Big Bear

It's become our little tradition to get away for a couple days between Christmas and New Year.

I hope that these family adventures will create precious memories of togetherness as our children grow.

I am so proud of these three and the way they love each other.

This year has presented challenges as we navigate raising our sweet girl with her specific needs. 

They surprise us all the time with the way they support us, and each other.  

These boys are JOY.  They have grown so much in strength, courage, and compassion this year.

We are on your team Ava girl!  

Always. 

Love these mountain men.

Thank you Daddy, for taking us on this special family road trip.

Thatcher's Christmas wish was to see snow.

Man made will have to do!  

No complaints from this crew. 

Our short Big Bear excursion was a perfect way to end the 2017 year.

I am so thankful for all the beauty that this year held. 

Christmas

"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

Luke 2:14

Christmasy things...

Mud pies and running through the sprinklers in December!!

Say it aint so.

It's the warmest December I can remember having in a long time.

But despite that, we are loving all the Christmasy things going on over here!  

It's the most wonderful time of the year, no doubt!

These babies are the best thing about every season!  

But they are extra cute in red and green.

Homeschooling in December is my favorite.

It's slow and sweet and so fun!  

Can't get enough of their art.

The boys get started early in the morning; cutting, pasting, coloring and creating all kinds of Christmas goodness.

Tis the season for collecting macadamia nuts.

Because of local fires, we found ourselves at Mimi and Paps's for a couple days and attended an impromptu neighborhood PJ party. 

We got to Skye with our favorite friends in Belgium.  

What an amazing experience for our children to talk with other children across the world.

Technology can be amazing.

Adoption IS amazing in how it bonds us to loved ones that we would have otherwise not known. 

A Christmas wish come true!

I made a few wreaths this months 

and beeswax candle too!  

The kids and I have really enjoyed learning to dip our own candles.  

They are misshapen and each one is unique.

We love them.

And we love this time of year.  

We are taking it slow and treasuring all things Christmas! 

Garden

Phase one of the garden is complete.

I'm excited to get our boxes in and to begin learning more about growing our food!  

And flowers of course.

Try to get my garden now chickens, dogs, children, basket balls, etc.  

Book Club...Farmer Boy

When we moved to our new place we hoped it would be a place for people to gather and linger.

And in God's goodness he provided a few local friends that also value sweet fellowship and simple times.

As homeschoolers we decided to read the novel, Farmer Boy over the course of months.

The kids dressed up and enjoyed a Farmer Boy themed lunch.

The Mamas chatted and crafted.  

This is a rich way to learn and experience literature if you ask me!  

Christmas Joy!

Long lay the world in sin and error pinning,

Till he appeared and the soul felt it's worth.

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

What a beautiful season!

An opportunity to remember the first Christmas day.

The day that everything changed!  

Praise God!

This year we chose to read through the book, One Wintry Night, which shares the Christmas story.

It begins with creation and ends with the resurrection.

It's so important to remember that Jesus is Lord, who was and is and is to come.

We found a sweet Christmas tree lot by our new home.

We enjoyed some hot chocolate...yummy!

And chili too!

Decorating the tree is a favorite tradition for our children.

The Star! 

We anticipate a beautiful month full of memories and JOY in Christ.

Thanksgiving 2017

Giving thanks to the one who deserves all our gratitude!

Thanksgiving was a sweet time to gather and be together with loved ones

We fit everyone!  YAY!

(Our tradition...a craft for the ladies.  This year we hand dipped beeswax candles.)

We enjoyed amazing food, of course

(Sweetness, kids table) 

It was an absolutely beautiful time.  

Gate

White gates

White fences

I love it all!

We are lacking a little charm in the front of our house and this was certainly a step in the right direction!

Thanks once again handy hubby.

35

 I love my life!

I thank the Lord for every day that I get to spend with these people that I love so much.

Thanks for spoiling me, guys!  

My Girl

I love afternoons when I get to snuggle with my girl and read a story.

I blinked and she's so big!  

But, just like when she was 5, her favorite thing to do is read with Mama.

September/October Happenings

Taking advantage of all the trails we have close by 

 Slowing tearing our kitchen apart and putting it back together. 

Butcher block counters and farmhouse sink

Some fresh, fun tile for the floors

Enjoying the last of the summer flower garden 

Bringing school to the beach because it's still HOT!

Enjoying all the days with our old lady pup.  

Not sure how many more we will have with our Zoe girl.

Sweet visit with some precious Kazakhstan friends!  

So special to see them on this side of the world.

Swinging in the yard and kissing sweet four year old faces.

Goodbye Summer

Welcome Fall...we are ready for ya.