A New Year, a new home and a new puppy

Happy New Year! We had so many changes at the end of 2010, we are excited to jump into a new year in a new community.

As if moving in the middle of December wasn't enough stress, we decided to make good on a three year promise to the kids and get a dog when we moved. This sweet little 12 week old ball of Golden Retriever fur joined our family last week.

We named her Sophie and are enjoying the fun puppy energy she brings to our home. We aren't enjoying the small messes and middle of the night wakings as much, but she's a sweet little addition to our family of five.

Moving also meant some new furniture for the new home. Thankfully, Craigslist and a housewarming gift from my parents helped us out and we were able to buy some wonderful new things for the house.

At our old house, we didn't have a couch that would hold our whole family of five. I really wanted a sectional that would allow our whole family a cozy spot to sit in front of the fire, or during family movie nights.

Our old dining room table didn't fit my style anymore and I was thankful to have this set when we entertained guests after Christmas. Now to figure out what to put on the wall. It's looking awfully bare!

And speaking of walls, this niche needed something. I bought this art before we moved in, but hung it up in this spot trying to decide if I liked it. The house has such a large scale that I really thought it wasn't big enough to fill the spot, but it grew on me. Especially, since the colors worked so well. So, despite the fact that it isn't quite large enough, it works to fill the empty space.

We also got a new desk when we moved. My husband was very specific in what he wanted and I knew I wanted something white. So we had to make a few compromises, but I like what we came up with. It needs some new organizational things (heck, the whole house does!), but for now, it works.

And one of my favorite new additions at the new house has been this fancy new washer/dryer. It came nearly 2 weeks after the promised delivery date, but they were kind enough to upgrade us, so I tried hard not to complain too much! The thing I like best about it, is that since it's electronic and shiny my 12 year old son is totally digging it and will willingly do laundry on his own! Can't beat that!

We also picked up this new kitchen table (with bench seating on the back) to accommodate our family on a daily basis. It's seen many lego builds, play doh making and dinner times already and we look forward to many more wonderful memories around the table.

So as we slowly settle in, I invite you to continue to join me as we make this new house our home. Happy New Year to you and yours!