Asher {7 months}

Asher (7 mos/A Day in the Life)

This fourth little one is loads of fun.  I still marvel at God's goodness in giving us another little guy to love on.  Asher is crawling everywhere!  He gets on his knees and I know he'll be trying to pull up sooner rather than later.  He absolutely loves to eat.  He will put away a bowl of cereal, a veggie, a fruit, and then stuff as many puffs as possible into his cute little face.  He has a slight obsession with our dog, Savannah, who is ever patient with him. 

 

He is sleeping very well...about 11 hours at night and great naps during the day.  He lights up whenever his brothers are around and I think he secretly prayed for this ice storm to hit so he could see them a little more!  He loves anything that can pass for a ball...as long as it rolls and he can chase it.

 

His favorite toy is "Squeaky" his little teether monkey.  He is fascinated at Cade's basketball games and loves the action and people-watching.  He wears mostly 12 month clothes and it breaks this momma's heart that he is growing so fast. 

 

He would live beside the Christmas tree if we would let him.  It is just so pretty and bright.

 

His disposition seems to remind me of Cade as a baby.  He seems to take it all in and be observant.  But, then he gets to laughing and reminds me of Eli.  And then again, he is laid back and that makes me think of Sam.  He is all of them and none of them.  He is simply Asher.

 



Our Ice Day in Pictures

Burlap Stockings (My Love Language)

One of my favorite things about our new house is our mantel and fireplace!  A few weeks ago, we lit that baby right up, sat back with huge grins and realized that it was our first "house-fire" in 15 years of marriage!  I love having a mantel to decorate with each season!  This year, I wanted some froo-froo burlap stockings cause I am a girl among zero girls.  Sometimes a momma just needs a little frill!  I knew just the person to call!

 

Paige is all things creative!  You can't beat her prices or the quality.  If you are looking for stockings, pillows, canvases, embroidery, aprons, or you-name-it,  she is your gal!  Here is her website. 

 

My "O Come let us adore Him" sign was crafted by my amazing sister, Amelia. She is some kind of gifted, too!  I love that the sign hangs in the center of the room, pointing us to the main reason for Christmas.  May our hearts truly adore Him.

 

I have big plans for the JOY buckets.  My friend Michelle apparently has a truckload of rosemary in her backyard.  Once Ice-ageddon 2013 passes, I shall fill those babies right up with that heavenly herb!

 

This is the first season I have had such fun and meaningful Christmas decorations.  Fa-la-la!!!

 

Now I am off to make Zuppa Toscana.  I grabbed the last bunch of kale at Kroger today.  Forget milk and bread, I went to the store for kale.  That soup is calling my name.



 

Gathering Around the Table



Sometimes it is the simple things but I guess they are really the big things.  The older I get, the more thankful I am that we can all gather around the table, this year with an extra little fella!  We all cooked and cooked and enjoyed a mighty feast including smoked turkey, mmm.  Along with the traditional chocolate, pumpkin, and pecan, "impossible pie" made an appearance, which stole my tastebuds away.

 

After stuffing our faces, we sat on the huge couch while Kirby dug out his guitar.  We found a couple of hymn books and sang til our Nana was smiling ear to ear.  I am pretty much in my happy place when I get to hear my Mom sing.  Combine that with the words of old hymns, and my heart was just oozing thankfulness.

 

After all the festivities and feasting, I decided I was going to do something for the first time...hit a few stores on Black Friday.  I don't get to shop often enough with Amelia, so this was our ticket to a little fun!  I was abhorred and fascinated all at the same time.  I made it until midnight, which is a feat in itself. Even without coffee!

 

I hated all the grabbing and materialism and crowds and seeing BABIES out who were needing their beds!  But I did love making memories with my sister, finding a dressy wool coat for $59 marked down from $200, and realizing that I can say no to other things even if they are a good bargain.

 

Because, in the end, the gathering around the table is what really matters.