Although my blog doesn’t reflect much of what I’ve created this year, I can say that this has been one of the busiest years I have had yet! Two jobs + freelance work and keeping up with all of my many hobbies makes me a busy little bee!

This year I went from being a teacher’s assistant to an actual preschool teacher, unexpectedly. At first I was a little weary about the whole teaching thing but, after getting into the groove, it has turned out to be loads of fun! The kids are a riot… truly hilarious things come from the mouths of 3-year-olds!

In addition to working at the preschool, I have gotten to work on some great projects at the college. Hopefully I will be finishing up a large design project early in the New Year and can finally share all of the work that I’ve been putting in over the past few months! I just marked a year at the college in early December and I’m proud of what I’ve created this year, and I really enjoy the folks that I work with, which is so important to me. I’m glad to share a workplace with some very talented minds!

Seth and his dad are really getting into the farm now, selling online and locally (visit Jones Family Farm on the FB!). They have accomplished a lot this year and have been a hit with restaurants in the region, creating a great client base through Foothills Connect, with some big chefs asking specifically for their specialty produce. Seth is having a great time and I’m so proud of the work they are doing, and my tummy appreciates the fresh veggies, too! I know this year is just the tip of the iceberg – the future is looking green!

The pups are still adorable, of course! Although Flash and Tuesday have both been put on a diet, and we recently found out that Flash is allergic to nearly every tree and grass in this area, the pups are in good health. *sigh* Poor Flashy will be starting his allergy injections next week but on the upside, no more itchy-scratchy from our boy! Hooray!

In my few hours of personal time, I’ve been trying to keep up with my personal projects and creations, pottery being the biggie this year… a year filled with purposeless pots. Over the past few months, I’ve really gotten into jewelry-making pretty hardcore. I started making ceramic jewelry simply because every week was a battle with the wheel. And, after a month or two away from wheel throwing, I came back to it and made some pieces that I really love. Hopefully this good relationship will continue into the New Year! In addition to my ceramics, took a class with Dana Summers over at Obsessions Beads and learned a thing or two about wire-working and am loving it! And, of course, when I get time and/or requests, I’ve been shooting and designing. I hadn’t really realized just how much work I’ve created in my personal time this year but it really has been a year packed FULL! Look forward to future posts… there’s so much to share!

Although this year has been a struggle in many ways, I am extremely grateful for the people I have in my life and for all of the happiness and blessings I have been given. I hope the New Year greets you and yours with health and happiness, and a year filled with grand adventures…