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Friday, December 27, 2013

Our Merry Little Christmas

Merry Christmas!  I hope your holidays have been full of fun and joy.  We have had such a great time celebrating with family and friends.  We spent the days leading up to Christmas making cookies, visiting the holidazzle parade, and preparing our Christmas play.  Our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were both spent with loved ones.  We have been so blessed this year and celebrating together as a family was wonderful.  We have a few celebrations left before the end of the year which we are looking forward to.  Then it's on to the new year already!  It always comes so quickly! 
 Making cookies with our friends Emily, Asher, and Clay



Watching the Holidazzle Parade


Bella and Elijah ready for Christmas Eve Service!

Looking so handsome:)


 Christmas Eve: All dressed up for our Christmas Play!
Ready for bed in their new jammies!

 Christmas Morning!


 Bella and Auntie Erika
 Christmas Day
Elijah playing with his new remote control car from Uncle Jon.  The look on Elijah's face when he figured out he was making the car move with the remote was priceless!  Great gift giving Uncle Jon:)
 
 
Merry Christmas From our family to yours!  

Monday, December 16, 2013

It's the Holiday Season

It's that time of year...celebrations, feasts around the table, family and friends.  We have been enjoying the season and we're busy getting ready for Christmas!  Here are some pictures of our last few weeks of adventures:
My friend Kristine and I ran in a Thanksgiving Day 5k Race together!  (Check one item off my 30 before 30 list!)

 Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa's house
For every day in November, the kids thought of something or someone they are thankful for-our thankfulness wreath!
LOVE that smile:)

Our Church held it's annual Ladies Christmas Tea.  These are the wonderful ladies who sat at my table! 
My table at the Christmas Tea!
 

The kids and I have been busy making Christmas cookies.  They are great helpers (and taste-testers!)

Frosting may have been this boy's favorite part:)


 My two cuties ready for church!

My mother-in-law Debbie had a Christmas open house for friends and family.  What a fun time spent with loved ones!  And (as always) the food was delicious!

 Bella and Uncle Jon hanging out
Delicious punch!

 Jon and Emily
Bella and De'Arianna

Aunt Kay and me


Erika and Debbie
 
 
We have had so much fun getting ready for Christmas.  The kids are enjoying the countdown to Christmas, completing our advent calendar each day, looking at Christmas lights, singing Christmas carols, watching the snow fall, decorating the house, finding gifts for loved ones, watching Christmas movies, baking treats for family and friends, and spending time learning about the birth of our Savior.  We are excited to see Matt home soon and celebrate together as a family.
 
May your Christmas Season be full of love and cheer!


Friday, December 13, 2013

Well Hello Again

It's been a while since my last post...due to computer issues, birthday business, and preparing for the Christmas Season!  Here is a quick recap of the end of our November:

 Watching the first big snowfall of the season
 
Visiting Great Auntie Janice
 

 And Celebrating Elijah's 2nd Birthday!
Happy Birthday Big Guy!
 Blowing out the candles
 He did it!
 Smiling at Daddy (he's pretty proud of himself!)
Vanilla Bean Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache Frosting-YUMMY!
 
More updates and pictures to come soon, until then, Happy December!

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Attitude of Gratitude: My (Humble) Husband

One of the most wonderful people in my life, without a doubt, is my husband Matthew.  Words cannot describe how much I love this man.  He is my rock and the most amazing husband and father.  I wanted to share today some of the amazing things this man does(because he is very humble and would never show you himself!).

1. Marvelous handyman/builder/visionary/project coordinator: Matt has a background in framing carpentry and home remodeling.  His skills are amazing and he has done some breath-taking projects for our home and some of our family and friends.  Here are a few pictures from some of his projects over the years:

BEFORE (bathroom remodel for family):



AFTER:

 
The table and chairs Matt and I refinished together (read here)

 Our antique bathroom vanity (read here)


2. Budding Photographer: I bet you didn't know this one about Matt! I gave Matt a book on photography for his birthday in February.  He has recently begun to read it and has been practicing his skills around the house.  Take a look at a few of these great shots!





3. Talented Musician: Matt has always loved to play and listen to music.  Our home is always filled with music and our children are already showing signs of their budding talents as well.  Matt volunteers in our church's worship team, plays for events, and enjoys just practicing one of his instruments around the house.  He plays piano, guitar, and drums, and is one of those rare people than can pick up new instruments pretty easily.  I am so thankful for his ability to play music and so very proud of his vow to bring music into our children's lives as well.

4. Amazing Father: One of the most important things to me before I was married was finding a husband that would be a great father.  I can remember first meeting Matt and seeing how great he was with kids.  Amazingly enough, he has exceeded my expectations on what it means to be a great father.  His love of our children is deep and faithful.  He is an excellent role model and provider.  I am so blessed by his love and commitment to our children.


5. Awesome Leader: Matt has a natural ability to be a great leader.  First of all, he is an awesome leader of our home and family.  He is also a natural leader in his career and volunteer positions.  He respects his team and creates a fun, comfortable environment.  He is fair, kind, and thoughtful.  He is honest, hardworking, and perseveres in all situations.  I am so glad to have him as the leader of our team!

6. Hilarious and Witty Friend: I think all of Matt's friends would agree, the man is hilarious!



7. Incredibly Intelligent Student: Matt is always learning and improving new skills and pushing himself forward.  Whether it's taking classes online, learning a new skill from someone, or teaching himself something new, he is dedicated and goal oriented.  I so admire this quality of his.

8. Kind Hearted Neighbor: Because Matt works out of town, when he is home there is always lots for him to do.  Even with all of his responsibilities, he always takes time to help our neighbors out when they need projects or maintenance done.  What a great example he sets for our children!

9. Devoted man of God: Matt's faithful commitment to God is one of my favorite things about him.  His devotion has helped our entire family through some of the greatest trials of our lives so far.  I am so thankful to have someone like him to lean on and look to while growing in our faith together. 

10. Loving Husband: I hope I've made it pretty clear by now, I ADORE this man!  Matt is my best friend in the world and I am so grateful that I get to call him my husband.  He is loving, patient, kind, and forgiving.  These qualities are ones I often take for granted. I am so thankful for all that he is to me as a spouse and a partner in life. 


Matt, thank you for all that you are and all that you help us to be.  YOU. ARE. LOVED.