The end of a great year.

The start of another.

If only I could freeze time.

I would love to stay right here. Forever.

The home is officially ready for Christmas.
I am officially in love:



The lights.
The smells.
The music.
The cool air.
The excitement.

I'm feeling the love.
For my family.
Friends.
Savior.
Good health.
Happiness.

Today I am especially thankful for:
The hands in my life.



... & the food I will eat!

Happy Thanksgiving!

E had her class Thanksgiving party.

We've officially had our first snow fall.

I try to stay away from Pinterest.

Like I try to stay away from sugar.

It's addicting

& oh SO good.

SO good I can't stop.

Inspired.

To do more.

Baking. Creating. Connecting.

New Thanksgiving tradition:

Our very own Thankful Tree.

Each evening at dinner

Make note of what you are thankful for.

Write it.

Hang it.

Keep dated notes for years to come.

I sometimes like to live vicariously through her.

I had the most relaxing weekend tucked away in the mountains.

Watching the snow fall.

Cuddled by the fire.

Enjoying the company of great friends.

Shopping & Eating.

Laughing.

... until my stomach hurt.

When I got home the following was in my email:

Subject: "Can you tell Mom's not home?"

(Yep, those are Ella's jeans he's in.)

And all the while I thought they were left in good hands. ;)

Cole has anticipated this new arrival to our home for awhile now.

BBQ, check. Garden, check. Fire pit, check.

I believe his man cave is almost complete.

I have to admit I am equally excited.

A camp fire in the convenience of our own back yard. Yes please.

I'm looking forward to putting the wee ones to bed and sneaking into the back yard.

Together. Alone. Eating smores.

... Next Summer! ;) It's much too cold now.

Back Up

... to the end of July with me.

I somehow skipped over the events of Tate's birthday

and in the blink of an eye it's been two months since i've been on here.

He had a couple of requests.

#1: Fresh orange juice


#2: Rollerblades

He's much more stable on them today.

I also found out on his b-day that he is going to be a big brother again!

I couldn't keep a surprise like that from him on his big day

so he was the first person I told.

The babies daddy was next.

(Yes - I'm referring to Cole.)

Needless to say it was a fantastic day.

& now that that is out of the way, maybe I will be around a little more.

Probably not.

Don't get your hopes up.

A few things not to be forgotten about the start of this new school year:

Dinner the night before.

A fathers blessing to each child.

Tates reverence.

Ella giving her Dad a big hug.

Tate woke up at 7:10.

The first thing he said is "when can I put on my new shoes!?"

He also said "Mom, thanks for my new shirt and my new shoes" as he walked out the door.

How excited he was to tell us all about his first day.

Ella's poses for her first day of pre-school pictures.

Not sure if she is more excited about school, or her backpack.

Time will tell.

He lost his first tooth.

He had a little help a few months ago during baseball season, something about a bat to the face... (which we are secretly happy about because he has been wanting to lose a tooth for awhile now) & the one next to it will be following behind shortly.

He was so brave and asked his Dad to pull it out.

Homemade root beer + vanilla ice cream =

Good times & root beer floats for days.

"May you never take one single breath for granted"

School will start soon.

Days & nights spent together in our swimsuits will come to an end,

& I don't want a single minute to pass.

(Holding up my swimsuit)

Ella said: "Dad, when I get huge like Mom she is going to let me wear this!"

Dang straight I will. ;)

Where much is given.

Much is received.

I've been blessed to have him in my life for six years now.

Everyday spent with him is a reminder that there is so much joy in this life

& so much love to be felt.

Love you infinity my little boy.

Love you infinity.

The garden is thriving.

The children are happy.

Mom feels aligned.

Life is good.

on bucket lists

Loving this bucket list & and loving ours as well.

Summertime is the best of times.

What fun things are you guys up to?

We are changing outfits ten times a day.

& wearing goggles for it all.

P.S. How is it already July???

on victory

Baseball season has officially come to an end.

It's been so rewarding watching him try his very best and give it his all.

He loved every minute of it.

They won their last game.

The "championship game" as he says.

Naturally making his team the champions!!

He couldn't sleep from the excitement.

He wears his medal around proudly.

& to that we say good for you!!!

on contentment

Dear Jessie,

Being a mother is being selfless.

Being selfless is hard.

Being caught up in feeling like it's hard makes it worse.

Focus on what is good.

Remember that this is a season of your life.

One that you know you will miss, no matter how challenging it is.

Accept & live this responsibility given to you from God.

Be positive.

Because when you are - somehow it's not so hard anymore.

& somehow you feel content.

Love Me.