2011: highs

So 2011 was a big year. Most importantly, we found our third family member. We are those people now... totally obsessed with our dog. We've been realizing how content we are with just the three of us. Seriously, this guy takes cuddling to a whole new level. 

Also, I started this blog.

This is big for me because I have been wanting to write one for a few years and could never get myself to do it. As soon as I realized how important it was to me to document our life together and how far our  construction mess has come, it was so easy. I also got better with being okay with what I (we) like. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but that's okay.

I really like end-of-the-year posts that compile all the big moments of the year. As we are slowly working on this house, everything gets jumbled together in my mind and it's hard to remember all that was worked on the last twelve months.

Here are our 2011 highs:

Josh and Tim finished up the drywall and spackle in the side room. I love to hate caulk ... it makes everything look so nice but we were so unhappy working on this room. Thank god it's finished. We've decorated a bit since then but I like looking at this room as a blank slate.

Little office.

We finally installed the bubble chandelier.

Lots of cooking. This was by far the funnest to take pictures of.

ENJE roller blinds. So many people ask if we are going to put up curtains ... I just smile and wonder why someone would mess with perfection :).

Josh put up the living room shelves.

Georgetown cupcakes.

Drove over 44 hours and loved every hour. Seriously. We are so weird.

Which took us to this empty beach -- exactly the vacation we needed.

Utility closet -- shelves installed, caulked, painted, and contact papered.

Spices organized -- this has changed my life.

Coat hooks in the "black hole". So much more functional now.

After 2 years, we decided on a rug.

I started messing around with my dad's old Nikon film camera and got hooked.

Easy-to-make yarn wreath decked out for the holidays.

Giving an old mirror a second wind.

Lotta Jansdotter's stencils -- my first stenciling attempt.

Toilet paper art.

Added some much-needed privacy by using window frosting.

The radiator is white ... don't worry, I didn't spray paint all over the wood floor or anything (!).

And last but not least, our new family. Can't imagine life without him.

Wishing you a happy and creative 2012!