Annual family day

One of my favorite days of the year... Family day.   The day we celebrate forever family and give thanks that Tristan is ours!   This year he chose Chuckee Cheese and "the bike store" otherwise known as Walmart.   

Now to make this little boy a big brother so we can continue this tradition with a second child. 

Prayer sticks

This last weekend we got to spend the day at my sister-in-laws beautiful home celebrating the births of three of her four adorable children.  Sitting at her dining table I was inspired by her prayer sticks.  

 I began to realize that we treasured our prayer time at bedtime but we were guilty of missing prayer with our meal times.  Shame on me.  This is something I grew up doing and something I have fond memories of.  Something I vowed to do with my children and yet we got caught up in the hub bub of busy life and quick eating.  Let's face it... Tristan is usually on to course number 2 by the time Luke and I are sitting down.   

So let's just say I was more than inspired by these prayer sticks.  Let them be a reminder to talk to God not only at the end of our day but throughout our day.  

Photography by Tristan

Tristan got a hold of my phone at took the liberty of snapping a few pics.  Looking through them I found a couple I just couldn't delete because they were of things that were important to him and worth sharing...enjoy the photography of a 3 1/2 year old.

I have to say...I'm impressed with his eye to see things in a new way.

Our new pad

 

We love our new place even more than we thought we would.   I wake up every morning excited to sit and look out at the snow covered evergreens... We cozy up with a blanket in the evening to the glow of the fireplace mantel... We play in the toy room with the warmth of the sunshine coming through the windows.   It's our little haven.

Here's the fireplace before...

And after...

 

Love the main floor laundry in the bathroom.

But even more, I love our entry way.   The space to take off coats and boots is a new found luxury

I had fun painting these arrows on the walls in Tristan's room.

We look forward to all the new memories we will have in our new home. 

 If home is where the heart is than I look forward to sharing all my love with my loves for years to come.

Christmas 2015 and a Happy New Year

Merry Christmas!  And what a merry time it was.  

Tristan was very involved in the Christmas preparations this year.  

We did some baking...

and decorating...

and reading...

and celebrating...

My heart over flows with joy this time of year.

Then what a beautiful sunny New Years Day.  (Not to mention, Tristan's first time sledding)

It's that time of the year.  Time to look back and reflect on the past year and to look ahead to what the next year can bring.  May it bring us closer to God, closer to family, health and wellness, and added joy.  We pray everyday that the Lord knows our hearts and knows what our family needs better than we do.  We pray that 2016 will bring us a sibling for Tristan.  Our hearts and our arms are open wide in anticipation to welcome a baby.  

Oh, and lets not forget... we move into our new house next weekend.