Gifts and a Giveaway!

I received this beautiful book in the mail the other day. 

Unwrapping the Greatest Gift A Family Celebration of Christmas by Ann Voskamp

I am not sure who sent it, though I have a couple of ideas, but that part doesn't really matter. I am sure if I was supposed to know I would. Thank you though to the person who sent it! We have only read one day from this book as a family, I have read a few more, but I look forward to using it for the rest of Advent and I am even more excited about pulling it out next Christmas and going through the entire book as a family. 

The pictures are just beautiful and hold the attention of our preschooler. 

You can get a closer look at the link under the first picture but the book has beautiful illustrations and most importantly points back to Jesus and the cross, He truly is our greatest gift this Christmas and all the time. 

So in the spirit of giving I am going to give away a copy of this book. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I have no affiliation with the author I just wanted to share the joy this book has brought to me. 

Christmas Time

Well Christmas is right around the corner and can I just say that I am so excited... not only is it Lane's first Christmas but my entire family will be here. I tear up as I write these words because I am so thankful! It has been five years since we have all been together for Christmas. My grandparents, parents, brother and his girlfriend and my brothers roommate (who we grew up with) will all be here.
Even though we will all be together it is hard too because Micah's family is in Georgia ~ it is hard when you want to be in two places at the same time. Thankfully though we will see them in just a few short weeks when we are in Georgia.
Enough of the sappy stuff here are some pictures from our Christmas card photo shoot (it seems so silly to call it that) our sweet friend and neighbor Eryn took the pictures.

We were standing in a foot of mud right here... it was gross. 

I forgot how hard it is to get everyone looking at the camera at the same time. 

Brothers and best friends.  

Grant was goofy as a loon while trying to take pictures. 

I love this one! 

MJ has such a great smile in this picture.
Grant is doing who knows what and Lane is just taking it all in. 

Throwing leaves. 

Tater Bug

Grantster

Just the girls.

We hope y'all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!! 

Finding Nemo ~ Being Found

Finding Nemo has always been a favorite of mine, I am pretty sure I owned the movie before I had kids. There is a scene in the movie when Nemo finds out that his dad has been searching for him, not just searching for him but enduring basically all the ocean can throw at him and he isn't giving up. At first Nemo thinks, not my dad, my dad wouldn't do that he is afraid of the ocean. When Nemo finds out that it really is his dad Marlin and that Marlin has battled sharks, escaped from angler fish, made it through a field of jelly fish, caught a ride with some sea turtles and even ends up in the belly of a whale all to find his son, Nemo is ecstatic and Nemo's hope is renewed.
I have to say that for years I have watched this part and have been saddened by the fact that my biological father didn't pursue me. He hasn't, as far as I know in the last 31 years even looked for me. This time though when we watched the movie and this scene came on I realized that God did and does. God pursues me, He fights for me and He saved me. I found joy in what used to always bring me sadness. This Thanksgiving I am so thankful for a God who saves, for a God who pursues and who sacrificed His only Son Jesus to save me from my sin.
Praise Be to God!
Happy Thanksgiving~

Little Lane's Six Month Pictures

Okay get ready for a lot of pictures but I couldn't help myself~ 

My friend Eryn came over the other afternoon to take some six month pictures of Lane. 

I hope y'all enjoy looking at them as much as I do. 

Grant Turns Four

Our sweet Grantster has turned 4! 

We are blessed beyond words with this sweet boy. 

He loves to have fun, he is a hard worker and tries to figure things out! 

Here are a few pictures from his motorcycle themed birthday party. 

Waiting to hit the motorcycle piñata. 

The motorcycle cake for our big four year old. 

Food! 

Racing theme banner. 

Drink station... plenty of sweet tea! 

Stop Light fruit skewers. 

We had "walking taco's" that I themed "racing taco's".
You grab a bag of chips, add taco meat and other toppings and eat out of the chip bag. 

Piñata time! 

Pop MJ and Grant on the new swings. 

Grant tried so hard. 

Happy Birthday time. 

Grant with his sweet friends. 

Gift Time! 

Uncle Brett with Lane. 

Grant and MJ working on the new Discovery computer from the Stock's. 

Invitation Front... 

Invitation back...

We are blessed with great friends here and we miss all of our friends and family back east.
What a joy it is to celebrate one of Gods sweet gifts to our family.

Lake Tahoe

The first weekend in October we were blessed with a little trip to Lake Tahoe. We enjoyed being with friends and having time as a family. Here are a few pictures from our trip: 

We walked down to Taylor Creek to see the salmon spawning. 

Lane and I on our walk to the creek. 

It is hard to tell but all of the pink in the water are the salmon. 

Then this incredible view happened.
It took me almost three years living here to drive all the way around Lake Tahoe.
I have been missing this view for way too long.
Emerald Bay is one of my new favorite places. 

This is the Vikingsholm Castle built in 1929.
It is at the mouth of Emerald Bay and was unfortunately closed for the winter.