Some thrifted artwork from recently…

The small bird art in the top left was actually my grandmother’s. My grandpa told me to take a few things when we were at his house for Christmas. I chose this to add to my wall of bird art in our guest bathroom.

The other 3 framed pieces are from a garage sale.

I plan on adding the duck art to my bird gallery wall as well.

I’ll probably put a personal photo in the frame with the light green matte in the top right (but I do love the art in it).

Although I’ve considered starting a gallery wall of flower art (who knows where…), I’m pretty certain I’ll use the lovely matted print of irises at our short term rental property hopefully opening so soon.

The kids went afternoon camping, complete with backpacks full of things to do and snacks. 😊⛺️

A red and gray tent is set up on a grassy area surrounded by trees.

How We Celebrated the New Year with the kids:

Charcuterie, sparkling cider, mixed treats, and a LEGO put together party

Someone is pouring a drink into green glasses lined up on a kitchen counter with snacks in the background.Four LEGO sets, including Star Wars, Friends, Botanicals, and Disney, are displayed on a wooden table.

Their request for sheep also prompted the question, “How many sheep are in a flock?” And after a little research I found that, apparently, no one knows. But it’s definitely more than 3 and less than 1,000…

My kids have been asking me to buy them a flock of sheep all day today. 🐑🐏🐑🐏🐑

Currently 🦁🎥🌾🌮👟🐅🍪☕️🧱

Reading: Just finished reading “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” to my son. We’re 4 chapters in on “Prince Caspian” now. I found this whole 1970s Chronicles of Narnia set at a thrift store for either $4 or $5!

Watching: @mtt and I just finished watching “A Gentleman in Moscow.” I liked it.

Researching: Countertop grain mills. I think it would be so amazing to mill our own flour.

Purchasing: Lots of Christmas gifts. ‘‘Tis the season. 🎄 My grandfather graciously gives me money to purchase my own gifts. So more specifically, I just purchased myself a Masienda tortilla press and masa. Something I’ve wanted for a while, but just couldn’t justify. But that’s what makes it a good gift!

Wearing: I got a new pair of classic Vans. Sized up half a size for some toe wiggle room (because I wear barefoot shoes a lot of the time and can’t do a tight toe box anymore), and they are so comfortable.

Enjoying: Took my kiddos to the zoo here recently. It’s not very big, but they’re making some improvements as of late. My kids have visited with their grandparents a lot in the last few months, and they were so excited to show me around because it had been years since I’d been. We had the best morning there.

Eating: I’m making gingerbread cookies this week. This is my favorite recipe! In the past, I’ve just mixed powdered sugar and milk until I get a consistency for icing I like. But I think I’ll try a royal icing this year.

Drinking: Bone broth hot chocolate. The recipe calls for chicken bone broth, but I actually prefer beef. It’s really good either way, though! My kids have actually had the opportunity to have packaged hot chocolate several time recently, and they wouldn’t drink it because they said it wasn’t good.

LEGO-ing: I got 3 Christmas Polar Bears sets for 70% off after Christmas last year. Saved them and got them out this week to do with B and Ro. Fun times.