"Dogs and cats living together...mass hysteria!"

We've been looking for a dog and a cat ever since we moved in - we've gone to shelters several times and called a lot of people on craigslist but it wasn't until last week that we finally found a dog that was the right age/style/breed and went for it.  His name is Yogi and he's a golden retriever mix.  We love him.  He's already so sweet and fun and protective and obediant.  Except with Peter - he's totally afraid of Peter.  Who knows why - maybe the fact that Peter was hiting and throwing things at him for the first few days he was here.  He quickly put Peter in his place with a bite and then another and another.  It seems now like we're getting that all figured out...a.k.a. Peter is giving Yogi loads of treats to convince him that he's a pretty good guy and he's stopped hurting him.  And then the other day I was looking at craigslist again - the craigslist app has made me an addict.  Anyhow, there were these two Maine Coon cats(a brother and sister) for FREE and I couldn't resist.  They are both fixed and up to date on their shots. 

I love Maine Coons - they are cute and smart and get HUUUGE.  So they came home the next day and hid for a full twenty four hours behind the washer.  And then yesterday out of the blue brother cat came out even with Yogi lurking and walked right past him -  swishing Yogi's face with his tail as he passed.  And Yogi who has NEVER experienced cats before totally played it cool.  They were fast friends and even though sister cat is still pretty nervous I'm sure in time they are going to be tight.  Needless to say, it made my day.  Here are some pics...

Anyhow, brother and sister need names - they're previous names Pepper and Oreo just aren't doing it for me.  I want something fitting and fun.  Brother is big and shaggy and sister is smaller and dainty and really pretty.  Here are some ideas...

Jem & Scout(To Kill a Mockingbird)
Bonnie & Clyde(I know, not sister and brother but cute anyways)
Donny & Marie
Adam & Adora(a.k.a. Heman & Shera)
Luke & Leah(a little on the nerdy side)

I don't know - any other ideas folks? 

Moss Hunting in My Promised Land...

This afternoon while the babies were sleeping I put my boots on and headed outdoors.  It's been pretty warm the past few days so the snow is melting and you can see the green peeking through.  It feels slightly like spring and gets me anxious for when we can start work on the barn, the fencing, and the spring(not the season but the water type).  I wandered around the perimeter of our property - up the west hill and out across the street to the 40 acres of wooded area.  We don't own it but the people who do don't live in town and use it for camping.  They said we could wander around it as long as we don't shoot guns on it.  Following the deer trails across the snow through the pine trees with the mist curling around; felt magical.  Like a scene from Harry Potter.  Along the way I took pictures of all of the beautiful varieties of moss that grow around here.  Because it's a fairly wet climate with plenty of shade from the evergreens there is a lot of moss.  Moss prettier than any I'd ever seen.  It clings to the dark rocks that are scattered around.  They are all beautiful but my favorite is a longer moss that looks exactly like a shag carpet from the 1970's.  I fact, the first time Elijah showed it to me I actually thought it was a piece of old carpet.  Now when ever I see a particularly mossy rock I pick it up and bring it back to our front garden.  Come spring I hope to have a huge collection of it that I can plant some fern varieties around.  I love all things fern, moss, and dark woodsy.

After that I hiked back over to our property and up to the barn.  The barn is full of old junk and bird's nests and needs to be repainted.  Come spring when we add on a lean-to type chicken coop and an area for the pigs I think we will paint it.  Mike wants to keep it the classic red but I can't help but think about a deep peacock blue, a mustard yellow, or a dark warm green - all with white trim of course.  What do you think?

After touring the barn I hiked up the north hill and sat on a tree stump.  I was up high enough to have the warm sun and see the mist hanging below.  It was beautiful but after one picture my camera died so you'll just have to imagine it.  I just have to say that I am so happy here.  I feel like I have arrived in my promised land.

When I was visiting Utah I realized I still didn't have pictures to show people of the house.   I guess I've been too busy with the holidays and things to do it.  Today wasn't a very good day to take a pictures but it'll have to do for now...

Our property is 4.5 acres with probably an acre out front with the rest winding up and around the house like a bean.  I am still in awe when I hike up and away from the house and realize that I'm still on my property.  It's cool.

Want to visit us here up north?  We'd LOVE to have guests!

Dear Santa...

Today was the first day that I finally felt like school worked in this house.  It's been a long time coming with a lot of stress, some tears, and a lot of books on homeschooling leafed through.  And in the end, all that needed to happen was a little reorganizing, some more patience on mom's part, and some loving kindness.  Anyhow, today we worked on our letters to Santa which is ALWAYS fun. 

Also, instead of filling our Advent calendar boxes with candy like usual we took some cues from Sheree and filled them with Christmas activities, like writing letters to Santa or ice skating or making gingerbread houses.  To my surprise the boys didn't protest and they are still as excited to open them up each morning - at least so far! 

p.s.  I've had a lot on mind lately on "doing it all" and have a lot to say and a few life changes to make so pretty soon I'll fill you all in.  I'm sure you're dying to know, aren't you?