The man of the house recently had a big birthday.

30 to be exact.

We tried to go all out making sure he knows just how much he means to us.

The day started early with a heated towel to dry off with after showering and breakfast made before heading off to work.

He was given a couple of present marked with a time to open each one: 6:30 & 7:30

After that every hour on the "30" minute mark we delivered presents to him.

At 11:30 we took him to lunch.

When he got home we had tied down 30 balloons all over the front lawn.

At 3:30 we went mattress shopping/investigating.

At 5:30 he took the kids to his Mom's while I set up a picnic on the family room floor. When he got back I had him draw from a jar where we would be eating. We ate at J Dawgs and picked up Cold Stone to eat at home while we played a game of 20 questions I had set up.

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. ;)