…Laughing all the way!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
May 2012 be filled with lots of laughter and love!

Make it Beautiful Monday: First Christmas

“May the wonder of that FIRST Christmas be with you always.”
As we wind down from the aftermath of our big Christmas weekend, I thought I’d share a few photos depicting the true WONDER we felt. 
More to come tomorrow!

Make it Beautiful Monday: Love that grin

I got a little side-tracked with snow days and missed my Thursday and Friday posts last week, but not for lack of topics. I look forward to writing about them this week so stay tuned! 
Some snow and cuddling was just what the Dr. ordered after my Worthy Wednesday post. I didn’t get any pictures of our cuddle time, but I assure you, it was amazing.
I made a little collage to celebrate her nine-month birthday on Thursday.
Love that grin!
This girl was a total mess on Friday and it was awesome. 
Love that belly, love those socks, love that hair, but most of all…love that grin.
My family came into town to babysit and the mister and I went to a beautiful Christmas-inspired wedding. 
 The perfect winter princess bride.Don’t you love that little fur shrug? And she wore her mother’s vintage headpiece and veil…l.o.v.e.
 AJH practiced dancing and looking pretty while we were gone. 
On Sunday we ventured out to visit Santa and it was an experience. She really liked the toys…
But wasn’t really into Santa yet…
Maybe next year!
Later that night we visited with family and I got to capture one more look at that grin…
I have a nice two-week break from working and plan on doing lots more cuddling, along with some writing, crafting, and reading. I began my vacation with a nice dinner and movie date tonight with this girl. We saw Black Swan and it was very thought-provoking, especially on the topic of perfectionism–something which I have been thinking about a lot lately through the work of Brene Brown. If I’m feeling intellectual later this week, I may try to write more, but for now, it’s off to bed…Much love on this Monday evening!

Christmas 2009

We traveled to Manassas on Christmas day to see Phoebe, Bob, Mamaw, Papaw and my many cousins, aunts and uncles. We ended our night back in the Valley at Grandaddy Jarrel’s home where we celebrated with Ben’s family. It was a long, but fun day! We also enjoyed Christmas celebrations with The Shreckhise and Durso family on the 23rd, Dick’s side of the family on Christmas Eve, and the Halterman/Harper group on the day after Christmas. It was a very joyous holiday!
Russ and Tori opening presents at Phoebe’s.
Natalie enjoying her gifts.
Russ in his cool new hat.
One of Ben’s presents from “Granny Sally.”
Henry opening one of his gifts!
The Keim Family pup, Ellie, opening her gift from Henry.
All children (human or puppy!) are drawn to Ben, and Ellie was no exception!
At the Halterman’s for our family Christmas celebration.
With Molly, and Kara at the Halterman/Shreckhise Christmas dinner.