Happy Birthday Brother James!

James celebrated a milestone birthday on Friday, April 6th.  We took the opportunity to head to the mountains on Saturday to share in the celebration.

It was a simply beautiful day, all bright Carolina Blue Skies and sunshine, with a chance of rain at 0%.  We scurried around the house in the morning, packing up hams and wine and changes of clothes and puppies.  Ama and Colt went with us, which always makes for a smile.

The drive was beautiful and the puppies loved their new transport in the back of Mr. Bryant's truck, complete with a camper top and a padded carpeted floor.  We had the windows open and Bella and Jack enjoyed the air ruffling their fur as we drove.  When we pulled into the McFadden homestead the puppies exploded with talking and barking, ready to get out and see their cousins.  Mr. Bryant opened up the back and in seconds they were down and begging to get through the gate.

We had lots of puppy fun, and hugs all around.  Drinks and snacks, stories and jokes, laughing and breaking bread with family.  BarBQue and fruit, salads and Mrs. Hanson's World Famous pineapple cheese casserole made for a delicious dinner, with Hummingbird Cake providing a perfect finish.  ADR, Stephanie, Asa and Jaya all came along shortly, and James' Aunts and Uncles also arrived to join in the party and stay for a long visit.  James blew out his cake candles handily, which surely promised an auspicious coming year.

 
I didn't ask everyone to get together for a photo.  They always tease about that - but now I don't have one of those great group shots. Next time, family, be warned - I will not hesitate to insist on everyone smiling at the camera!

We took the time to enjoy the McFadden's yard which is always easy.  We sat some on the screened in front porch under the deep eves and enjoyed the view, taking mental notes and day dreaming with inspiration about someday property in the country.  It was a wonderful day, and filled me with appreciation for my family and this wonderful life.

Today: Income Taxes All Day.

Now: DONE!  Ready for a break, maybe a walk with the puppies, maybe a dinner out.  Planning for another busy work week, I feel like I need some time off.  I have so much writing and drawing and napping to do!

Welcome 2012!

Happy happy New Year to each and every one of you!!

My six month break from blogging was the start of a six month break from "me" stuff.  I stopped blogging, writing, working in the sketchbook, spinning, knitting, scrapbooking, and crocheting.  I didn't stop reading books, but every other thing went by the wayside except the very much needed focus on other priorities. We even stopped our Sunday grandson / grandmother trips to the game store for role-playing games.

Sounds like things were pretty quiet, yes?  Well, during that time we:

• had our annual family vacation at the beach which was wonderful as always. We took the puppies, and they both loved the ocean. After three days, though, Jack Junior got very very ill. He cried out in pain, was unable to walk, had urinary problems, and slept rolled up in a tiny ball. Mr. Bryant took him home the very next morning to get pain medication from the vet, while I stayed and took pictures and loved the time with the fam.

  

• said goodbye to Ama as she went off to Portland. Mr. Bryant laid out her driving trip across the country, and we even found a cabin in Yellowstone for one of the nights of the trip. The drive took her to the Arch in St. Louis, Colorado to see friends, Yellowstone, Coeur d'Alene, and the Columbia River Gorge. 
• said Goodbye to Shannon and John and family as they went off to new adventures in Virginia.
• put all the puppies on a new diet. 
• watched the puppies grow like weeds!

• took Jack Junior to six vets and finally to NC State Veterinary School, where they diagnosed the infection that was crippling and killing him.  We got him started on a three to six month course of antibiotics and noticed immediate improvement in his condition.
• continued to take the puppies to Obedience Training. 

 

• flew the cats across the country to greet Ama in Portland.
• learned the incredible blessings of being members of the Leonberger Community. 

 

• had a fabulous family Thanksgiving in the mountains hosted by Mr. and Mrs. McFadden.

 

• had another wonderful Christmas hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Hanson.
• went to an amazing New Years dinner with our very dear friends.

In addition to all this, I interviewed for a new job or two, adjusted to a restructure at work, and did my best to support Mr. Bryant while HE adjusted to a restructure at work.

During all this time off from "me," I thought I was doing the right things, doing the things that needed to be done, paying primary attention to the other people in my life in the best way. But as I look back at the last half of the year, I can see that I was less centered, less thoughtful, and frankly, less confident.

I am grateful to have learned this lesson, which I think I really knew but allowed myself to conveniently forget.  Taking care of "me" is important, and changes how I interact with the world at every level.

I can't say that I am sorry to see 2011 go.  Although it wasn't the worst year it also wasn't the best.  And sometimes, that's exactly the inspiration needed to go forth and know this New Year better, man! (with a nod here to our friends, the Muppets!)

Here is to the most wonderful year yet.  Welcome 2012!

Karla and James

Before we get too far into the week, too far past October 26th, I just need to recognize the wonderful Anniversary of my dearest sister and her fabulous husband.

Karla and James, congratulations on seven incredible challenging wonderful years together. Our very most sincere wishes for a wonderful hundred more!

Love you both, much and much.

Mr. McFadden Has a Birthday

Lots of family folk mean lots of birthday's - and there is certainly nothing wrong with that! We took a trip to the mountains to visit with our dear ones and celebrate Mr. McFadden's big day. We had a super time visiting and talking with everyone, and really enjoyed the day -- and LOVED the deck. We had a pretty good chuckle when Mrs. McFadden told the dogs that they could come in if they went around to the new back door - and immediately, Georgia came round and was let in the house.

The other male dogs? They just kept hanging out at the front door, looking in through the screen, wondering how that girl dog got in the house!

We took a ride to Mr. McFadden's home in the mountains, and had a fabulous tour. We definitely need to come and check that place out again, especially when the apple trees are blooming!

And then we came home for the presents and cake! Look at all this loot - and yes, friends, that is the infamous Birthday Box on top of the pile. We have been exchanging that box in the family for more than 20 years!

Mr. McFadden loved his "road toad" outfit for the motorcycle as well as his other fun gifts.

And everyone loved the cakes (yes, plural) that we dug into afterward.

Love and hugs to you, dear McFaddens. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

birthday parties - two for the price of one!

With ADR and JRR's birthday's being only a week apart, it only made sense to combine parties - what with everyone's busy schedules and so many fun things to do. So we had a combined family party at their house, and WOW did we have fun. There was great food, wonderful desserts, and lots of family fun.

Beautiful JPR! Happy Birthday!

There were princesses....

and presents....

and handmade jewelry....

and plastic glove balloons....

and a pretty pink purse with a "J" - whereupon many with a "J" in their name took a pose....

JPR and the Pink J Purse!

Mrs. Hanson with the "J" purse

:)

and pretzel writing....

and a super happy group celebration!!!