make a run for it.

just a bit of running back and forth. always a good time.

photo play.

ive been spending some time lately attempting to learn a bit...or rather a lot, on the camera. its been so long since i have had a nice camera so i picked up a few library books and am attempting to learn through some reading and practice. i pretty much feel clueless to it all; but i sure am having fun trying. here are a few recent snaps. i have a whole new respect for those amazing photographers out there, knowing how much can go into a shot. 

whole lotta love.

now what to do since we have used up all the valentines material having fun, pretend valentines everyday at home? just you wait henry higgins, just you wait. to be honest, im not quite sure myself yet. 

seriously.

i would say i am pretty fortunate to have been in the presence of some really great photographers. we recently partook in some photos for the Hubbard's ads, and followed this up with a home tour photo shoot for a new online magazine, Emma, which I will share later (keep a lookout for their March issue...in which our home will be featured).

 for now, how darn cute is that Mikey guy above? Many thanks to Clare (Hubbard) Karp for the lovely pics!! 

greatest uncle.

with my younger brother Al in town for his last college Christmas break, we were fortunate enough to have some good quality time hanging out and enjoying his good...perfect company. my kids light up everytime i tell them uncle Al is coming over. they basically think he is the greatest thing ever. 

so here are few of the kiddos playing with him at my parents after a nice day well spent with him at the zoo. thanks for being such a trooper Al and playing with these wild guys. means the world to them!

that crazy time of year.

so a wee break from the kitchen, cleaning, and picking up stuff. i rarely ever put much time into this space anymore. time is just going at lightning speed lately; trying to keep up with kids, baking, presents, and the general insanity that is this time of year. i thought for sure i was ahead of the game this year...oh well, maybe next year! 

i am incredibly grateful for all we have been able to do: a bit of ice skating, passing out cookies to friends, pajama time with cousins, and lots of good snuggle time over movies. its too bad it goes by so quickly! in light of recent events i am trying my hardest to cherish every little bit and working on that difficult task of letting go and letting God take care of things; i do indeed need to work on that one. so easy to get overwhelmed with life and try to figure it all out on your own. trust me, that is not a great plan. 

well, you may be getting your Christmas cards a bit late this year but i leave you with a little sneek peek thanks to Emily for another great year of pics! May you all be blessed with Christ this season, and have a Happy new year!! Merry Christmas to all!

pop tarts.

leftover pie dough? not up for having a whole pie? make pop tarts for fun. 
i had some dough leftover from thanksgiving pies so i recently made these for dessert one night. comfort food at its best. 

directions:

ingredients: two recipies of your favorite pie dough

roll out one to a nice rectangle shape. cut into eight equal size smaller rectangles. fill center with desired jam (we have done blueberry and homemade cranberry sauce recently; leave space around edges. brush egg around edges. 

roll out other dough to same size and cut. top the first rectagles with these and press down lightly with fingers. slightly press also with fork and poke a few holes in the tops. brush tops with egg.

bake at 350 for about 20 minutes...until lightly browned. once cooled drizzle with a little lemon frost (lemon juice and powdered sugar). enjoy!