it's the most wonderful time

I can't believe we are in the last few weeks of 2017. What a year. Almost a full year of our church plant, a new baby, and so much more. It is flying and I feel like I am simultaeneously flying with it and moving in slow motion trying to grasp each little thing and hold onto it before it's gone.

I've been pretty emotional lately and I can't pinpoint what is setting it off. As I rock Lincoln to sleep at night or watch him exploring the world around him I tear up knowing that this is the last of all the baby stages for us. While I know I never want to be pregnant again, it still carries with it a sadness of finality.

Having our Gideon turn five has also brought on the mama waterworks. I see him growing and thinking and speaking like a boy and not a baby or toddler. I struggle to pick him up and know that we are entering the year where he will start spending a large portion of his days away from me. My heart aches knowing they are all growing and growing up means growing away. I know it's what they are supposed to do, but dang it hurts.

Here is a few things about each of these wild things:

Gideon:
- FIVE! He's five, you guys. He opted for a Hornets game with dad and dinner and cupcakes with just us at home instead of a party this year. {You know it was killing me to not do a party, but I can't tell you the stress it took away. Something had to give this year!}
- He is thriving in school and learning so much.
- Gideon learned how to ride his bike without training wheels in October and has been riding like a crazy man ever since. He picked it up so quickly!
- I've never seen a friendlier kid. Everywhere we go, he comes back to us saying, "I made a new friend." He sees everyone as a potential friend and is not intimidated to enter a social situation where he doesn't know anyone. He will come out knowing everyone. I'm so jealous of this quality.

Nolan:
- This boy has become a little family entertainer. He is hilarious and he knows it. And when he is in trouble he gives me this goofy little smile that says "I know I'm cute and you can't stay mad." It works. Every time.
- Still obsessed with airplanes. I have no doubt in my mind that he will grow up to be a jet pilot. That is just the way he is.
- We call him our sour patch kid. As sweet as he is, right now at two he is often very sour.
- Nolan is our homebody and prefers to just be with us. While he does fine playing with others and has fun, he just isn't as social or party-animal as Gideon.

Lincoln:
- Eight months with this happy boy. I can't believe he's so big.
- He got four teeth in two weeks. They all just started coming out of nowhere and fast. I love his little smile with teeth.
- No crawling yet but so close. Right now, he sits on his bottom and scoots across the floor to get where he wants to be. It is too cute.
- Lincoln has the sweetest spirit and I wish everyone could experience a baby like this. He has redeemed my baby experience after Nolan {hey, he put me in counseling} and is a high note to end on.

Family photos

My absolute favorite thing to do every year around the holidays is have family photos taken.  It isn't the easiest thing in the world to coordinate, especially with kids, but it is so worth it.  I love being able to look back each year to see how our family has grown from two young newlyweds to a family of three. A family of three with one on the way to a family of four and then a family of four with one on the way.

It can be overwhelming to figure out where to start with family photos.  There are so many options out there.  Studio, outdoor, candid, posed.  So here are a few things I have found that make it easier and more manageable to make family photos an annual thing without adding any stress to an already busy time of year.

1. Browse and decide what you want.  Like I already mentioned, there are so many different styles of photos.  Start by browsing Pinterest to see which seems to suit you and your family best. Outdoor, candid photos seem to be the most popular these days and my personal favorites.  They feel so much more relaxed and real and allow for some fun to shine through.

2. Search for photographers in your area.  Once you have nailed down which style of photos you want, it's time to find a photographer who can accommodate you.  Many photographers offer mini sessions this time of year.  Sometimes they have a set day and time scheduled for these along with a specific location.  Others may be more flexible with your schedule and location preference.  Once you pick a photographer, communicate openly with them about what you are looking for ahead of time. Be sure this is a person you feel comfortable around.

We have been lucky to have an amazing friend, who happens to be an amazing photographer, take our photos each year.  He has found incredible outdoor locations each time and let's us know what time of day will have the best light for our photos.  It's so nice to have complete confidence in his ability.

3. Find clothes for everyone to wear.  This feels like the most overwhelming part some years. I like  to find coordinating outfits for our family, but not too matchy matchy, a la 90's everyone in jeans and black shirts.

Mamas, I say start with you.  It's rare that we get to feel put together and pretty and photos is one time you definitely want to be confident in how you look.  Take this one chance to not be covered in spit up; Shine.  Pick something you love and are excited to wear.  Look at the colors you chose and find something in your kiddos closets (or at the store) that will go along.  I always save my husband for last A. because he could care less and B. because his closet is full of neutrals and I make sure he rounds out the coordination without being overwhelming.

Since it is the holidays and a little chillier than other times I love to add layers for some depth. Vests, cardigans, scarves, etc.  Little touches to make it feel more complete and fun.

4. Get ready, bribe, and let it go. I say regardless of what time of day it is, make sure everyone has eaten before you attempt photos.  This helps to ensure less of the grumpys, especially in your kiddos.

Post-food time is get ready time.  I get my makeup and hair done and then get my two boys ready WITHOUT my photo outfit on to make sure they don't slime me.  Once everyone is ready, I get dressed and off we go.

I sometimes bring candy as a bribe, but because I don't want them to eat it during photos, we usually stick to a promise of something right after photos for a few good smiles.  In all honesty, it may not always work.  This year, our 20-month old was not having it.  Running in all directions, having meltdowns and being almost-two in general.  But, we managed to get some great shots so we just let it go, trusted our photographer, and laughed about how this is real life.

5. Order Christmas cards and print for presents.  Getting your photos back is the fun part.  They have exceeded my expectations every year.  And it's fun to see how they turned out.

I start with Christmas cards.  The prettiest and easiest way to reach all your family and friends.  Tiny Prints has gorgeous foil-stamped options and fun extras, like envelope liners to add some personality to the mix.  Living in a military community means we have friends constantly moving so I love having the ability to share our growing family with them each year as we are spread far and wide.

I also print several photos in 5x7 to give to grandparents and great-grandparents as presents. They love to have updated ones to fill their walls with each year.   Find some fun frames to polish them off.

* Family photography credit to Greyside Photography
* Christmas cards were provided by Tiny Prints.

goodbye | hello

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There are years that I can't wait to kiss goodbye.  Years riddled with exhaustion, hardship, and strife. Then there are the good years.  The gems, cherries on top.  Twenty fifteen was a winner.  I loved this year.  A year that brought fulfilled promises, full hearts {and arms}, and the beginning of some huge adventures for our little family.

We welcomed our rainbow boy in March and with him came a renewed hope and joy beyond measure.  I learned to juggle an infant and toddler, hopefully with a little bit of grace.  We celebrated five years of marriage and got to announce that we are planting a church in our community starting next year.  So many high moments and so many more to come.

I know that resolutions can be fluid for most and seem cliche.  But, I love to sit and write out a list of goals I have for myself.  Dreams I want to encourage myself to reach for and sometimes putting it out there for others to see is just the motivation I need.

{one} Date my husband.  I would love to intentionally have one date night a month with Taylor.  Kids make it hard.  H A R D.  But, it is so important, and we always come back refreshed.

{two} Me time once a month.  It's so easy to get stuck in the cycle of mommy-ing.  Cutting up food, cleaning up after everyone, jumping from laundry to dishes, to scrubbing toilets, to groceries and losing myself in the process.  Now that Nolan is on the verge of not needing me as much, I am designating some me time.

{three} Being more intentional with relationships.  I find myself in a place where I'm physically losing close friends.  As in, they are moving away {thanks military}.  I don't want my heartache to cause me to push possible new friends away, so I want to be more intentional about seeking new friendships.

{four} Work out at least three days a week.  I always feel better when I do, but nap time is so easy to choose laying on the couch instead.  Butt in gear time.

{five} Be OK with saying "no."  I have found myself in a place of agreeing to do everything.  Then I realize I didn't get to enjoy anything because I am in a constant state of doing.

{six} Seek Him.  I've been so spiritually dry lately.  He's been so pushed to the corner behind the boogie wipes, bath times, and technology.  I want renewal, refreshment and a fire within.

2015, you are a hard goodbye.  Thank you for it all.  2016, let's do this.

On the first day of Christmas...

Well, it's that time again.  The holiday season is chugging on in like a freight train.  Do you ever feel like you are behind on gifts in July?  That's totally me every year.

If you have read here for any length of time, you know I love making lists.  That feeling of accomplishment you get when you see everything written out and then get to check things off, oh it's addicting.  So, I've put together a little list {yes! and I have checked it twice} of twelve personalized or homemade gifts you can give your loves.

1. Manicure in a jar: I've always thought this was a cute idea.  The perfect teacher or friend gift.  You can find mason jars just about everywhere these days.  Add a cute polish, clippers, file and some cotton balls and you are all set.  {A little tip for you; check TJ Maxx or Marshalls for nail polish on the cheap.  They carry Essie and OPI at half the cost!}

2. Christmas cards: I'm addicted to paper goods.  Christmas cards are my favorite thing to do every year.  Living in a military town means we have friends move away all the time.  This is the perfect way to keep in touch with those friends and family who you don't get to see all the time. Tiny Prints has an awesome selection and I fell madly in love with their foil-stamped cards. They are even more gorgeous in person!

3. Christmas cookies:  I love to involve my boys in Christmas activities each year.  Gideon loves helping me "make" and always drags a chair to the counter when I am baking.  Christmas cookies are a must and the perfect thing to bring to a holiday potluck or to gift to your neighbors.

4. Hot cocoa mix: This time of year calls for hot drinks all around.  Bust out some more mason jars, add some hot cocoa powder {strapped on time?  Just buy the packets and pour them in.  Ain't nobody got time for homemade!} and some marshmallows {heavy on these!}.  Tie on some cute tags and hand out to co-workers or your mailman, hairdresser, and everybody you pass in the street because who couldn't use a little holiday cheer?

5. Holiday playlist: A mix tape, if you will.  I remember making my friends mixed CDs our senior year of college and I'm pretty sure I even gave my husband (then boyfriend) one that same year.  Pick your favorite holiday songs; maybe a little Mariah {All I Want for Christmas} or Nick and Jessica pre-divorce {Baby, it's Cold Outside, anyone?} or any of the classics.  Share your playlist with friends starting at the beginning of the month to carry the fun all season long.

6. S'mores: I'm a sucker for s'mores.  Spring?  I want a s'more. Summer?  S'more me, please.  Fall?  Bonfire and a s'more, duh.  So, why not as a holiday gift? Stack a few graham crackers, Hershey's chocolate bars, and some giant marshmallows together in some clear cellophane or find some cute packaging {maybe these?}, then dress it up with some festive ribbon.

7. Kid-made thumb print art:  My sister used her kiddos thumbprints to make the manger seen one year and framed it for our parents.  I'm pretty positive they cried their eyes out and loved it more than the new robe I bought them.  This is a great gift for grandparents and will clearly melt their hearts.

8. Sharpie mug:  I'm addicted to mugs and I don't even drink coffee.  I have to restrain myself from buying them when I see cute ones {I'm looking at you, Anthropologie}.  I made a Sharpie mug for my husband for Valentine's Day this year which was a lot of fun.  Find a plain mug {dollar store for the win} and draw with a Sharpie paint pen whatever your heart desires.  Place them in a cold oven and preheat to 425 degrees.  Bake for 30 minutes.  Voila!

9. Movie in a box:  This is one of my favorite gifts to put together.  It is awesome to do at the beginning of the season with a Christmas movie.  Grab a fun movie.  Place in a cute basket with bags of popcorn, candy and drinks.  Great gifts for friends with kids so they can have a family movie night. {But, probably a more appropriate kids movie than Family Stone; insert monkey covering eyes emoji}

10. Coffee:  Ok, I don't drink coffee.  I know, I know.  But plenty of people in my life are addicted to it, so they will welcome this with open arms.  Do a Sharpie mug or buy a cute one {like these} and place a Starbucks or other coffee shop giftcard inside.  The gift of caffeine can't go wrong.

11. Burlap wreath: I've always loved this burlap wreath trend that is going on.  I was just too intimidated to try it.  It looked complicated.  But, it is NOT!  Simple to make and super easy to use throughout the year by just changing the flowers, etc.  Here is the video I used as a guide.  I dressed mine up with cotton stalks for fall and berry branches for Christmas.  These are great gifts for grandmas and aunts!

12. Personalized notebook: My sister is a teacher, so lined notebooks are something she can get great use out of. Tiny Prints has personalized notebooks that are the sweetest gift to give with a special little touch.  Order some for your kids teachers and help break up the never-ending candles and sweet treats they get {not that anyone is complaining about those!}.

* Christmas cards and personalized notebook were provided by TinyPrints

Egg hunt

We've been talking about the Easter egg hunt with Gideon for a few weeks.  Last year, he didn't quite get it and ended up with a basketful of pinecones.  He was prepared this year and every day leading up to the egg hunt, kept saying "I'm ready to go to Easter."  He did much better this year, but kept setting his bucket down and running to get an egg and bring it back and halfway through decided he was ready for the candy instead of picking up more eggs.  Maybe next year?

It was a pretty cold day in Beaufort standards, so the sweaters were necessary which felt cruel for an Easter celebration.  But, the sun was shining which was more than we could ask for with all the rain and gloom we've had lately.  Nolan stayed snuggly warm in the wrap and slept the entire time.  Bounce houses (which Gideon opted out of, of course), sack races, popcorn, hot dogs, and the egg hunt, and my sweet baby did not budge.  I was a little scared I might drip ketchup on his head while hot dogging it up, but made it out unscathed, not that he would have noticed.

Also, because most important part, the candy in the eggs was pretty stellar this year.  Priorities.

Christmas // New Years

Christmas

I thought I would sum up these holidays all in one post.  To spare you the drag on and because I was awful at getting my camera out and only have a handful of photos, most of which are grainy iPhone gems.  

We had a great Christmas. The weekend before, we headed to Charlotte to celebrate with my family. Gideon got his basketball goal, a guitar and a doctor kit so he was pretty pumped. We were spoiled too!   Of course we ate too much and I had a sinus infection, but due to being 29 weeks pregnant at the time, my OB called in a prescription for me, no questions. That whole "keep the pregnant woman happy" thing can go a long way!

We then drove back to Beaufort to be here for our church's Christmas Eve services which Taylor was a part of. Christmas Eve morning we had our own little family Christmas.  Gideon woke up at six that morning and yelled for us from his room.  As soon as Taylor opened the door, he asked for his presents. He was beyond excited for his table and chairs and the kids leaf blower we got him.  The first year he understood and had true excitement which made it so much better for us.

That night, we drove late back to Charlotte.  Slept, then woke up and drove to Boone to spend time with Taylor's family.  Gideon was beyond spoiled and even got a Schwinn tricycle.  Nicer than any bike we will ever own!  

New Year's Eve

We had an awesome New Year's Eve spent in Beaufort with friends. We started the night downtown on the waterfront watching fireworks, which Gideon thought were great! He and his buddy, Hudson, entertained the crowd with some dancing beforehand.

There were delicious homemade pizzas at our friends place and I even made a new dessert which I will call a Pinterest win.  Easy to make (no baking!) and loved by all.  We ended the night with some sparklers.  Gideon was more interested in the stray cat outside, but we still had fun.  Our little guy partied past ten and then we took him home and put him to bed just in time to have our neighbors shoot more fireworks.  I watched it change on my phone to the new year, kissed my already sleeping husband on the head and passed out myself.

Twenty-fifteen

2013

2014

What a difference a year makes.  I guess that should come as no surprise to me.  It always happens, but  the start of the new year makes it easy to look back and see all that happened.  So, although I wasn't the super, best ever at blogging this year, we can at least look back on the year...

+ Gideon started walking on New Years Day last year.

+ Taylor started preaching at our church's new Saturday night service

+ Our entire family got the stomach bug

+ I ran a 5K in under 35 minutes

+ Celebrated graduation for Taylor's brother & sister

+ Miscarried for the second time

+ Family beach trip

+ Gideon and I flew to Minnesota with my mom and sisters

+ Found out we were expecting

+ I vomited for 18 weeks straight

+ Found out we were having boy #2

+ Moved to a house

+Gideon turned two

+ Spent lots of time with family for the holidays

...and I'm sure a whole lot in between. 

I love this place of reflection each year and as I read back over my New Year's post from last year, I'm happy to say that I accomplished everything I set out to.  And although, I didn't "have a baby" in 2014, I grew so much and I am beyond excited that in nine or so weeks, I will be holding this baby that I have longed to be holding for a while.  

Holiday snapshots.

I'm currently laid up on our couch with a stuffy nose and terrible lower back pain.  So this is all I could muster for a post, but I wanted to share these recent photos from holiday shenanigans and a little about what's happening around here lately.  

one // Gideon has been really into his teepee.  He is constantly asking us to "pease come in" with him and of course it had to come to the living room for a little Christmas movie night. {P.S. we watched Home Alone with him and although it seemed he wasn't paying attention, he certainly picked up the phrase "shut up." Sponges, they are.}

two // I made puppy chow the other day.  Complete with red and green M&Ms so it counts as festive.  Taylor loves puppy chow so I decided to be super nice.  I used this recipe which I found via Pinterest.

three // My biggest craving right now is Halo oranges.  I seriously can't get enough and the ease of peeling them makes it easier for me to give in.  I guess there are worse things I could be craving. Throw some in my stocking and I'll be a happy lady.

four // We had fun picking out our Christmas tree and decorating it.  Gideon and our Nala kitty have surprised us by leaving it alone.  Gideon did find my Sidney Crosby hockey ornament and has claimed it as his own.  We've only had to glue his legs back on three times so far!

five // We need to find a photo op with Santa ASAP.  Any suggestions, Beaufort people?  We saw the Salvation Army one outside of Wal-Mart the other day and Gideon was in awe.  I mean kept his eyes on him the entire time we were walking, waved and waved and waved, and has not stopped talking about him.

six // Almost done with Christmas shopping.  At this point, we are saying if it's not available on Amazon Prime, it's not happening! Also, wrapping gifts is my favorite. {brown paper packages tied up with strings, can't go wrong.}

seven // The infant car seat has been ordered and is on the way.  Gideon's was recalled so we had returned it and finally the one I wanted went on sale so we jumped on it.  He needs to bake a little longer, but we will be ready when he is!

Thanksgiving twenty-fourteen

We had the best Thanksgiving.  Possibly because we decided to make it last for eight days.  Yes, eight! Taylor had a bunch of time left so we decided it was necessary for us to take an entire week to relax at my parents house.  And it was the best idea we have ever had.  The first time all year we have been there where one of us hasn't been sick.  Nothing but time to do what we wanted and willing grandparents to watch Gideon.

We filled our days with shopping (yay for lots of store options!), eating, naps, movies (Taylor went to three in the theater), visiting friends and family, a pedicure and a Hornets basketball game which was actually the birthday present I gave Taylor this year.  Perfect doesn't even begin to touch this week.  It was much, much needed.

And here is the week in iPhone photos (very few!):

thankful.

{via.}
 This can be downloaded as a free printable!

My favorite holiday is upon us.  I've always adored Thanksgiving.  The time with family, a full tummy, and no pressure tagging along with the day.  I'm excited to spend this year with my family and for Gideon to experience it at an age where he can appreciate and enjoy the day.  

And it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a thankful list.  This year has probably been the hardest of my life, but also the most blessed.  Here is to this year and perpetuating an every day mindset of thankfulness:

1 // Our home.  

2 // A helpful, supportive, and loving husband.

3 // A sweet and sassy (almost) two year old boy.

4 // A healthy pregnancy and the ability to understand how miraculous it truly is.

5 // Our community of friends in Beaufort.

6 // Family, near and far.

7 // Wrap sweaters that fit over a growing bump.

8 // Tums.

9 // Our cuddle kitty, Nala.

10 // Morning kisses and waffles.

11 // Curious George.

12 // Turkey sandwiches with extra mustard.

13 // Growing up with siblings.

14 // A large laundry room (seriously my dream!).

15 // That He is, has been, and always will be the same.