For a long time I have wanted to go pick out a real christmas tree. But every year, our artificial tree wins. It's free, it stays green forever, and it doesn't shed needles. 
This year, I made an executive family decision and I told Scott, "we're getting a real one this year."
And he said, "Ok". 
So, we did. For the first time, we went to a tree farm and picked out our perfect christmas tree. It's small, it actually doesn't even smell up the house like I had hoped, and I have to sweep around it every day. But, I  love it. I love having a real tree in our living room. I love that the branches are imperfect. And if I want to smell that wonderful tree smell, I just walk up to it and take a sniff.






















12.06.2012

laughter

may we brighten your day by spreading a little christmas cheer....



11.23.2012

thanksgiving





11.22.2012

the pumpkin patch

We went to the pumpkin patch about one month ago, but I'm a little late getting these pictures up here. So, let's just pretend for a couple minutes that it's October, just before halloween, the leaves are just starting to change colors, the air is crisp and cool and the sun is out. 







Evelynn has always liked animals. It's fun to see her interact with them.  








This girl looks a lot like me (so I'm told all the time), but she has a personality just like her Daddy.
When I am having a hard time understanding this little four year old, I will usually ask Scott and he will give me some good insight into her.




This little cutie on the other hand, looks like her daddy (so I'm told all the time) but I can already tell that her personality is going to be more like mine. I am grateful for the differences in my daughters. It keeps life interesting.






Maisy love to give kisses. Usually they are open mouth and sloppy and wonderful.






On the search for the perfect pumpkin...




11.20.2012

Banff

Last week, my moustache husband and I got to go to beautiful Banff, Alberta for 4 days. 
We are a part of a church planting network and they have an annual retreat for all of their church planters. This year it was in Banff. I was so excited to go because I had never been.
And the scenery did not disappoint. We stayed in a gorgeous, old castle-like hotel that sat right in the middle of the snow capped mountains. Everything about the town and the hotel was charming and picturesque. 
This was the first time I had been away from Maisy, so I was a bit nervous about leaving her behind. And I just finished weaning her, which was a very bitter-sweet process. My little Maisanator and I are used to a lot of cuddle time and we are quite fond of each other. Needless to say, I missed her. But our 4 day retreat was the perfect amount of time away, and my non-mamma soul (if there even is such a thing anymore) needed some attention.
One thing that I learned while we were away: I still really like my husband. He still makes me laugh all the time, he knows me better than anyone else, and I just really enjoy being best friends with him.
I knew all of those things, but while we were away, we were able to focus more on our relationship and I felt a new appreciation for my man.
On the flight there and back, I didn't even know what to do with myself. I looked around to see what the other adults were doing and I ultimately decided to just watch Ellen and not Backyardigans.
Once there, we got 3 full night sleeps. In a row. In a huge king sized bed with one hundred pillows. This was maybe the biggest blessing of the week.  We also ate really good food without our professional moocher (aka: Evelynn) sitting nearby. We heard some great teaching from the speakers at the retreat. We talked to a lot of old friends and made some new friends; all of whom are doing the same crazy thing that we are doing. 
And now that we are home with our little girlies, I feel even more grateful for my life here at home.






11.18.2012

look who's walking!

Evelynn took her first few steps on her first birthday, and Maisy practically did the same. This past week she started taking more steps and she loves to practice walking. 


Take two...


11.06.2012

ONE

Today, our darling maisy turns one.
Exactly one year ago, we first met this sweet little bundle for the first time.


She is a sweet, content and happy girl.
She is also very curious, active and funny.
I love seeing her personality developing.
Here are some favorite Maisy photos from the past year (yes, there are a lot)...


































 We love you dearly Maisy Pearl.