YEAR TEN
February 14, 2017
(Can you spot our little photobomber? I was gonna crop it, but then decided how much I loved it!)
This February marks 10 years since Marcus and I got engaged. I remember everyone told us that the first year of marriage would be the BEST year of our life. We quickly hoped it wasn’t “the best” because our first year of marriage we had a lot of growing up to do and learned how to live with one another. But let’s face it-I had never lived with a boy before! Luckily, he had 4 sisters, so he already knew a little more than I did coming in. Our first year was HARD. We’d both tell anyone that. But by our second year, we quickly fell into a rhythm and never looked back. Over the years we’ve taken on new roles and interests and it’s been so great to have someone alongside for it all. Some couples say they’ve never argued. Kudos to those couples! But through our relationship I’ve learned what I need to work on, how to be patient, how to listen and be more understanding. Practice kindness and I’ve truly learned how to serve with all my heart, might, mind, and strength.
Two weeks ago as we were traveling home from Seattle, we hit a huge snowstorm. What should have taken us 3.5 hours to get home took us six! We drove 45mph the whole way. We hit a patch where chains were required, and I watched my husband brave the freezing temperatures and blowing snow so that us girls could stay warm in the car. I asked Marcus if he had ever put chains on before and he responded, “I watched a YouTube video of it once!” We both laughed and by the time he got back in the car he was covered in snow. I was so relieved he had the prompting to buy chains before we left, but more importantly, that we’ve learned to laugh during difficult challenges.
The next day he helped with the grocery shopping, attended church meetings, stayed up till midnight to wash the sheets of our sick child, and then put together a Sunday meal for us at the last minute. All of these situations were not ones I had thought about when marrying a companion. I didn’t know that these “qualities” were the ones I should have been looking for. My “husband list” contained many superficial items such as: a short last name, likes sports and ice cream, and has blue eyes. I’m so grateful the Lord knew the type of partner I needed and led me to someone who is willing to get down and help with our children, makes it a priority to attend church meetings, wants to provide-but more importantly, protects us for our safety, and doesn’t think twice about cooking a meal. The Lord new what I wanted, but also what I NEEDED. And I know he isn’t perfect, but this imperfect being is perfect for me.
(Can you spot our little photobomber? I was gonna crop it, but then decided how much I loved it!)
This February marks 10 years since Marcus and I got engaged. I remember everyone told us that the first year of marriage would be the BEST year of our life. We quickly hoped it wasn’t “the best” because our first year of marriage we had a lot of growing up to do and learned how to live with one another. But let’s face it-I had never lived with a boy before! Luckily, he had 4 sisters, so he already knew a little more than I did coming in. Our first year was HARD. We’d both tell anyone that. But by our second year, we quickly fell into a rhythm and never looked back. Over the years we’ve taken on new roles and interests and it’s been so great to have someone alongside for it all. Some couples say they’ve never argued. Kudos to those couples! But through our relationship I’ve learned what I need to work on, how to be patient, how to listen and be more understanding. Practice kindness and I’ve truly learned how to serve with all my heart, might, mind, and strength.
Two weeks ago as we were traveling home from Seattle, we hit a huge snowstorm. What should have taken us 3.5 hours to get home took us six! We drove 45mph the whole way. We hit a patch where chains were required, and I watched my husband brave the freezing temperatures and blowing snow so that us girls could stay warm in the car. I asked Marcus if he had ever put chains on before and he responded, “I watched a YouTube video of it once!” We both laughed and by the time he got back in the car he was covered in snow. I was so relieved he had the prompting to buy chains before we left, but more importantly, that we’ve learned to laugh during difficult challenges.
The next day he helped with the grocery shopping, attended church meetings, stayed up till midnight to wash the sheets of our sick child, and then put together a Sunday meal for us at the last minute. All of these situations were not ones I had thought about when marrying a companion. I didn’t know that these “qualities” were the ones I should have been looking for. My “husband list” contained many superficial items such as: a short last name, likes sports and ice cream, and has blue eyes. I’m so grateful the Lord knew the type of partner I needed and led me to someone who is willing to get down and help with our children, makes it a priority to attend church meetings, wants to provide-but more importantly, protects us for our safety, and doesn’t think twice about cooking a meal. The Lord new what I wanted, but also what I NEEDED. And I know he isn’t perfect, but this imperfect being is perfect for me.
CHIHULY GLASS MUSEUM & SPACE NEEDLE
February 6, 2017
I was a little nervous about taking two kids to a GLASS museum. But when it was rated #1 on TripAdvisor as the top thing to do in Seattle, I started to decide it may be worth checking out. And we were so glad we did! The glass was beautiful, and I felt like we were in different scenes from Alice in Wonderland. And Harper only got yelled at once for touching the platform. Oops!
Since it was right below the Space Needle, I asked Marcus if he had ever been up it. I had only been once in 8th grade and when he said “No,” we decided on a whim to go up. We timed it perfectly and got to watch the sunset and the lights turn on in the city. But as soon as the sun went down, it was freezing! Harper was falling asleep in Marcus’ arms as we walked around and I don’t know how she did. With the view and the wind, somehow she felt pretty safe in dad’s arms.
We also had the chance to walk around downtown Seattle. It was so fun walking around such hip and trendy areas, but we felt completely out of place pushing our DOUBLE stroller everywhere. We stopped at the cutest little shop with ice cream cookie sandwiches. Marcus has turned me into a total chocolate chip cookie snob and I’m not kidding when I say, he makes the best ones I’ve ever had! But Hello, Robin had the perfect crisp and softness and the inside was the ooey-gooey cookie I was hoping for. They also do a “Macklesmore” cookie with chocolate chips, graham crackers, and marshmallows. Pair those two cookies with Molly Moon’s ice cream and it was a dream in a cup. I probably could have had two!
By the end of the day we thought we had worn our girls out. They were both fighting colds and we figured they’d crash by the time we got to the hotel. Harper had a coughing fit and cried as soon as we put her in her pack and play. I felt so bad for her, we let her sleep in our bed. Big mistake! It was only the second time ever, and the first was when we were forced to. We forgot how miserable it is sleeping with a toddler, and she took up most of the bed and woke up hourly readjusting and spouting off the most random things! Marcus and I were just laughing in the middle of the night at some of the things she was saying. Having children around always makes life interesting!
I was a little nervous about taking two kids to a GLASS museum. But when it was rated #1 on TripAdvisor as the top thing to do in Seattle, I started to decide it may be worth checking out. And we were so glad we did! The glass was beautiful, and I felt like we were in different scenes from Alice in Wonderland. And Harper only got yelled at once for touching the platform. Oops!
Since it was right below the Space Needle, I asked Marcus if he had ever been up it. I had only been once in 8th grade and when he said “No,” we decided on a whim to go up. We timed it perfectly and got to watch the sunset and the lights turn on in the city. But as soon as the sun went down, it was freezing! Harper was falling asleep in Marcus’ arms as we walked around and I don’t know how she did. With the view and the wind, somehow she felt pretty safe in dad’s arms.
We also had the chance to walk around downtown Seattle. It was so fun walking around such hip and trendy areas, but we felt completely out of place pushing our DOUBLE stroller everywhere. We stopped at the cutest little shop with ice cream cookie sandwiches. Marcus has turned me into a total chocolate chip cookie snob and I’m not kidding when I say, he makes the best ones I’ve ever had! But Hello, Robin had the perfect crisp and softness and the inside was the ooey-gooey cookie I was hoping for. They also do a “Macklesmore” cookie with chocolate chips, graham crackers, and marshmallows. Pair those two cookies with Molly Moon’s ice cream and it was a dream in a cup. I probably could have had two!
By the end of the day we thought we had worn our girls out. They were both fighting colds and we figured they’d crash by the time we got to the hotel. Harper had a coughing fit and cried as soon as we put her in her pack and play. I felt so bad for her, we let her sleep in our bed. Big mistake! It was only the second time ever, and the first was when we were forced to. We forgot how miserable it is sleeping with a toddler, and she took up most of the bed and woke up hourly readjusting and spouting off the most random things! Marcus and I were just laughing in the middle of the night at some of the things she was saying. Having children around always makes life interesting!
MOTHERHOOD AND WOMANHOOD
January 25, 2017
There isn’t a perfect picture to describe motherhood. Although, a quick look at Instagram may seem otherwise. The perfect pictures don’t show the sleepless hours, endless diapers, and limitless prayers that are given for our children. But did you know that negative experiences are easier to recall than positive ones? After hearing this I decided to make more of an effort to remember the good- and to learn from the negative. I never want to completely forget my faults or the challenging times when I’ve locked myself in the bathroom and cried because I thought motherhood was hard or served chicken nuggets to my toddler for lunch, and then again for dinner (who’s with me on this? Anybody?) But instead I chose to change my focus. To grow from the challenging times, but turn my FOCUS towards the good.
I consider having the opportunity to stay at home with my children one of my greatest blessings. I use to have so much anxiety when I’d fill out forms about what to write in the box that says “Occupation.” Now I have so much pride when I hear my daughter say “Please and/or Thank you” and when she waits her turn or shares with a little, “Here you go!” Now does this happen every time in our “perfect” life? Absolutely not. In fact it probably happens less than it probably should. But when it does, I want to remember it and think, I taught her that. Because if not me, who would?
My role as a mother, has in turn, taught me so much about my role as a woman. We, as women, take on so many responsibilities and obligations but sometimes it’s hard for me to remember my greatest commitment is to my family, and to my children. This past weekend I came across a quote from a church leader during the 2000 General Conference that said, “Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity.”
When I think about the woman and the mother I’d like to be, the words that come to my mind are: tender, kind, faithful. And while there are many women who I look up to who are “tough” and even “famed” (let’s face it!)-I think it’s also important to remember balance. Women are given so many divine characteristics and talents, which is why womanhood is such a beautiful thing. I simply choose to be a woman of God, and a mother, and shouldn’t be looked down upon because of it. And maybe one day my daughters will be able to look up and want this same desire for themselves too.
There isn’t a perfect picture to describe motherhood. Although, a quick look at Instagram may seem otherwise. The perfect pictures don’t show the sleepless hours, endless diapers, and limitless prayers that are given for our children. But did you know that negative experiences are easier to recall than positive ones? After hearing this I decided to make more of an effort to remember the good- and to learn from the negative. I never want to completely forget my faults or the challenging times when I’ve locked myself in the bathroom and cried because I thought motherhood was hard or served chicken nuggets to my toddler for lunch, and then again for dinner (who’s with me on this? Anybody?) But instead I chose to change my focus. To grow from the challenging times, but turn my FOCUS towards the good.
I consider having the opportunity to stay at home with my children one of my greatest blessings. I use to have so much anxiety when I’d fill out forms about what to write in the box that says “Occupation.” Now I have so much pride when I hear my daughter say “Please and/or Thank you” and when she waits her turn or shares with a little, “Here you go!” Now does this happen every time in our “perfect” life? Absolutely not. In fact it probably happens less than it probably should. But when it does, I want to remember it and think, I taught her that. Because if not me, who would?
My role as a mother, has in turn, taught me so much about my role as a woman. We, as women, take on so many responsibilities and obligations but sometimes it’s hard for me to remember my greatest commitment is to my family, and to my children. This past weekend I came across a quote from a church leader during the 2000 General Conference that said, “Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity.”
When I think about the woman and the mother I’d like to be, the words that come to my mind are: tender, kind, faithful. And while there are many women who I look up to who are “tough” and even “famed” (let’s face it!)-I think it’s also important to remember balance. Women are given so many divine characteristics and talents, which is why womanhood is such a beautiful thing. I simply choose to be a woman of God, and a mother, and shouldn’t be looked down upon because of it. And maybe one day my daughters will be able to look up and want this same desire for themselves too.
GRADUATION & BABY BLESSINGS
January 10, 2017
It was so nice being able to attend Marcus' sister, Jen's, graduation from UNLV. Not only were we able to be there, but also his parents who are currently serving a mission in Omaha, Nebraska and all of his siblings. We were able to pack a lot in, in just a few short days. Lots of tacos, desserts, and family time. We had so much fun as new siblings, and cousins, flew in and out everyday! Strolling through the casinos one night, cousin Autumn and Harper, were holding hands window shopping. I was literally DYING watching these two act like they were 16 instead of 2 and 3!
On Saturday we were able to attend graduation and it was one of the most entertaining graduations we'd ever been to. During the opening ceremonies they had a rapper come out and welcome in all the graduates. Harper loooved it. And so did we. Jen was also chosen to be the graduate speaker so it was great to watch her up there on the podium. We were all so proud of her! A single-mom, going through the adoption process, and still obtaining her Master's in Family Therapy. And yet, Jen would probably say her hardest challenge at the moment was potty training! Yeah, she's amazing.
On Saturday we were able to attend graduation and it was one of the most entertaining graduations we'd ever been to. During the opening ceremonies they had a rapper come out and welcome in all the graduates. Harper loooved it. And so did we. Jen was also chosen to be the graduate speaker so it was great to watch her up there on the podium. We were all so proud of her! A single-mom, going through the adoption process, and still obtaining her Master's in Family Therapy. And yet, Jen would probably say her hardest challenge at the moment was potty training! Yeah, she's amazing.
Later that afternoon, we were able to witness Jen's daughter, Autumn, receive a child's blessing by Marcus' dad. Jen and Autumn have been miracles in one another's lives and it was so special to be a part of such a wonderful day.
Afterwards, we were able to bless our sweet little Elle Emery. The blessing focused on how Elle would be a strong individual and would be able to be a good example to those around her growing up. Elle has already become such a huge part of our family and she has such a good disposition about her. Having all of Marcus' family there in attendance was a pretty neat/and rare(!) experience as well.
Harper had so much fun being able to see her Grandma and Papa Henry. Everyday at breakfast Harper would look over the balcony and yell, "Papa! Hiyee" down below. And Grandma Henry brought small princess dolls for each of the girls to play with and are now one of Harper's favorite-because somehow she ended up with all of them in her suitcase! Elle was seriously the easiest baby to have along on the trip. I was somewhat nervous about carting a newborn around, but she slept through the night, and most of the day, perfectly. We've decided that travelling with a two month old is definitely the way to go!
It was so nice being able to attend Marcus' sister, Jen's, graduation from UNLV. Not only were we able to be there, but also his parents who are currently serving a mission in Omaha, Nebraska and all of his siblings. We were able to pack a lot in, in just a few short days. Lots of tacos, desserts, and family time. We had so much fun as new siblings, and cousins, flew in and out everyday! Strolling through the casinos one night, cousin Autumn and Harper, were holding hands window shopping. I was literally DYING watching these two act like they were 16 instead of 2 and 3!
On Saturday we were able to attend graduation and it was one of the most entertaining graduations we'd ever been to. During the opening ceremonies they had a rapper come out and welcome in all the graduates. Harper loooved it. And so did we. Jen was also chosen to be the graduate speaker so it was great to watch her up there on the podium. We were all so proud of her! A single-mom, going through the adoption process, and still obtaining her Master's in Family Therapy. And yet, Jen would probably say her hardest challenge at the moment was potty training! Yeah, she's amazing.
On Saturday we were able to attend graduation and it was one of the most entertaining graduations we'd ever been to. During the opening ceremonies they had a rapper come out and welcome in all the graduates. Harper loooved it. And so did we. Jen was also chosen to be the graduate speaker so it was great to watch her up there on the podium. We were all so proud of her! A single-mom, going through the adoption process, and still obtaining her Master's in Family Therapy. And yet, Jen would probably say her hardest challenge at the moment was potty training! Yeah, she's amazing.
Later that afternoon, we were able to witness Jen's daughter, Autumn, receive a child's blessing by Marcus' dad. Jen and Autumn have been miracles in one another's lives and it was so special to be a part of such a wonderful day.
Afterwards, we were able to bless our sweet little Elle Emery. The blessing focused on how Elle would be a strong individual and would be able to be a good example to those around her growing up. Elle has already become such a huge part of our family and she has such a good disposition about her. Having all of Marcus' family there in attendance was a pretty neat/and rare(!) experience as well.
Harper had so much fun being able to see her Grandma and Papa Henry. Everyday at breakfast Harper would look over the balcony and yell, "Papa! Hiyee" down below. And Grandma Henry brought small princess dolls for each of the girls to play with and are now one of Harper's favorite-because somehow she ended up with all of them in her suitcase! Elle was seriously the easiest baby to have along on the trip. I was somewhat nervous about carting a newborn around, but she slept through the night, and most of the day, perfectly. We've decided that travelling with a two month old is definitely the way to go!
IKEA CHILDREN'S PLAY KITCHEN HACK
January 3, 2017
With Christmas approaching and still having no idea what we
were going to get Harper, we decided at last minute to get her a play kitchen.
I had been browsing different kitchens on Pinterest when I saw an IKEA hack.
For those that don’t yet know what an IKEA hack is, it’s taking IKEA’s
furniture and most of the time turning it into something bigger and better! And
usually at a reasonable price. I knew I didn’t want to spend a ton of money on
a child’s play kitchen, but also wanted something that wouldn’t stand out in a
crazy color. So after searching a few Pinterest tutorials on how others had
done it, I started a shopping cart at Amazon and two days later (thank you
Amazon Prime!) we had all our materials.
Luckily, we have a secret workshop. So Harper didn’t see anything until Christmas morning. It took a good two days for us to finish. The first day we got all the pieces organized by what color they needed to be painted. We decided to paint the bottom half black using this paint, and the top half white using this paint and the accessories all gold. The first day we flipped, and primed all the pieces (two coats) and left them out overnight.
Luckily, we have a secret workshop. So Harper didn’t see anything until Christmas morning. It took a good two days for us to finish. The first day we got all the pieces organized by what color they needed to be painted. We decided to paint the bottom half black using this paint, and the top half white using this paint and the accessories all gold. The first day we flipped, and primed all the pieces (two coats) and left them out overnight.
While all the paint was drying, one of my favorite things we did was the counter top. We used adhesive marble grey contact paper that we bought off Amazon. I rolled out a piece on top of the countertop and smoothed out any bubbles. I scored a big X on the inside where the stove and sink would go and folded down the pieces. For the outside edges, I wrapped it similar to a Christmas present. Folding the corners down first, and then the sides. It turned so much better than I expected!
Next, once the paint was dry, we assembled the kitchen just
following the directions. I picked up a foam board at Walmart for the
backsplash, and cut it down to size (27inx19). Then we took a leveler and a
sharpie and drew straight lines for a “subway tile” look. We just attached it
to the back hammering small nails to the wood along the sides.
For the knobs on the front, I just bought 1.25in wood knobs at Walmart-but you could use any kind of knobs you want. After
spray painting them gold, I had Marcus drill four holes into the wood piece in
the front. I just eyeballed their distance because honestly, it was late, and I
couldn’t figure out the math-Ha!
One of my favorite details is the blackboard sign I picked up on a whim while
at Walmart. I cut off the string for hanging and we screwed the sign onto the
side panel of the kitchen. I was so relieved it was a perfect fit. Now Harper
can turn her kitchen into a café/restaurant/food truck(?), depending on the
day. I also loved how the monogrammed tea towel turned out. It was the perfect
finishing touch.
For the kitchen light, I bought this tap light. I struggled with how to screw it into the top, and then decided to try using velcro first. And it worked! The light is so light, the velcro holds it just fine as Harper turns it off and on-a million times a day.
We didn’t expect how much she would love it right from the get go. It seriously
makes me so happy to watch her stir in her pots and pans and cook in the microwave.
She proudly then hands dishes to Marcus and I, and Baby Elle, saying “Here go,
Mommy.”
Let me know if you have any questions!
With Christmas approaching and still having no idea what we
were going to get Harper, we decided at last minute to get her a play kitchen.
I had been browsing different kitchens on Pinterest when I saw an IKEA hack.
For those that don’t yet know what an IKEA hack is, it’s taking IKEA’s
furniture and most of the time turning it into something bigger and better! And
usually at a reasonable price. I knew I didn’t want to spend a ton of money on
a child’s play kitchen, but also wanted something that wouldn’t stand out in a
crazy color. So after searching a few Pinterest tutorials on how others had
done it, I started a shopping cart at Amazon and two days later (thank you
Amazon Prime!) we had all our materials.
Luckily, we have a secret workshop. So Harper didn’t see anything until Christmas morning. It took a good two days for us to finish. The first day we got all the pieces organized by what color they needed to be painted. We decided to paint the bottom half black using this paint, and the top half white using this paint and the accessories all gold. The first day we flipped, and primed all the pieces (two coats) and left them out overnight.
Luckily, we have a secret workshop. So Harper didn’t see anything until Christmas morning. It took a good two days for us to finish. The first day we got all the pieces organized by what color they needed to be painted. We decided to paint the bottom half black using this paint, and the top half white using this paint and the accessories all gold. The first day we flipped, and primed all the pieces (two coats) and left them out overnight.
While all the paint was drying, one of my favorite things we did was the counter top. We used adhesive marble grey contact paper that we bought off Amazon. I rolled out a piece on top of the countertop and smoothed out any bubbles. I scored a big X on the inside where the stove and sink would go and folded down the pieces. For the outside edges, I wrapped it similar to a Christmas present. Folding the corners down first, and then the sides. It turned so much better than I expected!
Next, once the paint was dry, we assembled the kitchen just
following the directions. I picked up a foam board at Walmart for the
backsplash, and cut it down to size (27inx19). Then we took a leveler and a
sharpie and drew straight lines for a “subway tile” look. We just attached it
to the back hammering small nails to the wood along the sides.
For the knobs on the front, I just bought 1.25in wood knobs at Walmart-but you could use any kind of knobs you want. After
spray painting them gold, I had Marcus drill four holes into the wood piece in
the front. I just eyeballed their distance because honestly, it was late, and I
couldn’t figure out the math-Ha!
One of my favorite details is the blackboard sign I picked up on a whim while
at Walmart. I cut off the string for hanging and we screwed the sign onto the
side panel of the kitchen. I was so relieved it was a perfect fit. Now Harper
can turn her kitchen into a café/restaurant/food truck(?), depending on the
day. I also loved how the monogrammed tea towel turned out. It was the perfect
finishing touch.
For the kitchen light, I bought this tap light. I struggled with how to screw it into the top, and then decided to try using velcro first. And it worked! The light is so light, the velcro holds it just fine as Harper turns it off and on-a million times a day.
We didn’t expect how much she would love it right from the get go. It seriously
makes me so happy to watch her stir in her pots and pans and cook in the microwave.
She proudly then hands dishes to Marcus and I, and Baby Elle, saying “Here go,
Mommy.”
Let me know if you have any questions!
MERRY CHRISTMAS
December 26, 2016
Our Christmas season was packed full of time spent with family. Having both of our families only 10 minutes away from one another means time spent together with all of them, including extended family. But we also wouldn't have it any other way! We've had lots of laughing, caroling, and even more good food. Christmas Eve we spent time with the Henry's for a progressive dinner. It was crazy having 25 of us in each location, starting with our house for appetizers, the Haertlings' for soup and salad, and the Henry's for dessert. And that wasn't even everyone! But the best part was finishing up caroling, visiting good friends, and the reenactment of the Nativity we do every year. This year we had TWO children in it. It still seems weird that we have two kids sometimes. Elle got to star as the baby Jesus. It was SO sweet seeing our niece Emma hold her. It may be my new favorite picture. Harper of course wanted to wear a bright green tutu and wedding veil-so we'll call her an angel.
On Sunday we woke up early, attended church, and then spent the rest of the evening having all of Ashley's family at our house. It was our first time cooking prime rib and we almost overdid it, but really, you can't mess up prime rib, right?! Harper and Elle were totally spoiled and we may even have one or two presents under the tree for them still!
We hope you all had a very, Merry Christmas and enjoyed your time spent with family and friends. We are so grateful for all our many blessings that come from up above, and most importantly, for our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are so blessed to know that He lived and died for us and that our family can be together forever because of Him.
On Sunday we woke up early, attended church, and then spent the rest of the evening having all of Ashley's family at our house. It was our first time cooking prime rib and we almost overdid it, but really, you can't mess up prime rib, right?! Harper and Elle were totally spoiled and we may even have one or two presents under the tree for them still!
We hope you all had a very, Merry Christmas and enjoyed your time spent with family and friends. We are so grateful for all our many blessings that come from up above, and most importantly, for our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are so blessed to know that He lived and died for us and that our family can be together forever because of Him.
Our Christmas season was packed full of time spent with family. Having both of our families only 10 minutes away from one another means time spent together with all of them, including extended family. But we also wouldn't have it any other way! We've had lots of laughing, caroling, and even more good food. Christmas Eve we spent time with the Henry's for a progressive dinner. It was crazy having 25 of us in each location, starting with our house for appetizers, the Haertlings' for soup and salad, and the Henry's for dessert. And that wasn't even everyone! But the best part was finishing up caroling, visiting good friends, and the reenactment of the Nativity we do every year. This year we had TWO children in it. It still seems weird that we have two kids sometimes. Elle got to star as the baby Jesus. It was SO sweet seeing our niece Emma hold her. It may be my new favorite picture. Harper of course wanted to wear a bright green tutu and wedding veil-so we'll call her an angel.
On Sunday we woke up early, attended church, and then spent the rest of the evening having all of Ashley's family at our house. It was our first time cooking prime rib and we almost overdid it, but really, you can't mess up prime rib, right?! Harper and Elle were totally spoiled and we may even have one or two presents under the tree for them still!
We hope you all had a very, Merry Christmas and enjoyed your time spent with family and friends. We are so grateful for all our many blessings that come from up above, and most importantly, for our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are so blessed to know that He lived and died for us and that our family can be together forever because of Him.
On Sunday we woke up early, attended church, and then spent the rest of the evening having all of Ashley's family at our house. It was our first time cooking prime rib and we almost overdid it, but really, you can't mess up prime rib, right?! Harper and Elle were totally spoiled and we may even have one or two presents under the tree for them still!
We hope you all had a very, Merry Christmas and enjoyed your time spent with family and friends. We are so grateful for all our many blessings that come from up above, and most importantly, for our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are so blessed to know that He lived and died for us and that our family can be together forever because of Him.
HELLO DECEMBER
December 4, 2016
That night we decided to watch Miracle on 34th St and have hot chocolate. Harper loved watching Santa Claus on TV and decided she was ok with coloring him a picture of what she wanted for Christmas. So on Saturday we took her to the big, red, mail box to send it off. Elle asked for a personalized blanket and Harper asked for a power wheels. Ashley thinks she's old enough to get one, and Marcus said, "Maybe next year."
That night we decided to watch Miracle on 34th St and have hot chocolate. Harper loved watching Santa Claus on TV and decided she was ok with coloring him a picture of what she wanted for Christmas. So on Saturday we took her to the big, red, mail box to send it off. Elle asked for a personalized blanket and Harper asked for a power wheels. Ashley thinks she's old enough to get one, and Marcus said, "Maybe next year."
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