Favorites Friday: White

If January had a color, it would be white, don't you agree? We've only had one dusting of snow here, but even without it the sky is white. Frankly, I think its quite beautiful.

(this is my obvious attempt at embracing winter!) 

I'm putting the finishing touches on my winter wreath today, its simple and pretty with touches of white!

image via

White chicken chili, thanks Mom.

White done right in a room

White on white outfit

Who needs flowers for their winter wedding, pick these!

Dear friends, thank you thank you for the amazing scripture you sent my way regarding fear. I've tried to personally email some of you back, but emails aren't provided at times on the commenting format. So I would love to keep the conversation going or at least thank you here! You can also friend me on facebook because commenting is much easier there then in blogland, click on the "f" on my right hand column of my blog. Thanks and happy white weekend.

Sitting & standing {6months}

And now we are pulling up to stand and attempting steps, this kid is crazy! I would love it if he just sat there and was a baby, but no he's got places to go people!

My latest enemy

The nature of my husband's job lends itself to frequent trips and my extroverted people loving self struggles a bit, particularly in our non subdivision country home. Let's just say late at night my mind becomes consumed with ridiculousness like kidnapping, burglary, and the such. Seriously how did this happen? When you've been giving much like two beautiful, crazy, hyper boys you can begin to fear much, but I MUST remember ultimately they are gifts from the Lord and belong to Him. Here's some scripture for battle in combating fear.

"Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They truimph over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony."

Revelation 12:10-11

Baby products that make your life easier {4-6 months}

1.Baby Bjorn travel crib- Our packnplay finally died and I say good riddance! The bottom was so hard and that thing was such a mess to open and close. So behold this travel crib comes complete with soft mattress weighs 11 pounds and takes 20 seconds to open. The only downside is the steep price point, but we travel alot so I felt it was worth the money.
2. Bo is in the pull up to stand on everything phase, kind of a nightmare for me because once he's standing then he tries to walk and falls. But this toy keeps him occupied while standing and what kid doesn't love a ball?
3.When we lived in Okinawa they had amazing baby products like this which is essentially tupperware for babies. I'm a Mom on the go and these work great for storing baby food as well as little snacks plus it all fits in my purse, perfect.
4. I've professed my love for these crib shoes before, but I wanted to mention specifically I buy mine at target, not the expensive brand. Also, if you can't find the cute designs in store, check online.
5. This baby food is genius. Not only are the flavors amazing like spinach, pears, and peas but its organic and the contaniner closes with zero mess. Hallelujah.
6. Meet the to-go spoon. Put your baby food in the purple end, screw the spoon cap on, and voila your out the door, so brilliant.

Casting vision:#1

A couple of years ago, like eight to be exact I heard a sermon that changed my life based off the bible verse, "Without vision the people will perish." The pastor encouraged us to make a life list, akin to a bucket list, but I prefer his title! To make a list of things you want to do however great or small over the course of your life, but most importantly write them down. So my list began and would you believe I've actually crossed off at least 20 things, things like ride an elephant in Thailand to learning how to play the guitar! So I reserve the month of January for thinking of new things to add to the "list." 

 Here's my #1 for 2012: to spend time with the Lord in prayer in scripture before blogging!

Favorites Friday: Two tone

Loving all the two tone things I've been seeing pop up lately from home to fashion. Also I'm excited to share some of my goal/visions/resolutions next week here on the blog. 

I adore this picture.

If I had girl she would need this outfit stat.

A great way to organize stuff.

Winter weekend wear.

Stay tuned for two winter DIY projects and a Valentine's day idea!

Happy winter weekend.

Dear Winter

Due to our extended time on the balmy tropical island of Okinawa Japan I dread and struggle all winter long which is pretty lame considering we live in Virginia, not exactly due North. Pretty sure my time on the island made my skin thinner and tolerance for cold non-existent. But I'm looking to change that this year and embrace every ounce of winter and nip any complaining in the bud. When I thought hard there were many favorite winter things I called to mind.

"And everything in time and under heaven
Finally falls asleep
Wrapped in blankets white, all creation
Shivers underneath
And still I notice you
When branches crack
And in my breath on frosted glass
Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter
You are winter"

Nicole Nordeman

On the Texas ranch

This is us frolicking around on my Father in laws's Texas ranch over our vacation. Gideon was in heaven.

A variety of things

I'm in weekend recovery mode! It was a full crazy whirlwind weekend that landed Bo with his first cold, but were having success with the plug in vapor in his room, essentially aromatherapy!

Had to pop in and say happy monday and leave you with two things....I finally found and purchased the basket I've been wishing for at target online. Then came upon this delicious looking recipe (thanks Taryn) in honor of my sister leaving for India today, que sadness. And because no post is complete without a picture, here's some unbelievably adorable twins I had the delight of capturing this weekend. 

More of them here.

Favorites Friday: January

Hello winter! Our time in Texas was coat-free with high's of 67, but we came back to winter weather. My goal this winter is to keep the blues at bay....translation lots of cozy sweaters and hot chocolate.

Would you have an anniversary party? Love the idea!

Made this soup last night, perfect winter solution.

Nutella hot chocolate.

This book was such an eye-opener, must read for everyone.

2011 review and a happy new year too!

Were back from Texas and what a trip! Internet was sparse so I couldn't check in, but happy new year just the same! My husband could of charged for the firework display he put on in Texas, seriously good. We now know his second calling if the Marine Corps doesn't work out!

Here's the best of 2011 for us:

Our dining room got its finishing touches.

We spent spring break down south and ran into some stumbling blocks on our trip.

All the while, my bump (aka Boaz) was busy going on dates and dressing up.

Then time for the nursery and name reveal plus 6 month and 7 month bump.

Next it was off to our favorite place on earth, Ocean City NJ.

Gideon's birthday shirt may easily be my favorite DIY of the year or maybe it was the skirted console table?!

My sister and I became obsessed with Lush in Georgetown!

Our greatest spiritual battle came once upon a bad ultrasound. Then we were overdue with pregnancy, love that.

At last, Boaz was born. And our faith became sight and prayers were answered.

Gideon turned five with a fun fishing party.

Husband and I celebrated 8 years!

Who could forget the earthquake and crazy hurricane Irene, wowzers in the same week no less.

My lovely mom came to visit then G started kindergarten.

We scooted up to NY for my husband's reunion and attended our favorite October annual event, the State fair.

I was blissfully overwhelmed with photoshoots in the fall and we had a ball at the ball.

Boaz got tired of watching it all and started to crawl! And the year was capped with the best ever Christmas day.

The Lord kept us and blessed us through it all, He is so faithful.

Blessings to you and yours for 2012!

Meet our China & Russia coats

When I was in need of a winter coat, I found a pretty darling one at American Eagle on sale no less. As I was checking out the guy informed me he called my coat affectionately "China"! Perfect I said in delight, my coat now has a name. So when I saw a similar masculine version, it was instantly named Russia and given to my husband for Christmas. Here we are modeling China and Russia.

Were off to Texas tomorrow, so posting will be sparse over the next few days for some much needed R&R and family time! 

Our Christmas day

Our Christmas....I can't remember a more quiet, perfect day. We opened presents, ate (alot), played with new toys, rode bikes, prayed, and cuddled. Really and truly, Christmas bliss.

Bo happily rolling around in wrapping paper, I love him.

I can't begin to tell you the ways they entertain and laugh each other, best sounds in the world.

Our Christmas table, we had lobster thermidor with sweet mashed potatoes, asparagus, and cranberries.

Spinach and artichoke puffs.

New monster hat.

We rode bikes in our driveway, isn't my green schwinn darling?

My sister rides much faster than me!

Bo's favorite place on earth is at the bottom of the Christmas tree looking up!

I thought I cuddle with him there and check out the view too!

Our triple berry "Happy Birthday Jesus" pie.

Hope yours was merry too!

Merry Christmas {This will warm your heart and make you laugh}

Favorites Friday: Merry Christmas!

Christmas weekend is here, dear friends and I'm pretty excited! This year I think we've checked off every tradition I can think of minus going to the nutcracker. In a house full of boys its hard for me to find a volunteer for going to the ballet! Merry Christmas from ours to yours, hoping its filled with peace, love and most of all Jesus.

 I tried my hand at making bath bombs, following this recipe.

Been meaning to show you my new carrier, looks like the ergo but baby can face out (called lilliebaby) No more back aches and so comfortable.

Yesterday we paid Santa a visit at Bass pro, such a great winter wonderland they had set up for kiddos. Plus I got to take their santa picture and they gave us one their print for free, well worth the trip.

Boaz was totally unphased by Santa, no crying or fussing just admired his real beard!

Christmas at our house {part 2}