Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone lots of hugs and giggles...

Good-Bye Hudson

Our sweet dog, Hudson, passed away Saturday around noon. I won't be able to write much because it is hard to see through the tears. I was really fine today until I started to look for pictures to post. Hudson was the best dog with the girls and the poor thing put up with lots of hugs even when he just wanted to be left alone. Doug and Hudson shared a special bond and I have never seen a more devoted dog to his master. We will miss him terribly and poor Murphy is really missing her brother right now.

Thank You

Lisa asked me to post this on my blog...I also added a photo of Jetty and Anna at Anna's birthday party last month. The girls had so much fun!

Dear Friends,
We are overwhelmed by your generosity at Mel's Open House. Thank you so much for your support. We are so thankful for all of you. God is going to turn our difficult days into joy. Anna and I are going to get through our chemo and be healthy. I have no doubt God will hear our prayers. What an awesome testimony we will have to tell the world! Thank you again for being so wonderful. Have a wonderful Christmas!!

Lisa, Vern, Aimee, and Anna Harris

2 years ago today...

We were in Chongqing, China and became a family of four when Little Ella was placed in our arms. I can't even put into words how much she has changed. Our once sick and anxious baby has turned into a determined, funny, sweet and very affectionate little toddler. She still sleeps holding my hand most of the night but she won't want to do that when she is in College so I will take advantage now.

I look back at pictures of Ella and she had that constant worried brow. I remember when she was in my sling just gently rubbing between her eyes and reassuring her that she was safe and loved. That little furrowed brow didn't go away for about six months and still visits occasionally.

It is so neat to see the little girl she is becoming. She is a little collector and every bag the girls have is always filled with her treasures. She also likes to fill our pockets with special rocks that she finds. My favorite is when she collects stickers and places them on my bottom but I don't realize it until Doug mentions it to me later. This is usually after I have been to the grocery store or at an appointment,etc...

I can't imagine our life, our family, without this sweet little girl. We are so blessed and lucky to have her as our daughter. I love the picture of Ella with Daddy on the bus in China. She had been with us for two days and I just love the look on Jetty's face as Daddy was making Ella laugh. Those are the things that are priceless.

Little Hostess

Jetty was so excited about the open house that as soon as she got home from school she asked "Can I be the hostess?". I told her that would be lovely and she could greet people. Distracted with getting food ready I didn't notice what she was doing at the art table. A little later she ran up to me with a handful of "tickets". She had wrote "welcome" about 20 times and cut them out to hand to people. That was the sweetest thing and so cute.

It was such a wonderful night and thanks to everyone who came out to support me and help raise some money for the Harris family. At the end of the night I was straightening up and Ella placed some clay pendants on the floor in a design. I love the way these girls think.

The Winner is....and more give-aways

Well actually there are two winners. The first name the girls drew will be getting the dream catcher and instead of not giving away the necklace because there was no link on the blog I decided to draw an additional name to win the necklace.

The dream catcher goes to...Arah, who also commented with "just adorable, I love birds. Pick me..please. "

The necklace goes to...Suburban Farm, who commented with "Pretty Pretty things!!"

Please stop by again and look for the new give-aways. I am touched by the sweet comments and as I told some friends at my studio open house Friday night "I love when people 'get' my stuff ".

Update

Comments close at midnight tonight. The winner will be announced in the morning. Thank you all for such nice comments. This was so much fun I plan on doing a give-away once a month.

Give-Away

A little bird needs new home and I would love to send him on his way. He is very similar to one of the two birds that will be featured in the new Somerset studios publication "Stuffed:A Gathering of Softies". This sweet bird is meant to be used as a dream catcher with a little extra flair. It is hard to tell from the photos but the copper leaves are stamped with the words "Sweet Dreams". Have I told you how honored and excited I am about the new publication?

Just leave a comment and one of my little ones will pick a number randomly to choose the winner. If you also post a link from your blog I will add a handmade earthenware clay necklace of a majestic tree with vintage bead dangle.

I will post the winner on the 8th. Good luck and have fun with all the great give-aways.