the year in a word

Posted on January 8th, 2012 by Tonia 4 Comments

I was inspired by Ann Marie‘s thoughtful post about the new year. And, since I have been too wrapped up in parties and get-togethers to write one myself, I’m thankful she took the time to write down her thoughts on resolutions.

I tend to be a blow-where-the-wind-takes me kind of person, while Mike is much more goal-oriented. He has no problem making a long list of resolutions for 2012, and I prefer to just let the year happen to me {it works out…he anchors and focuses me, and I help him enjoy spontaneity.} Ann Marie’s compromise sounds perfect for me- one word to help focus me throughout the year.

Oh yeah, and she eats her hot-cereal with fresh blueberries so I instantly like her just for that.

Now that the holiday celebrations are over, I’m looking forward to falling into a quiet winter routine. Walking the dogs, coffee, reading, working, cooking…whatever the day may bring, I want to move through it with a purposeful and calm energy, taking time to savor the little details of life that make it meaningful.

My word for 2012 is listen. Listen to my heart, listen to Mike, listen to the wise people around us, and listen to the tiny sounds of life that often go unnoticed because we talk too much and too loud.

What’s your word?

Chicken Shopping

Posted on January 5th, 2012 by Tonia 5 Comments

Hey Beth, guess what we did tonight?

We ordered chickens from a catalog!! After a failed attempt to hatch our own, we decided what the heck, let’s just adopt.

Our friends Jen and Trevor are getting in on the action, because the minimum order from Murray McMurray is 25 birds. It was actually their brilliant idea to share an order.

Speckled Sussex, Black Australorps, Buff Orpingtons….there are so many choices, it’s so hard to pick! It’s going to be a happy day this spring when those boxes show up on our porch.

P.S. How hilarious/cute/endearing are the guys- snuggled up together on the couch, eating snacks and picking out their chickens??

Farewell 2011

Posted on December 31st, 2011 by Tonia 5 Comments

We’re back home after a wonderful Christmas with my family, but we’re still in full-on-holiday-mode because we’re hosting a rather large New Years Eve party tonight.

The house is full of balsam bows, flowers, candles, snacks, and drinks. Everything is scattered all over the table and floor and we’re running around pulling it all together. Can’t wait to have a house full of our best friends and welcome 2012 together.

2011 was an incredible year- our first full year here at the homestead. The friendships we formed, the things we learned, the challenges and blessings alike made this year remarkably memorable. Happy New Year, friends!

UPDATE 1/2/2012: The party was a riot. I’m not sure we’ve ever started a year off on a better note. Our home was full to the brim with good food, great people, bumpin’ music, laughter, dancing, and there was even a snowball fight.

The living-room before anyone showed up.

Mmmmm, appetizers.

Supplies.

The bar.

In lieu of a bartender, we had a “make {bad word} yourself” sign. And glow-sticks.

A closer look at our yummies.

Friends arriving and mingling.

Good conversations, new friendships forging.

Pretty ladies.

Things eventually degenerated into a rowdy dance-party…

The boys traded their suits and dress shirts for something more comfortable.

My brother, sleepily cleaning up the aftermath.

{Sorry for the cruddy cellphone pictures. Happy 2012!!}

Merry merry.

Posted on December 24th, 2011 by Tonia 1 Comment

We’re at my parents house for the weekend, enjoying their wonderful cooking {an assortment of delectable cookies, ribs last night, lamb roast tomorrow night, my mom’s special braided Christmas bread in the morning, and more}, watching the Chickadees flitting over to the feeder by the big bay-window, and taking long walks through the woods with the dogs.

Thinking about all of you, dear readers, and wishing you the merriest and brightest of holidays!