The Merriest

Christmas! I feel like we think and plan for it for weeks, sometimes months and then it's here and gone. Although our celebrations lasted a week! With both of our families in town, we like to be able to see everyone at some point around Christmas. Here is a picture recap of our festivities (starting at the beginning of December):

I hope everyone had a peace-filled and blessed Christmas!

robots

Here's proof that Max is a little obsessed with robots, even though his exposure to them has been quite minimal.

There was an elephant and rhino sitting on the shelf

Max points to the rhino: Elephant!

Me: No, that's a rhino. This is the elephant.

Max: Oh, yeah.

A few minutes goes by. He holds up the rhino

Max: Robots?

Me: Rhino


And today....


Me: Do you want to go see Santa?

Max: Yeah!

Me: You will have to sit on his lap and he'll probably ask you what you want for Christmas.

Max: Want.....

Thinks about it for a minute

Max: Robots!!

And just like that....he's two.

Hello friends. We have been so busy over the last few months that blogging felt a bit overwhelming on top of everything else. But I'm back! And our little boy is TWO. I know everyone says this, but how did that happen?! Yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital, I swear. And now he's practically a teenager. Please time, you need to slow down!

I will be posting pictures of his birthday party, as well as what we have been up to over the last three months, but for now here are a few 2 year old pics of the lad.

Maxwell David:

We are having SO much fun with you. Your goofy personality brings a smile to my face countless times every day. You are so smart, surprising me all the time with your growing vocabulary and knowledge of the world around you. We are so thankful for you, buddy.

Here are some of your favorite things at the moment:

- Buzz

-Marshmallows

- Pooh

-Curious George

- Tomato soup

-Doing everything by yourself - "I do it!"

-Playing with Daddy

You are my very heart, sweetie boy. I love you!

Game Changer

I have never been a good housekeeper. Never. However, I get stressed when the house is in total chaos and disarray, so I try to at least have the place picked up every few days. But lately I have just been feeling overwhelmed. With a toddler running around, the house is in a constant state of "tornado alley."And I never had time to craft anymore, which I was really missing. So I did something that was a total game changer for me. I made a cleaning schedule!  I am a geeky list person, so why it took me so long to do this, I will never know. I HIGHLY recommend this to any moms out there feeling overwhelmed trying to keep the house at least somewhat put together.
This is my list:

Monday - Vacuum, Bathroom, Sheets

Tuesday - Laundry, Kitchen

Wednesday - Craft day

Thursday - open (Max is usually with my mom so I can run errands. I'm spoiled, I know.)

Friday - Deep Clean, Vacuum

Saturday - wash floors

So I didn't put little things like loading and unloading the dishwasher on there, which I do every day. But I can't even tell you how well this has been working out! Max usually is pretty good about playing by himself for a good 30-40 minutes in the morning so I can get some of this stuff done and then I'll get the rest done during his nap. And I have a separate list for the deep cleaning day, so I just pick one room on the list and vacuum behind the furniture and wash the windows, dust, that sort of thing.

This doesn't mean the house is always clean and there are definitely off weeks, but I'm much less stressed about the house. YAY!

Happy cleaning!

Be Still

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In every change, He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend

Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake

To guide the future, as He has the past.

Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;

All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know

His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,

And all is darkened in the vale of tears,

Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,

Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.

Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay

From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on

When we shall be forever with the Lord.

When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,

Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past

All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise

On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;

Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,

So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.

Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine

Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.

 -  Ka­tha­ri­na A. von Schle­gel  c. 1752

Amos Family Vacay

Back in August, we got to spend 10 (TEN!) days up at the cabin. It was pure bliss. 

Here are the highlights.