December Sweetness

As December winds to a close, I am thanking God for the sweetness that the month brought.

One of our weekly date date nights.

We hosted my side of the family.

The boys took me to my favorite restaurant for my birthday lunch.

Then, when Sarah and Billy got in the next day, we went out to dinner.

My favorite.

We took one million pictures in front of the town Christmas tree...they weren't all winners!

Our annual...and legendary...gingerbread house competition!  Notice Bryan with a power drill!

Jack did a snowglobe!  His was my favorite!

 Mine...the winner!

Billy's

Bryan's...my second favorite!

The manger in the back.

Sarah's

We had an early Christmas before Sarah and Billy went to Missouri to spend Christmas with his family.  We had a very unconventional dinner consisting of multiple kinds of hot dogs and bratwurst, the best homemade mac and cheese, and mimosas!  Because who doesn't drink mimosas with their hot dogs?!  It was so yummy!

Then, salted caramel chocolate tart to celebrate the birth of Jesus!

Finally, to wrap up the month, Bryan took Jackson to his first concert on Saturday!  They went to see Creed and had a blast!  Then, they stopped off at Waffle House at midnight for dinner!  

So grateful for these precious people of mine, and even more grateful for our precious Savior, whom we praise and celebrate every day, not just December 25th.

Thanksgiving

We had a lovely Thanksgiving!

We were hosting Bryan's family this year, so we started cooking a couple of days before Thursday.  Bryan made the best beef shorts ribs!

While Bryan was working on the short ribs, Jackson and I made the pies!

I love being in the kitchen with him!

We made pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and the largest bowl of homemade whipped cream!

Cooking together is one of our favorite things to do!

I am beyond thankful for them!

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks for Him and praise His name.

--Psalm 100:4

Mother's Day

Sunday was somehow, my 22nd Mother's Day!  I cannot believe it has been that long since we welcomed our first baby.  It has been the joy of my life being their Mama, and I am forever grateful to God for blessing me so!

 

Happy Easter!

Forever, He is glorified

Forever, He is lifted high

Forever, He is risen

He is alive

He is alive

This morning, the boys and I went to the 7 AM Easter service, and it was beautiful!

And a couple hundred miles away, Sarah and Billy sent us this sweet picture of them at Easter service.  Which was extra fitting, because while the boys and I were taking our picture, Jack said that it didn't feel the same without Sarah!

And last, but not least, this Easter gem from my childhood.  My sister, (who is obviously upset that I'm rocking the Easter bonnet, and she is clearly not!), my Dad, my brother, and me.  This picture is even more special this year since it's the first Easter without my Dad.

After church and pictures, Bryan and I made ham and all the fixings for an early Easter lunch.  And Jack, who had given up dessert for Lent, was very excited for the cold cherry pie!

We had a wonderful day being together and celebrating our risen Lord and Savior!

 

December Sweetness

Our December technically started on November 29th, when we put the tree up!

We have one of Bryan's Nana's old Christmas trees, so this year, we put it on the front porch.  It was so dreamy!

I took Jack out on a date at our favorite lunch spot!

For my birthday, Sarah came home!  Then, we went to our favorite Mexican restaurant!  I meant to take a picture while we were there, but honestly, we were having so much fun talking and laughing, that I completely forgot!  We truly had the best time!

When we got home, we had 2 kinds of birthday cake, then went to go see Christmas lights!  It was the sweetest day with my favorite people!

Then, I got to take Sarah on a date!

On Christmas Eve, Billy came over, and we had our annual gingerbread house competition.  This is the kids' favorite tradition!

Jack's

Bryan's

Billy's

Mine

Sarah's

2024

2015

This was the first year we started all decorating gingerbread houses!

Christmas morning.

His reactions are always the best!

We surprised him with an authentic Japanese katana!  This was his favorite gift!

We celebrated Jesus' birthday!

Then, we took a couple more pictures before heading to Bryan's parents.

My favorite people celebrating our precious Savior.  It doesn't get any better, and I am forever grateful.