Christmas Kittens

A couple weeks ago, we bundled up a lot more than usual and made our way to the snowy forrest with some friends, tree permit in hand.

We hunted and gathered this year's Christmas tree.  On the way home, we stopped at a little country cafe to warm up with some hot chocolate.  The kids spotted a sign on a thrift store next door and shrieked, "Free kittens!" Then came the big, begging eyes and pleads to take them home.  Once I saw my husband take one up in his arms, I knew it was all over.  We were getting kittens.

After all, we were looking for a couple barn cats and these were already vaccinated, wormed, and free.  We signed the papers and brought them home.  They are too small to be out in that barn just yet, so they are temporarily in our tiny cabin, receiving the royal treatment and being included in every moment.

In all honesty, in this season of life, I don't want any animals that don't serve a function.  Also, I don't want my home to smell like cat, so I've kept my distance while they're house cats.  But they've grown on me.

They've become extremely affectionate to everyone in the family (even the little ones who, well, tend to over-love them) and toward each other.  I fear if they don't get out to that barn soon, they might wiggle their way into our hearts a little too much and become house cats.  So out they go in the daytime, and in they come to the house at night.  For now.  The barn is in your future, dear Christmas kitties.  But we enjoy your company for now.

I'm sharing this at Gratituesday.