merry christmas

Merry Christmas from our family to yours. We hope you feel the wonders of God's love this Christmas and throughout the new year!

family photos 2019

I like to update our family pictures every few years especially since it feels like the kids change daily. If we are all honest though, family photos can be the most stressful 20 minutes of your life:) The outfits most often are up to the mom to decide. Those alone require more thoughtful planning than you would think (Lets coordinate what we wear, but not be too matchy. Should we dress up or down, should I straighten or curl my hair, etc...).  And let's face it, the kids nor the husband really want to take these so the day of can be filled with moody people all around. This year, ours just happened to fall on my birthday. I was not looking forward to this, but we love to support an adoption group photo fundraiser each year and this just happened to be the day they were doing the pictures so I decided to put on my big girl pants and face the family photos on my birthday. It actually ended up being the best decision ever. We planned the pictures for around 4pm. I played the  "It's my birthday card" multiple times for both my husband and my kids and packed plenty of candy as a bribe for everyone to smile and look like we love each other (which we do by the way:).  We also had planned to eat dinner at our favorite restaurant in Charlotte right afterwards to celebrate! It worked out beautifully! 

I always cherish the photos once I receive them. So I would say it is definitely 

worth all the hassle. 

Jennifer Stover Photography

Adoption Support Alliance

oh, hello spring

Oh, hello spring. It was a long winter, but we knew you would eventually come. I am excited to brighten things up around the house, spring clean and garden outdoors and spend hours upon hours enjoying time outside with my family. We have been in a pattern of constant rain, but I must say, the spring flowers look extra beautiful this year. 

“Sometimes I need

only to stand

wherever I am 

to be blessed.” 

― Mary Oliver

blue and green tablescape

I trust you and yours had a very Merry Christmas! We hosted a small Christmas Eve dinner at our home and I used blues and greens for the tablescape. This color combination could work very nicely for a New Year's Eve or New Year's Day table setting as well. Just set aside some greenery from your tree before throwing it out. I like minimal table decor so there is room to pass the bread, wine and see all of those that are sitting around the table. 

Happy New Year! 

It is evident that two little ones sat here (no knives)

let your heart be light

Merry Christmas! Glory, glory to our Savior the Light of the world! 

“I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.” John 12:46

blue and green Christmas

I always love decorating for Christmas.  Each year, I try to add something new to the mix, but what I enjoy most is bringing out the decorations with memories that warm our hearts. I decorated the day after Thanksgiving this year so we really have been enjoying our Christmas home (despite the fresh garland starting to look crunchy:). Here are a few phone photos I have taken of our home. Blue and green continue to be my favorite Christmas colors.

christmas inspiration

It has been some time since I have been in this little blog space. I always feel more inspired to decorate this time of year. I just love it so much. You are probably busy decking your halls too for the holidays. Here are some simple Christmas ideas that are catching my eyes. 

all via pinterest