We welcomed 2011 with many of the family traditions we have established over the past several years.
We put up our New Year's tree, wore paper crowns, tooted on horns, drank sparkling cider and played In a Pickle - our new favorite game. We rang in the New Year at 9:30 pm and everyone was tucked into bed by ten.
On New Year's morning we ate carrot cake for breakfast - for a sweet, bountiful and joyous year. This symbalism only makes sense if eating carrot cake brings you joy - like it does me!
After some confetti popping, we headed out into our woods...
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."
Henry David Thoreau
we seesawed.
we climbed.
we helped one another reach new heights.
we marveled.
we schemed.
we batted snowballs with sticks - simply because we could.
we uncovered.
we contemplated.
we deliberated.
Upon returning home we gathered the makings for breakfast #2. Because growing kiddos cannot live on cake alone.
Welcome 2011!
Thank you so much for sticking by me through all these kiddo centric posts. This past summer I stepped away from the computer for a while in an attempt to be sure that I could continue blogging and still be fully present for my family. The only thing I was able to conclude with certainty was that I missed all of you and this supportive community. When I chose to return I knew that my space here could no longer be solely about sewing and knitting. This space must be where I tell my story, express my thoughts, capture the everyday, celebrate accomplishments, and simply share our life and play.
Thank you for visiting, for sharing, for your support - I hope you choose to continue on this journey with me in 2011. I wish you and your families peace and joy and light in this New Year.
Having said all that I actually sewed something - and will share as soon as I take some photos.
You're one of my favorite blogs to check in on and I'm delighted that this is the place you choose to tell your story. It took me a while to settle into what I wanted my blog to be as well and now I use it the same as you do, to tell the varied stories that are my life. We aren't just one thing or another so it's fitting that our stories reflect who we are. Oh, and I have a small stack sitting on the craft table that will be my next sewing project. ~grins~
Posted by: Its_Lily | January 03, 2011 at 01:26 PM
wishing you much love, peace and light in this new year! i am happy to see pieces of your world in this beautiful space! xo
Posted by: .:gardenmama:. | January 03, 2011 at 02:09 PM
Ahhhh, dear Larissa -- I'm glad you've decided to continue your blog and to focus on all that is so important in your life. I missed you when you weren't around. And you know, I still would love to see what you're making. You are a source of great inspiration and I always learn so much from you. I'll look forward to stopping by often in 2011.
Posted by: Jodi | January 03, 2011 at 02:19 PM
i'm striving for better balance this year with blogging. and I so agree with what blogging is for me! enjoy the days
Posted by: Denise | January 03, 2011 at 02:35 PM
As a relative newbie to your blog, I have to secone the comment...yours is one of my favorites. I thoroughly enjoy your stories...as a mother :) all of your stories. Happy New Year to you and your family!
Posted by: Amy J | January 03, 2011 at 04:54 PM
I love to read your family stories. My daughter is 27 so I miss the Mom things and activities that go on with kids. I like having a peak at your life. Keep it up!!!
Posted by: Beth | January 03, 2011 at 05:23 PM
I adore your blog and reading about your family! Thank you so much for sharing. A very happy new year to you and yours!
Posted by: Andrea | January 03, 2011 at 05:24 PM
looks like a great way to kick off a great year! Your snow is almost gone! We're here waiting for some....I think it's great that your blog incorporates all the corners of your life that are special to you. It's wonderful to stop by and see what you and your fabulous family have been doing. Happy New year friend!
Posted by: Lisa Q | January 03, 2011 at 06:32 PM
Heellooooo 2011, and bring on the balance! Thank you for a wonderful year of blogging and a glimpse into your life and home. I love the creative inspiration, and the celebration of everyday life! Blessings in 2011...
Posted by: Jacqueline | January 03, 2011 at 08:50 PM
I love the stories that you share and know when you aren't here you are doing wonderful things with your children. Happy New Year! Can't wait to see what you have in store for 2011!
Posted by: jane | January 03, 2011 at 09:00 PM
Thank you for everything you share in this space! I always get ideas or something beautiful to contemplate whenever I visit here, and today was no different. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Nancy | January 03, 2011 at 10:58 PM
What a lovely post, Larissa. The photos are glorious, the walk in the woods looks amazing, and your message (like always) is beautiful. Thank you :-)
Posted by: Courtney | January 03, 2011 at 11:34 PM
I love everything you share in this space. Post anything your heart desire!! I will keep coming!
Posted by: Imene | January 04, 2011 at 01:01 AM
What wonderful moments you and your children share. They inspire me to be more present with my own children.
That picture of what you discovered...the prickly...what a perfect header photo. (If I can say that as a friend.) xoxo
SO happy you've decided to continue sharing all parts of YOU!! We appreciate them all. I'll be here for sure. hugs to you.
Posted by: kristyn | January 04, 2011 at 04:40 PM
Happy New Year! I think that the idea of starting out the new year with carrot cake is certainly one I could embrace... :D
Posted by: christina | January 04, 2011 at 05:53 PM
Your blog is beautiful, and one that I keep coming back to often. Don't pressure yourself to write anything other than what is front and center for you at that moment and what you want to share with your audience. We will laugh with you, cry with you, celebrate with you and admire your beautiful work. Stay true to you. We're here waiting for the next post. :)
Posted by: dodi | January 04, 2011 at 07:41 PM
Beautiful post! I love all your traditions.
Happy 2011 to you and your sweet family!!!
Posted by: dani | January 04, 2011 at 11:00 PM
oh, larissa! i am so happy you did come back... and that you will be here for another beautiful year.
your words and your photos make me happy!
may 2011 be one of your happiest years yet!
xx
Posted by: leslie | January 05, 2011 at 11:11 AM
Looks like it was a gorgeous New Year's. Happy 2011 my sweet friend.
Posted by: Heather | January 05, 2011 at 11:59 AM
I love the idea of the New Year's Tree. What a beautiful family time spent together. So glad that you have continued blogging. Looking forward to many more wonderful posts.
Wishing you a very happy New Year.
Ruth
Posted by: Ruth | January 05, 2011 at 03:25 PM
Do you have a favorite carrot cake recipe you use each year?
Posted by: kristyn | January 07, 2011 at 08:59 AM
I love your happy home. Thanks for sharing glimpses of it. I wish I could say "our woods." That makes me wistful!
Posted by: Karen | January 07, 2011 at 11:17 AM
Happy happy new year to you and yours!
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