Christmas Morning...

The Christmas morning dash to the living room.  

There isn't much like it.

Joy to the world

The Lord is come

Let earth receive her King.

Let every heart prepare him room

And Heaven and nature sing

And Heaven and nature sing

and Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing! 

Christmas Greens

Christmas greens are all around this time of year!

Their smell brings back years of memories. 

(Decorating the tree...a favorite tradition)

(Wreaths at a local nursery.  We took our sketch books and brought school outside)

(Seaworld Christmas Trees1)

(T bought me a bouquet of lovely greens at a local craft fair with his own money.  He knows his Mama. )

Even the Goaties are enjoying the pretty lights and ornaments that dress the Christmas tree.  

It's the most wonderful time of the year after all :-) 

Merry Christmas from the Farmstead

Oh, our little hobby farm.  

They make us giggle and bring even more joy to this joyous season. 

Thanksgiving

It is always such a treat to host Thanksgiving.

I am happiest with a house full of loved ones.  

(Our traditional holiday craft time)

(My Mommy and her sister)

We got to spend extended time with James' mom.

We love when Grandma comes to town!

(Hotel Del Coronado)

And had a blast at our annual Christmas time visit to Disneyland!

We hiked

Played games

And began digging into our our Christmas boxes

(Looking at our Christmas books is always their favorite.)

Its a wonderful start to a wonderful season.

Family Pictures

It's been so long since we got our family photos taken.

I'm so happy we have them now.  

I praise God when I look through these photos.

I cannot fathom the depths of his love in giving me these people to do life with.

So many memories in the year we have been here.

Raising animals, gardening, and home projects have made us a stronger, closer family and we are so thankful for the opportunity here.   

2018, you have been a good one. 

Happy Birthday to AVA!

Happy Birthday to you, Ava D!  

Your hugs are the tightest

Your smiles are the brightest

You are special and loved.

You are beautiful and kind.

And we cannot believe you are 13!!!

We are so thankful that we get to be your Mommy and Daddy.

Happy Birthday sweetie girl! 

Kitchen!

It's done and it's lovely!

The openness of this new kitchen allows for more conversation and more together time which is why we decided to do it. 

James completed this entire kitchen with his own two hands.  

We are so thankful for his labor of love. 

-window

-door

- cabinets

-two moved walls

-countertops

-venthood

-floor 

-shelving

-can lighting

-pendent lighting

-sink

You're a hard worker honey.  

It's been a big project and you've done such beautiful work.