that it didn't really happen at all.  That when I go to my parents home, I will find my Dad just where he always was--- sitting in his favorite chair reading or watching TV.    

After my Dad's funeral, Alex suggested that we go away somewhere for a night.  Just to unwind and relax a bit.  It has been some time since we went away together just the two of us so we began searching the web to find the perfect place---not too far away but somewhere fun and different.  We decided that Berlin Ohio would be perfect. About 2 1/2 hours from home a small town filled with Amish charm.  We stayed at a wonderful inn called "The Inn at Honey Run".  It was set right in the middle of a beautiful forest.  My Dad would have loved this inn.

The property of the inn was just beautiful.  Little ponds and wood chip covered trails for guests to admire and explore.  And our room was just as lovely.

My favorite part of our room was the floor to ceiling windows in the corner.  We you reclined in those comfortable chairs it felt like you were right out in the forest.  All types of birds flew by and there was even a little bird building a nest in the tree right outside of the window.

Here is the view from our window...

(close up of the creek at the base of the hill)

(close up of the farm across the way)

When we were not relaxing in our room there was a wonderful great room for us to use.

 The little town of Berlin was as cute as could be----filled with wonderful little shops. So we did a little shopping......

My favorite shop was called Millers Dry Goods.  Just look at these photos and you will see why...

 After shopping we did a little eating....

and then a little sight seeing....





We really had a wonderful time.  It was just what I needed. 

So I will continue to take things day by day knowing that time will ease my sadness but never erase the memories of my Dad.