Let it Snow!

This is the first time I can remember getting snow BEFORE Christmas.  We've gotten it Christmas Day before, but never this soon.  I am scared to think of what Jan/Feb will look like... were predicted to have a tough winter!

 Our first snow at the new place. We had about 5 inches... it was beautiful!

C loved looking at the snow. We ventured out once, but she wasnt a fan. Its hard since she can't walk on her own yet. Plus it was actively snowing and very cold while we were out.

We mostly stayed inside, but we did venture out for a Hog basketball game with our friends! I love this picture of C and her daddy focused on the game! We won!

{ONE}

Who knew that my heart could grow so much in a year? It was already bursting at the seams when we found out we were pregnant on Valentines Day in 2012.

Then it swelled even more when we found out our babe was a girl in April.  

October 16, 2012 was the happiest day of our lives when we welcomed sweet Caroline Reese into our family. 

The last 12 months have been SO fun.  I can hardly get enough smiles, laughs, new milestones, cute outfits, and kisses.  It still amazes me how much growth and learning takes place in a year.  Our tiny newborn is now a petite ONE year old. She is full of personality and FUN. She is sweet and smart. I love her more every day.

We have had a lot of excitement over the last few weeks... our girl's first birthday party, first birthday, Halloween, moving, Thanksgiving, and in just a few days- Christmas.  We've jumped on a couple of planes in there too- one with just the husband to Vegas, and just this past weekend as a family to Austin,TX. Caroline has a mouth full of teeth, is learning new words daily, and just took her first steps this week {as an "almost" 14 month old.} I have much to catch up on, but I wanted to start with highlighting my girl's first year. She brings us so much joy and I thank God for her daily.

Giving Thanks

I've been reading this lately...

I'm not quite done with it, but its a great read. It basically focuses on the many gifts in everyday life. Things like a child's laughter, soap bubbles, or a sunset. It has encouraged me to be thankful everyday, and to appreciate exactly where God has me in this stage of life.

I have so much to be thankful for. My family, friends, our health; but most of all my Salvation.  Without Christ I am nothing!  

We just moved into our new house (one of these days I'll get around to posting about it.) We decided to host Thanksgiving at our house this year.  My parents and Caroline's nanny and her family (our friends) came over and we had a great time together.

We did a little Black Thursday (??) shopping and then the next day headed to Branson to meet dad's family at Silver Dollar City.  We had a great Thanksgiving weekend and have so much to be thankful for!