Picking out a Christmas Tree

So the Saturday after Thanksgiving the three of us set out first thing in the morning to the NC Farmers Market to pick out our Christmas tree. This year I was super excited for all things Christmas because last year the whole Holiday season was a blur with having a newborn who was NOT sleeping for us. It literally was a haze for both Zak and I. That said, this year I wanted to start early and soak up every minute of it.

We were overwhelmed by all the vendors at the market and so we quickly went booth to booth to price compare. Quickly, we found a great deal on a 8 foot tree and headed home.

My attempt at getting a family shot....swing and a miss! 

Bass Lake...

Earlier in December, we set out as a fam to Bass Lake in Holly Springs to take a few pictures in hopes of getting a good Christmas card picture with the help of our dear friend Carrie. Unfortunately, all the pictures Miss Carrie took were on our laptop that dies on us this past weekend so I only have the ones from our camera. Unfortunately, with the wind and the fact that everything was overcast and grey it wasn't quite the look I was hoping for so we wound up using a picture from Thanksgiving! But we still have a really fun morning seeing friends and chasing around our wild toddler. Carrie wound up bringing husband Chad and her little peanut Jack who is roughly 6 weeks older than Will. 

I just love love love this picture I took of my little monkey  rocking in the big rocking chairs! Be still my heart!

 I just can't get over how big my little man has become. He officially looks like a toddler...

When we got home we managed to rig our camera to take a few shots in front of the Christmas tree. It is always disappointing to me how cameras never accurately capture the glow of a Christmas tree. 

  My two favorite men!

My 29th Birthday

Well it's my last year in my 20's and I must say, they have been very very good to me! Well, better said is that the Lord has been very good and blessed me greatly. Graduated college. Got my first job doing what I loved. Met an amazing man. Got married. Found out we were expecting. Had the greatest joy of my life- Will. Became a Mom. All in all, this has been a very satisfying decade and I must admit, I'm even more excited about the next 10 years!

We started off my birthday by meeting Dada for a special birthday lunch at Cafe Carolina  and it was wonderful! I love seeing my main squeeze for lunch dates! 

Then that evening we met up with my whole fam at Lucky 32 in Cary for a delicious birthday dinner! I could not possibly have felt any more loved!

....and then when I got home Zak had another special card with the cutest coupons that he made for me with things like, "An afternoon out of the house" and "One long foot rub" it was soo kind and thoughtful! ...and then he brought out these four obnoxiously large cupcakes that he had picked up before dinner! To say I have a keeper is the understatement of the year! 

I wish I had taken some pictures, but the Monday following my sweet Mother in law had us over for a special homemade dinner complete with delicious fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls and one of my favorite deserts!

Here's to another GREAT year!

Thanksgiving Take Two!

The Friday after Thanksgiving we headed over to CeeCee and Pop's for a wonderful day of Thanksgiving fun! We played outside, swung on Pop's ridiculously big swing, enjoyed a yummy meal and I had the joy of battling the worst cold ever! But all in all it was a LOVELY day!

Just a few quick family shots!

Me and my sweet big sister Kelley who is due in March with their 2nd little girl! We can't wait!

 No family get together is complete without a good ride on Pop's shoulders!

Thanksgiving Take One!

So this year for Thanksgiving we celebrated with The Shipman's Thanksgiving night with all the cousins and kids at Zak's Aunt Penny and Uncle Greg's house. With three little one's running around there was certainly lots of excitement and PLENTY of great food! Unfortunately though, we didn't take a whole lot of pictures- next year, I'll do better!

 Just hanging with my Aunt Miranda!

Trying to hold a one year old for a pictures is like wrestling an alligator! 

Everything is better with Grandpa!

Look Who's Talking!

I am super late on posting this but our sweet Will is talking up a storm. I definitely wanted to document his speech progress over the next year but at 13 months Mr. Will is saying about 15 words with the number growing daily!

1. Momma
2. Dada
3. Dog
4. All done
5. No No
6. VaVa (Vaccuum)
7. Nana
8. CeeCee (once or twice)
9. Night Night (NighNigh)
10. Ball
11. More
12. Shoes
13. Uh oh
14. Bye Bye (once or twice)
15.   Oh No

Can't wait to see how many words he's using in just a few short months!

Truly Thankful.

As I take a moment to reflect on this past year of life, I am undoubtedly thankful. The Lord's hand on our family, our child, and our marriage has been overwhelming.

This past year was packed with up and downs, trials and victories, tears and laughter that all come with the addition of a certain little green eyed boy who has stolen our heart.

I am so grateful this thanksgiving for Grandma's who offer a break from the cyclical monotony of motherhood, a Dad who is constantly bringing over diaper and wipes (just because), a husband who appreciates all my hard work during the day and actively engages with his little boy when he gets home, a wonderful church that keeps me grounded on the truth of God's word, the fellowship of believers, wonderful friends who know how to make me laugh til it hurts and most of all for a risen savior, Jesus Christ who gives grace abundantly and unconditionally.

This Thanksgiving I find myself very content and truly thankful.