Happy Easter 2014

This easter season has been one for the memory books. We had an amazing time celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. North Carolina has proved to be making wonderful memories for our family! There were many firsts for my little one this year from her first egg hunt, to her first time dying eggs. It has been an amazing time of year.

She hated her hands getting dirty :)

Showing impressive motor skills with the little spoon

Easter baskets from great-grandma, grammy & pappy, and mommy

Egg hunt at church

I loved her dress this year. Im trying to think of any other day she can wear it!

My heart and soul

The REAL reason we celebrate this glorious holiday. He is risen indeed! How amazing is it to know that our God conquered death and the devil. He sacrificed his only Son that we may no longer be enslaved by our own sin and selfishness. By His wounds we are healed and can now spend eternity with Him. Amazing grace <3

Happy 2014!

Well today is the first official day of the New Year! Its so exciting to have a blank year ahead of me full of possibility. Instead of making any "resolutions" I wanted to make some goals for myself. Resolutions hold so much pressure and I find I break them easily. However, goals for me are more attainable and I can achieve them without the added stress. Heres my list of things I hope to accomplish in the coming year:

1. Become active in the church.

2. Have more playdates.

3. Make some friends!

4. Try my hardest in school.

5. Make it a point to eat cleaner and watch the additives in my food.

6. Exercise at least 3 times a week. 

7. More intentional play time with little Loo.

8. Consistent grace-based discipline.

9. Try something new!

10. Deepen my relationship with Christ.

11. Experiment more with my cooking and trying new recipes.

12. Live out what I learn in the bible.

13. Take chances and seize new opportunities. 

14. Be more consistent with my blogging.

Ironically my list holds 14 goals for 2014. I like when things work out like that. Im very excited to see what this year holds for me and my baby. 2013 was a hard year for me. There were al lot of changes and a lot of challenges. However, I know that God has led me to the exact place I need to be. North Carolina has provided us with a completely fresh start. A place where I can be exactly who I am now without being judged by my past. Its thrilling to start over. I hope to make this year the best yet :)

Christmas in North Carolina

This Christmas was wonderful. I was unable to spend last year with my family so being here with them this year was truly a joy. Seeing them take part in Lindsey's excitement just warmed my heart. I love how much they love her and her them.

We spent most of December in a whirlwind of busyness. My parents returned from Iowa the second week of December and Lindsey's grandma and aunt visited from Ohio that same weekend. We did little decorating until mid December. Although, I think that actually helped remind us of what Christmas is all about.

I participated in a bible study with the women's ministry in my church this past november and it was solely focused on keeping Christ in Christmas. In the busy season of the holidays it is so easy to become stressed out and forget about what truly matters. For me and my family it is all about the birth of Christ. It is about the amazing day God became fully human to live his life as man to save us from our sins. The amount of love that takes is incomprehensible to me. But I am so grateful for it for now I have eternity with him in heaven. To me there is no gift worth that price and it is definitely not found in a store.

We baked cookies, sang carols, and just enjoyed the magic of Christmas together. What could be better?

The weather here has been absolutely beautiful this time of year

She had an early Christmas with her Ohio family. They got her some super fun toys including this minnie mouse big wheel. 

Such a focused little thing.

My mom has made the same sugar cookies every year since I can remember. They are absolutely delicious and totally addicting. She also whips up her own frosting that Lindsey obviously enjoys. 

Soo many cookies! We made plates and took them to our neighbors :)

Cranberry almond biscotti. These little bad boys are so good with a up of coffee in the morning. 

Soda Cracker toffee. So easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

We decorated cookies twice. Once with her family from Ohio and again with my brother and his girlfriend from Arizona. 

We spent Christmas Eve at Church like every year. Its usually my favorite service. So many amazing songs of praise. 

Our traditional Christmas Eve dinner minus tamales this year. Smoked sausage, Assorted crackers & cheese, olive tapenade, brie with pears & apples and petit fours. Of course wine and spiked egg nog are a must. 

She loves this little people nativity from my parents. She names all the people and animals. 

We always open presents on Christmas Eve in my family. This year with Lindsey we let her open her quiet gifts, clothes & books, on christmas eve and saved the noisy stuff for the next morning. 

No Christmas brunch is complete without a mimosa. That Cupcake Prosecco is amaze. 

I hope you all had a very blessed Christmas and New Years. 

XOXO

Babys First Christmas

This Christmas was one filled with joy. Watching lindsey open all of her gifts was priceless! She seriously got every toy imaginable and now my living room looks like toys r us exploded...

Pretty princess after church on Christmas Eve

Im so thankful for skype. Eventhough my parents a thousands of miles away, they were able to watch baby girl open the presents they sent.

This dog takes up practically our entire living room. But princess loves it :)

We hope your Christmas was filled with joy and love and always remember the real reason for the season <3

The 4th In Photos

We had a great time celebrating the 4th for the first time as a family. Baby L loved the fireworks! We were far enough away that they would not hurt her ears but still close enough to see them. She was completely in awe and would not look away. The day was full of family, festivities and food! The way any great holiday should be :)

The contents of a package my mom sent baby girl! We love getting packages from home :)

My adorable angel. I just love her! She looks so cute.