Post Holiday Ramblings...

I snapped this picture of the girls as they were "helping" us decorate the tree. They have helped themselves to more decorations this year than  I care to admit. Ha!!

It's Wednesday morning, and quite honestly, I'm on a bit of  Christmas low. I'm not quite ready to say farewell to my favorite holiday. So, I'm sipping an iced latte, and thinking of how to enjoy another fun family night. Maybe pizza and a movie. I'm also planning to keep the decorations up for the rest of the week. Who knows, maybe I'll finish taking pictures of our decor!

We've had such a busy week of visiting family, eating ridiculously good food, and enjoying our fun gifts. I have to say, buying the girls Christmas gifts this year was so fun. Both Evie Grace and Ella are obsessed with Peppa the Pig. We decided to get them a Peppa Pig Dollhouse & Bus. They also got matching Peppa dolls, and the story book.

I bought Josh a hoodie, and a winter toboggan hat for Christmas. He treated me to an overnight stay and shopping trip at one of our favorite towns. I may have had more sugar in that 24 period than I've ate all year. Sugar induced coma included a dark chocolate covered sea salt caramel apple (say that three times fast), a slice of Almond Joy Cake (from a local bakery...it was to DIE for), a ginger snap latte and cherry scone from a local bakery. Surgery fun, I tell you.

We also shopped until we dropped, watched TV, and got to sleep in. It was perfect! He spoils me so.

Happy Wednesday! Hope you are enjoying more Christmas time fun. :)

We Had A Merry Little Christmas

We had a lovely Christmas. Lots of food, good times, and watching the girls get excited over all their gifts! But, best of all were the memories made with our family and friends. Those moments can't be replaced or replicated. They are the best.

Thankful for the manger scene that took place so long ago. We are all blessed, indeed!

Our Christmas Home 2016

This year, it took me two weeks to decorate the tree. Mainly because we are still unpacking. Ha! And as you can see, little hands helped re-decorate it. ;) My favorite addition were the gold glittered phrases on the tree. A crown and "Lord of All" with red berry sticks served as our topper! I love it.

I found that set of matching stockings at my neighbors yard sale. That matched my pillows perfectly. And I think they make our entertainment stand look festive!

My mom decorated a Minnie mouse tree for the girls. We left it in the dining room, and I might just love it more than they do. ;)

Merry Christmas!!

'Tis The Season!

We've finally settled into our new house, and have started on our Christmas decorating routines. I snapped a few pics of the girls yesterday, so I could get our Christmas cards ordered. The girls really enjoyed their candy cane treats. ;) I thought it turned out pretty cute. I don't do much studio work as it takes so much time for set up, but when I do, it always lends to a sweet captures Pun intended.

It's starting to really feel like Christmas as the temperatures are finally cooling down. We plan on enjoying a low key weekend before the Christmas Party round ups begin! 'Tis the season!! ;)

Goodbye Little Nest

It's been a bit quite around here lately...and for good reason! We sold our house earlier this fall, and we are finally getting ready to settle into our new home. It has been quite the process, and if I'm being honest, a whirlwind of emotions.

This little place where we have called home all seven years of marriage, while small, still holds a lot of precious memories. We turned Josh's bachelor pad into our first home. And brought our babies home here. Some my favorite memories...

The first day as I settled into my role as a housewife. I remember cleaning, unpacking our wedding gifts, and preparing my first meal. It wasn't fancy, just baked potato soup and beer bread from Tastefully Simple. ;)

The first big argument we had. Over what?  I honestly don't remember. But, we argued on the back porch. That, I do remember. Hee hee.

The first time I saw two pink lines...in our master bathroom. When we painted her room and decorated her nursery. It became my favorite spot to snuggle our tiny Evie Grace.

The second time I saw two pink lines...in our master bathroom. When we tirelessly prepared another nursery for Ella baby. A lot of love and dreams were poured into her little room.

The hours we spent around the fireplace drinking coffee, watching Friends, and playing scrabble. The Christmas parties, and countless dinner parties. The giant porch that was added on, and the tin roof where we listened to the rain fall at night. The family gatherings, and coffee dates with friends.

Wonderful, good memories. Thankful for each one, and the many blessings He has given us.

10 Months

Sister you are 10 months old. Where has the time gone? I find myself saying that all the time. I blink, and weeks have passed, another milestone has been marked. You are a constant source of joy, and bring many smiles to our home. I'm so blessed to watch you grow and become your own little person. God knew we needed our Ella baby.

Love you, little toot.

My Strawberry Girls

On Monday night, I dressed the girls up in matching Strawberry costumes. Evie LOVED her outfit, and I about died from the cuteness overload.

I took them on a wagon ride before daddy got home. Then we headed out for an evening of candy hunting, and fun. Let's just say Evie was less than thrilled, but Ella was content to people watch.

I love watching their little personalities shine through different activities. It was exhausting... but well worth it for the memories. ;)

Share Your Blessings And Enter GIVEAWAY!

I love November. It's the tail end of fall, yet there are still vibrant colors everywhere. It is also the month of giving thanks, and counting our blessings. For me, it's important to pause the every day hustle and bustle to carve a heart of thanksgiving for all that God is doing in our life. Doing so gives me a renewed perspective on the upcoming new year.

While reading "One Big Turkey" to Evie Grace, courtesy of Tommy Nelson Mommies, I realized that while my girls may be young, now is the time to start instilling a heart of gratitude. I loved how the rhythmic story line not only teaches counting skills, but they gently intertwined a theme of thanksgiving. It was perfectly suited for toddler ages, and even early elementary ages.

Giveaway Winner is Billie Joe!! If you haven't read her blog before, check it out, it's one of my favorites. She inspires me as a wife and mother. <3

The beautiful illustrations and vibrant colors helped keep my little one's attention. Always a big plus in my book! ;)

If you would like to win a copy, leave a comment sharing what YOU are thankful for this year! 

Giveaway closes THIS Friday, Nov. 4th at 2pm. Void where prohibited. Open to US readers only.

Autumn

“He found himself wondering at times, especially in the autumn, about the wild lands, and strange visions of mountains that he had never seen came into his dream" J.R.R. Tolkien

Happy Homemaker Monday Vol. 23

We had such a busy, but fun weekend. We visited the pumpkin patch with friends, went on a hayride (cough, sneeze, cough..whooo, it was fun though!). We visited with family, and celebrated my brother's birthday. 

The weather...
It's October which means crisp blue skies, gentle breezes, a whisp of cool air mixed with the heat of the sun. While our summers are exhausting, and harsh, the fall makes up for it here. It's beautiful.

Right now I am...
Just finishing up my breakfast of iced coffee, and a muffin in a mug. The girls are watching Super Why.

Thinking... 
About a meeting tonight, how I want to decorate the back porch with fall items, and about a handful of books that I'd like to buy. I'm also thinking it's time for a hiking/photography excursion. My brain is all over the place this morning. ;)

On my TV...
Fixer Upper (Re-Runs)
Last Man Standing (with Josh)

What I'm Reading... 
For the Children's Sake by Susan Schaeffer McCauley

On the menu for this week...
Mac & Cheese 
Chicken, Green Beans & Sweet Potato Bake
Pork Chops & Rice Casserole
Crockpot Taco Chicken

On my to do list...Clean Kitchen
Put Away Laundry
Update Web Site
Update Daily Planner & Coordinating Calendars
Tot School with Evie

Looking Forward To...
Family time. Chili Dinner with friends this weekend. Watching a movie or two just for fun.

Wordless Wednesday: September Beauties

These September days are glorious! So thankful.