Happy last week of November. I hope everyone had a nice weekend and a great Thanksgiving.
I know everyone always says that time flies, but I am seriously amazed that it’s already the end of the month–and one month from now will be Boxing Day. Hard to believe.
I’ve really been trying to be in the moment over the past few months and not look too far ahead. I want to savour my time with Ellie and Matt. It’s not about what’s next. It’s about what we’re doing now and enjoying it. Admittedly, life isn’t always enjoyable, but moments are temporary. If Ellie needs to be held a little while longer, I’ll give her that, because someday she won’t want to sit with Mama.
Speaking of the passage of time, our baby is 9 months old now. She’s been out as long as she was in. Ellie shared her 9 month birthday with what would have been my paternal grandmother’s 104th birthday, which made the day even more special. We marked the occasion by taking another photo of our girl with her tractor.
Looking back over the rest of the month, here is a round-up of some things that have caught my eye.
A really smart kitchen refresh
A checklist for making green home improvements
I’ve realized I have many feelings about names… and apparently others do too
How dog agility applies to all dog training
The world is better than we think (my book recommendation from Obama)
Worrying is praying for stuff you don’t want
Say yes to your life. Because… this is it.
My writing elsewhere:
Livestock Guardian Dogs – An Introduction
Why does my dog refuse to walk with other people?
We’re gearing up for a busy week here. We have a bunch of appointments, including a doctor visit for Ellie and her last swimming lesson. We’ve loved swimming and will be buying a pass to go on our own until Ellie’s eligible for the next level of lessons.
We’re also preparing to host some of Matt’s extended family for our annual month before Christmas party this weekend. It’s always so nice to see everyone and spend time together. While Christmas has obviously already hit the blogosphere, this party is my cue to start decorating and start getting my head into the season.
Home on 129 Acres 
Big GIRL!! “Look Ma, no hands!”
That kitchen is beautiful.
She gives me a heart attack at least a few times a day! Matt was hovering just out of the frame ready to catch her if she tipped.
Living in the moment is a great thing to aspire to. I’ve been trying to remember that too.
It looks like we have found a place to live! If it all works out we’ll start the lease on December 7th but keep this place till the end of the month, and paint before we move in. The current colours in there are crazy! That beautiful kitchen refresh is giving me some ideas. 😉
That little girl of yours is growing like crazy! Several heart attacks a day sound like par for the course.
Congratulations! You’re so smart to make it your own–and to paint before you move in.
I thought that kitchen refresh was so, so smart. An example that you absolutely do not need to throw everything out and start over.
Aww, happy nine months to Ellie! I’m checking out some of the links you mentioned and am looking at the Factfulness book (I love reading).
It’s a really neat book, Lindsay. Very data heavy (graphs on every other page) but completely accessible and absorbing. I read it very quickly… and keep in mind the 9-month-old doesn’t consider graphs appropriate for storytime!