bring. it. on.

I just realized

that for the first time in years,

I am not dreading 

the changing of the calendar.

I don't really have time to dwell on why that might be,

I'll just be grateful for it,

and move on.

As we move forward though, 

I want to take one last stroll through 2016.

It was a pretty busy year,

and chock full of learning new things.

Lily Lexi and Josiah learned how to use the sewing machine this year.

Lily still does a lot of hand sewing,

but I think Lex' will do whatever it takes

to not have to sew by hand again.

Brandon learned how to lay block for a foundation.

And how to build  stairs.

We learned how to make a gorgeous cedar ceiling.

And how to pour a concrete pad.

We learned all about plumbing.

And wiring.

Yes. I know. There is not actually any wiring in this picture.... ;-)
That is because there are a million steps to everything.

Brandon's 'official learning' culminated in his high school graduation.

(and y'all - he made straight A's his first semester of college!

Even in Calculus!!)

I learned how to do mock trapunto 

and sew improv curves.

And how to take fabric that is totally not 'me'

and turn it into a quilt that I actually really like

and more importantly, my sister loves.

(and oh - I learned how to quilt feathers, too)

Lexi learned how to make a whole quilt,

from start to finish.

Lily learned how to play the guitar

(and Lex' and Jeremiah learned how to play the ukulele,

and Josiah is just now learning how to play some kind of drum.) 

And I learned that I still do not like to paper piece!

We learned how to build the framework for an island
 and that God provides.

And how to install doors.

Some of us learned how to knit.

And I learned that I can make a quilt pretty darn fast

with the right motivation

And if it's the right size...

or if I really feel like it's what I'm supposed to do.

We learned how important it is

to love.

Although - there is always room for growth in that area.

Here's to growing and learning and loving

in 2017.