2017...

I've learned a few things in 2016. Hard things are possible. I learned that if you set goals and stick to them the payoff is worth every second of the effort. I learned that when your kids leave home, life really does go on. And it's still a happy life. I was reminded on numerous occasions that family is what really matters. Nothing can compare. I'm hoping that 2017 brings more of the same for me and my family...because it's a beautiful life as is.

Christmas Day...

Christmas was a hit. Lots of food. Lots of love. We sent Halee home the day after Christmas. She's going to Alaska to meet her boyfriends family. Should I feel cheated? We are happy, as long as she is. But she will be missed. I love my sweet family.

Christmas Eve, 2016...

My Christmas Eve began with a run with my sweet Halee. I've absolutely loved having her home even if it's only for a week. Running before I bake with six kids keeps me from turning into a monster mom. It's a must. That's pretty much what we all did the rest of day. Cooked and baked. Then we got to eat it all up. We of course did our Christmas pageant and the kids insisted that our 4 lb dog play the part of baby Jesus. Heaven help us all. Then of course it was Jammie time. That was interesting because for the first time in many years I promised the kids slippers. Here's how that went: Austin's were too large. Grace and Scarlett's were too small. Crying from Scarlett ensued. I will never do slippers again. Ever. That's okay though, in the end the crying children realized I wasn't going to be much sympathy for ungrateful attitudes. So luckily that didn't last long. 

This has been another beautiful Christmas Eve with the people that bring me the utmost of happiness.

Married eggs...

I found this masterpiece on my kitchen counter the other day...the creativity never ends when you have little girls.

Sneaking out...

This past summer Christian And I became obsessed with watermelon. We'd sneak out on the side porch and hide out, eating our watermelon. Chris was onto us unfortunately. He snuck a picture of us and I stumbled upon it in his phone yesterday. It made me miss Summer and warmth. And of course the taste of that juicy watermelon.

Hot hillbilly...

My husband looks like a hillbilly in this pic and I find it totally hot.

Cards...

I'm not always the best mom. Some days I wonder how I could have been chosen for this job with all my flaws and at times lack of patience. But then after hard days I try to remember that Heavenly Father is on my side. He's guiding me every step of the way. He loves me and knowing that helps me to show love for my own sweet babies. Now and then I'll make them cards with a personal message for them on the inside. I don't know if this makes a difference to them on a large scale, but little things like this help my children know that I'm trying. Everyday is a new day. I love motherhood.

Apple pie and frosty...

Our Sunday fun...

Another year down...

I found crayons and paper on the floor last night where Scarlett snuck away to make me a birthday card. You know you are loved when you find evidence proving it. I'm grateful to be alive and healthy, another year. I'm blessed to have a husband who treats me like a queen even when I act like a hot mess. I'm blessed to have children who love me even when I'm not always the most patient. I couldn't ask for more to be grateful for.

Snow...

It seems like the kids have been waiting forever and praying forever that we'd get snow. Their wishes came true and it's time to nestle down because it's supposed to snow all.night.long.

Shepherds...

We had a beautiful nativity held at our church. The girls were asked to be shepherds. Chris made them staffs out of our trees. It was so fun to watch them be excited about playing a role in remembering our saviors birth.

Colored lights...

Cozy and cozier. I love Christmas. Give me more. It's like living a childhood dream. My mamaw (my mothers mom) always had a tree with colored lights. This is the first year we've done colored lights instead of white. In the strangest way it brought back so many good memories of good food (my mamaw was the best cook ever) and dolls....she got me a beautiful doll every year for Christmas. It's amazing how a small thing like colored lights can bring a joyful memory to my heart.