on the hunt

We headed out for our tree a bit earlier than normal for us. There was lots of good pickings and great snow for Harkin to get a fun ride. Eric had lots of help this year as William is getting stronger everyday. We brought it home and sat it next to the fire to thaw out before moving it into the living room. Jaxson thought it was fun to pull the snow off the tree while Harkin liked to report how it was doing every so often, telling us that more water was dripping.  The boys put the lights on it tonight and there will be some ornaments added this week.

over a foot

Since Tuesday it has snowed every day. There is most likely about a foot and half currently on the ground. The boys are thrilled as now they can sled and build igloos and snowmen. It is such a wonderful time to be out in the snow. I love when it first falls and everything is so quiet. I am excited that tomorrow is the last day of hunting season because then we can walk in the woods again. Winter is here, finally!

by the fire

Reading and relaxing by the warmth of the fire. A very cozy place to be.

6 weeks

So here is a picture of me from Thanksgiving. I am not loving it, but my family would like to see what I look like these days. I am not often in front of the camera.  So from today we have 6 weeks to go. It has gone by pretty quickly but at the same time I am trying to savor it. I do love being pregnant.  This time around I am much more tired than usual, and also found out a few weeks ago that I was anemic so that added to the tiredness. Not to mention a little toddler who keeps me busy all day long.

We are all getting more and more excited. Harkin has begun saying hi to the baby in my belly, although I am not sure he really understands. Landon loves to feel her move and kick, while Will just wonders from afar what a little sister will be like. I know they are all going to be great with her. Right now they all play and help one another so beautifully.

With the holidays and our busy fall schedule I am so looking forward to settling in for the winter months and just getting to know our sweet girl. I have just started to knit her something as I feel she should have at least one handmade that was meant for her. The blanket I started way back when got torn out. I did not like it  and have plans for a new one, it just may be a bit. I am still trying to finish a sweater for Harkin before Christmas.

She keeps me up at night moving and kicking all over the place. I still  wonder how it is so amazing that I am pregnant again and that we are having a girl.

I am in a constant state of gratefulness for my family and the life we are living.

horseback riding

The boys finished up their riding lessons right after thanksgiving. It was a bitter cold day and in order to stay a bit warmer, their teacher had them ride bare back. It was neat to see them ride and work on really getting o know their horse. They had to be calm and breathe with he horse since she could feel their every move and how their body tensed.

Landon was so upset that this was their last lesson. This is something he is very passionate about. He keeps trying to slip in to Daddy how he would like to own  a horse when we have the land.

We will be taking a break until the spring time. It is just too cold to ride when there is no heat, plus we will be busy at home.

slowing down

We finished up most of our classes and are now in a baking, crafting and home mode. I had lots of plans on my "to do" list for the month of December, but now I am rethinking it all and will scratch most of it. We just need some time to relax, clam down and gather in.  The boys are super excited about the holiday season. I am tired a lot lately. Eric is working lots of overtime and will be going away for a week soon.  Our unscheduled time needs to be just as it is. Be bored and watch the icicles slowly drip. Read lots of books, snuggle, play and knit! No particular plan to our day. Lets see what happens. I am trying to keep things simple and remember to cherish the small moments of everyday. That is what life is made of. 

Wishing everyone a lovely start to your week and hoping you can find time to slow down and enjoy the days.

sunday smiles