15 February

We went on our annual pussywillow gathering excursion on Valentine's Day and now the house is simply full of them! I do so love them, ephemeral as they are, those plump grey bodies nestled along their stems.

We are settling into our new place quite nicely and are happier than ever with less--less stuff, less space, less time spent in the company of media of any kind. It's left room for so much more! More connection, more laughter, more togetherness, more love. We have lovely new little routines we didn't have before: stoking the woodstove, bringing in firewood, sweeping the porch. It's all so cozy I'm actually a bit loathe to welcome spring. I rather think I'd like a bit more winter instead.

But time marches inexorably on, and the bulbs are putting out their greens right alongside the grey furry pussywillows, and our littlest mouse is about to have her first birthday. Every day we remark that she is the best, the funniest, the most charming baby ever. I know that her toddlerhood is coming, but oh! we adore her babyness so very much.

And your birthday is fast approaching as well! Do you have big plans? I hope at least a cup of tea and something scrumptious to go with it. What else is on your wishlist? It's so fun to windowshop and dream, isn't it?

So much love to you all. I've missed you!

xo, K

POSTCARD: 22 January

I had a year old roll of film developed. Oddly enough, we have almost the exact same dishes drying right now.

xo, Martha

13 January

How are you doing dear friend? So close to your move! Those last few days before a move are so tricky to handle with children, packing, and getting everything in order.But it will be over before you know it! And then you'll be setting up in your sweet new home.

We've had the most bizarre winter, very little snowfall and quite warm temperatures. Last year we had to cancel Alfie's birthday sledding party due to windchills below zero (fahrenheit!), and this year we're unsure if there will be snow at all! This morning, though, we had a few inches, and when I woke it was so calm and peaceful. That is my favorite time of a snowfall. Before anyone has muddied up the snow; plows haven't gone through and the shovels haven't cleared it away. Everything fresh and quiet, with the snow sticking to every little branch.

Every year, after Christmas, I have a distinct love for all things Scandinavian. I think it must have to do with thoughts of winter, and taking down all the decorations for a refreshing sparseness that reminds me of Swedish and Danish modern styles. Though it could be the simple fact that this year we had Swedish cinnamon buns on Christmas morning, and I've be reperusing my copy of Lotta Jansdotter's Handmade Living. A book that I find infinitely inspiring with its mix of modern and handmade, and of course the recipes. Today I've a batch of rice pudding (a mix of her recipe and another) made that I can't wait to eat up. It seems that as much as I love the look of rustic homes in photographs, I always come back to the clean lines of modern furniture and decorations. Doesn't the clear out after Christmas feel so good? I love how putting all the decorations away opens up the light and space in the house. I always leave the mantle empty for a few days just to enjoy that emptiness.

We don't typically do New Year's resolutions, though this year I've made a small one of simply being in more photographs. I take loads of pictures of my family but very rarely am I in any of them. It seems like such a simple thing, but it really is harder than it looks! And to just be in the moment with my family more often, relishing the time I have with them. Especially with Walt going to school next year and knowing he won't be so little for long. Though of course it's not always easy to enjoy the moment when there is a small child in front of you, making a cut-out photo of a cat sing in a very high pitched voice. Funny, but also highly annoying after it goes on for awhile. ;)

I'm off to knit on Alfie's birthday hat (how is he turning 7 next week?!) and enjoy some of that rice pudding.

Lots of love to you all, and hoping all goes smoothly this weekend with your move.

~Martha

3 January

Another year over and a new one begins. How was your New Year's Eve? Did you stay up? Did you go out and celebrate? We rang in the year with a kiss and a glass of bubbly, sitting on the couch with our annual enormous bowl of m&ms. It was the first year in three or four that we actually managed to stay awake until midnight and we were feeling quite pleased with ourselves. I have a feeling that 2012 is going to be a good year.

In other news, we are readying ourselves for our move. I had forgotten all the little things that go into moving, all the telephone calls and address changes and tidying up loose ends. The last time we moved there were so many fewer of us. Some days now it feels like cats in a bag, trying to get things done with the "help" of all my little people. But in a couple of weeks it will be all over, and we will be settled in our new place at the other end of town. Right now the chickadees in the backyard are singing like mad. I'll miss those little fellows. I hope our new house has chickadees too.

Oh, and the entire household is planning our little Juliana's fifth birthday at the end of the month! I can't believe she is nearly five. I still think of her as a three year old most days, and here she is a lanky, bright-eyed thing, all traces of her toddlerhood firmly behind her. My dark and stormy child has turned sunny and helpful seemingly overnight.

Did you make any resolutions for the new year? I have to admit, I'm not really one for resolution making, though it is fun to think about. What amazes me every year is all the changes that can happen over the course of a year. How different things can look in that amount of time. I could not have predicted last January all the things that have happened over this year! I have no idea what could possibly be in store for 2012. It all seems a blank slate of possibility, one that I am feeling open to, in the best sense. 

Much love to you and your little family, and hoping you are starting the new year off on a bright note!

xox, Kyrie

Postcard: 1 January

On this first day of the new year, I'm thinking about summers past. Time is a funny thing. xo, K