one year with Tallula

lulaoneyear2

A year. A whole, entire year. I looked back and reread few of my favorite posts from our China trip, because it's honestly hard for me to believe it's been that long since... Tallula day and Tallula day video. Getting to know a bit about Tallula. Taking pictures of Tallula in her Chinese silks on Shamian Island. And finally, on April 19th, arriving home with Tallula. I reread all I wrote describing her personality, likes and dislikes, and my general impressions about our newest little blessing. Turns out, I was right on. One thing about Tallula … [Read more...]

oh, the pink.

lula3-1

We had a little celebration the other night. Someone very special was turning three. And she requested everything in pink. Except the cake. That she wanted in yellow and white. And pink. Thankfully the local bakery had one all made up - white with pink and yellow flowers. Because mama can't do that. As her first birthday home with us - and despite the fact that we had just moved in days before - we tried to fulfill all her two-turning-three-year-old requests. We served pink Fanta soda. Pink ice cream. We found her a Cinderella dress in … [Read more...]

a grown up

zach1

Yes, I am still sad. But not sad enough to disappear for an entire week. Yikes, I haven't gone that long in posting since I-don't-know-when. My absence is due to an unanticipated vacation from my internet and phone service - thanks to a broken cable outside. Finally, finally, the cable guy came and repaired it last night. And I am now acutely aware of my ridiculous addiction to my laptop. Thankfully for me though, I'm not fasting from it. And so today, laptop perched snugly in it's rightful place, it's time to get caught up. We recently celebrated my biggest … [Read more...]

Happy New Year

lulanewyear

I posted this last night on Facebook. But I decided to share it here, too. Because, honestly, what better way to start the New Year than your oldest feeding your youngest Reddi-Whip straight from the can? It can only go up from here. … [Read more...]

Sunday Snapshot: {her first Christmas}

tallulachristmas2

It was. Tallula's first Christmas. And she loved everything about the entire season. Except the fact that she couldn't touch the Christmas tree. Which sort of drove her crazy - daily - for the 4 weeks the tree was up before Christmas. But the presents on Christmas day more than made up for any hard feelings she might have had. And then some. Tallula lit up as soon as that first present landed in her hands. And she proceeded to wrestle it, rip into it and, as necessary, hold the entire thing up with her foot. The girl's a pro. Each and … [Read more...]

our Christmas

christmas2012-1

Ohmigoodness. It truly was a wonderful Christmas. The kids were so, so excited.... the countdown to Jesus' birthday had begun at least 10 days before. As is our tradition, we took turns opening gifts, one at a time, youngest to oldest. And I thought I'd share a few pictures, as well as the favorites (and a few failures) of Christmas 2012.Fave :: Pink Ladybug Pillow Pal. Second fave :: Wedgits. Turns out, all the kids love these -- I see more of them in our future for sure. Fail :: Penguin Pluffie. She loved it online but in person... not so much. Thankfully, there … [Read more...]

a child is born

babyjesus-1

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wishing y’all…

NHYChristmasCard

a very Merry Christmas. What a year it's been. Up. Down. Everything in between. I'm grateful for every bit of it. And I'm grateful for each one of you crazies who comes to visit, support and love on us here. Can not wait to see what 2013 brings for all of us. P.S. Yes. The horse made it onto our Christmas card. … [Read more...]

the pile that awaits

presents

No. I have not wrapped one single thing yet. But I'm ready to get started. I've got 8 rolls of Christmas paper and 2 rolls of scotch tape. And I'm well-caffeinated. Growing up, my dad always knocked on my bedroom door on Christmas Eve - shopping bags in hand - and asked me to wrap my mom's presents. Not sure if I was chosen because I was least likely to say no, or if I was most skilled. As the youngest, I'm guessing it was the former. But it instilled in me a real joy in wrapping gifts. Each preset represents something special that was chosen specifically … [Read more...]

Sunday Snapshot: {the evidence}

thanksgiving1

Other than these two pictures - and the little "thankful" tree we made - there is no evidence that we even celebrated Thanksgiving. I guess I took my decision to be in the moment seriously. So seriously, in fact, that I only got my camera out twice. And each time I only took a handful of pictures. I think these two are a pretty good representation of our time together - with my sister and her family here. Nothing spectacular. But, below the surface, something quite special. A little silly. And - most definitely - blessed. Hope y'all had a blessed … [Read more...]