{pretty, happy, funny, real}

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life~

Hosted every Thursday at Like Mother, Like Daughter

{pretty}

One of my favorite things this time of year is the beauty of the Christmas tree. I think what I enjoy most is the fond memories that our ornaments hold. While I have 'filler' ornaments to fill in the blanks on the tree, there are plenty of ornaments that each of the kids have received in their lifetime. Hubby and I have several of our favorites, along with our first Christmas together, our new home and a special hand painted one for our miscarried baby.

Add to that the cute baby under the tree that is filled with wonder as she swats at the branches and ornaments, wich makes it even more memorable.

C'mon, don't those big blue eyes just exude innocence?

{happy}

There is something about that father-child bond that is so special and precious to watch. My husband has certain games/songs and things that he does with each of the kids. While they are young, each has enjoyed his rendition of 'this little piggy' as he plays with their toes. The other evening it again received rave reviews and laughter from Margaret. I love these happy moments that are captured in time and forever written on our hearts.

{funny}

I am learning that boys are a funny thing. Boys in a house filled with girls are an even funnier thing. While snapping away taking photos, I turn to my son for a quick shot. He gives me this pose. I can't help but laugh at the difference of a boy, but also at the unique joy he brings. It's a mother-son thing, I'm sure.

{real}

Hot chocolate and cookies with friends is one of the little things this week that helped us keep our mind on the season of Advent. How precious and few are the moments of preparation, as well as the cultivation of friendship in the midst of life's busyness. The kids enjoyed the sweet treats, a whole can of whipped cream and lots of laughter together during our little visit. Savoring the simple joys is a very real part of this season. The season of Advent and this current season of life in our household.

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life~

{pretty}

There's nothing quite like Christmas music being played by youngsters that puts you in the Christmas spirit. The kids had their piano recital the other evening and I couldn't help but take several photos. They both looked so nice all dressed up (Jonah insisted on wearing the shirt and tie) and relieved that their performance was finished.

Having grandparents share in your performance also adds to that happy feeling and excitement.

It makes a mom proud for her children's hard work (and her own for getting them to weekly lesson and practicing each day) when they sit in front of the piano and play a tune.

{happy}

Photos like this one of chipper little morning toddler almost make the miserable night's of her screaming and crying easily forgotten. Almost. This girl is talking more and more each day and strings words and familiar phrases together so well. We have to laugh when we hear her talking to herself and she is getting into things and says, "Careful...Gianna...."

{funny}

The other day I turned from the kitchen and found this stinker had crawled into the laundry basket. She was so proud of herself and I couldn't help but laugh. The ever-constant reminder that children grow too quickly and that she is swiftly wrapping up her first year of life. Where has the time gone?

{real}

The recital on Tuesday was the very first for my Mr. Studly and while he completely forgot to play part of his first song, I chalk it up to opening night jitters. Since he only began lessons in late September, he is progressing nicely and doing well. Despite some resistance at times, I am still hoping to help this boy find his niche some place. It may not be piano, but I think the music practice and lessons are beneficial for him. Sometimes he needs someone besides mom correcting and sharpening his learning skills.

    Find more {phfr} over at Like Mother, Like Daughter every Thursday.

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

~Capturing the context of everyday life~

 

 

{pretty}

 

 

New signs of spring in my flower garden. While so many of the plants are just peeking out and greening up over this past week, the tulips are in bloom. They help make the winter a distant and faint memory as the days warm up and whisk away the remnants of cold, white winter.

{happy}

It's flip flop weather! My favorite time of year, despite not having the most pretty feet. I do love when it's warm enough to begin breaking out the flip flops though. Slide my feet in and away I go. They will definitely come in handy this summer as I try to keep up with little Miss On-The-Go, Gianna.

{funny}

The smile says it all. This girl is beginning to show off her fun personality as she tries more and more each day to talk to us. In a quick instant, she can go from little troublemaker to hilarious toddler. She runs around the house with her long hair flopping wildly up and down as she come barreling around the corner. I can't help but laugh at this funny little lady. I caught her in this photo when I turned on the camera, called her name and she turned, flashing this wide smile.

{real}

A quiet moment with my littlest girl all snuggled in close. She is such a sweet baby, who is so easy to take care of with few demands. I take advantage of the moment and smell her sweetness amidst the coziness. It doesn't get any more {real} than a quiet moment with my Snuggle Bug.



{Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real}

With this being my most favorite time of year, it was time to kick myself into gear and get decorating. The big kids helped me over the last two days spread Christmas and Advent cheer to the barrenness of the ordinary in our home. The outcome is somewhat minimalistic compared to what I have done in the past, but I added more to the tree and focused more on the main rooms-living room and dining room. Honestly, that was about all the energy I could put into the effort.

And I like it this way.

{pretty} above the dining room table

{happy} little girl who is less than eager each morning to let daddy leave for work. Some days she cries when she notices that he is getting his coat and shoes on to leave for the day. We do our best to entertain her and keep her busy as he slips out the door, but we still stand at the window and she waves good bye most every morning. While the parting is tough, she loves her treasured morning moments with daddy and I think he does just as much.

Too bad my Christmas photo cards have already been ordered and are printed. Otherwise, this photo may have made it on the front. It's {funny} because it was such a real and heartbreaking moment for Gianna, but we were trying to make the best of it.

The tree was up and decorated and we were celebrating, but Gianna did not feel very celebratory at the moment. I will not share with you another photo taken the moment before that certainly could have told a different story and would have made it under the {real} part of this post. Let's just say that a certain older child was very much more crabby in the previous shot.

A {real} moment during decorating. Each child has a photo of their First Christmas and hanging their first ornament on the tree. Thankfully, I remembered to have my little photographer snap this one.

Happy Weekend to all of you! I am hoping to manage some more baking with all my helpers, rest a bit and just enjoy the Advent weekend.


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{pretty, happy, funny, real}

This is my first time to {pretty, happy, funny, real} and I couldn't wait to finally join in!

{pretty}

My gardens around the yard are almost at their peak and full of blooms. They have taken nine years to cultivate and grow, but now I am able to enjoy them from my window. It's the beauty that I envisioned for our yard so long ago when we built our house and I love it!

{happy}

Rarely captured in a photo together, my boy and my baby.

{funny}

Isn't that new crop of fuzz on Gianna just cute? The light hit it perfectly and highlighted its static growth.

Bubbles, she's got lots of 'em! Never have we had a more bubble-icious baby. This one was caught by one of my resident junior photographers.

{real}

How could I have forgotten this stage? Teething is in full force and if she can grab it, Gianna's got it in her mouth (including the Stewardship bulletin insert). We have to be careful now though because her first little toofer is sharp and poking out already. Yikes!




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