One of my favorite things to do every year is collect all of the little things I'd love to find under the tree. I know that Christmas is definitely not about the gifts but it doesn't hurt to try and help everyone out (cough cough husband cough)! So, here are the little & one big (hello you beautiful dutch oven!) things that I'd love to call mine. 

Round Dutch Oven // The gift of my dreams. I drool over this thing every time I turn on the food network. The cold and rainy weather lately hasn't helped with my desire for one of these!

Nike Shoes // I'd love to have these so I can have some comfy shoes that I could wear with a pair of jeans instead of my tennis shoes that only look good with workout clothes. I don't want to wear yoga pants every day (I can't believe I just typed that!!) but I need comfortable shoes for our walks.

Forever21 Gift Card // I mean, duh.

Hydro Flask Water Bottle // One of these or something like it would be great for around the house and to throw in the diaper bag. I never drink enough water since I don't have a nice bottle to take with me and I love that this one keeps the water and ice cold. I hate nothing more than having rings all over the house from condensation from glasses. 

Happiness Sign // This is so cute!!! I love the way it looks and the adorable quote. Plus, Joanna Gaines is incredible.

2-Tier Server // I'd love to put this cute little thing on the island in our kitchen so I could put some fresh fruit on it. I think the two toned woods with this dark wood and our light butcher block island would be so pretty.

P.F. Candle // This candle smells SO yummy and I love that they are soy! 

& just for fun, my wishlist from last year!

What is on your list this year???

this picture.

I can't even begin to describe the amount of feelings this photo makes my heart feel. I remember how happy, proud, scared, excited and tired I felt in that moment. Holding my fresh new baby in my arms, ready to leave the birthing center and go home. Knowing that my heart had never felt this kind of love, something so strong and intense that it was some kind of magic. 

As I watch my baby boy grow each day I can't help but want to bottle up all the little baby about him. I've always been a person who looks forward to things. Always thinking about the next stage of life and excited for change, and that still happens now with Solomon. I think things like, I can't wait for him to sit up and play with me or I can't wait to see him take his first step. But at the same time I'm holding onto each little moment that passes by and hoping for time to slow down so I can soak it in a little bit longer. 

There are already so many moments that I miss. I miss being pregnant and rubbing my belly. I miss feeling his little squirms inside and wondering what he would look like. I miss the excitement I felt during the hours of labor and delivery. I miss the feeling of safety when I surrendered to the pain and prepared to see my little love for the first time. I miss those first few minutes of getting to know each other and watching my husband become a father. I miss a lot, but I'm so looking forward to all the memories ahead. 

Looking at this photo also makes my heart hurt. It hurts for those women that long to be a mom with all of their heart. It makes me think back to the time when my heart was preparing for this new world and wondered when God would bring that season into our life. This season is such a humbling experience and I never want to forget that there are those who long for a baby of their own. I'm constantly learning how to become more selfless and realize how much of a mess I am. Solomon helps a lot with that, but he also forgives me so easily with his sweet smiles. 

Most of all, this photo reminds me of God's grace and love. Knowing that the amount of love that I have in my heart doesn't even begin to match the love that Father has for us. His love is like no other and I feel that, it is overwhelming at times, in the sweetest way. During this season of advent I want to dig deeper into that love. I pray that He helps me become a better child of His, a sweeter wife, and a good mother. I pray for our future and hope that He has many more babies for us in the days to come. I pray for this family to further His kingdom. 

Yes, all of that comes to my mind when looking at this photo. So many feelings and so many memories. So much love. 

Goals // 12.15

Can't wait to have our stairs full of Christmas Cards again this year!!! 

November Update

1// Start Christmas shopping - yup!!! Still have several things to get but I've gotten a great start! Now let the wrapping begin!

2// Figure out the best cleaning schedule for our home - I've started to realize what works best and what is doable so I will be sharing that soon!

3// Make something yummy for Thanksgiving - I made some creamy garlic mashed potatoes and they were definitely yummy!

December Goals

1// Share our Christmas decorations

2// Make some DIY gifts for girlfriends

3// Do an Advent study

Thanksgiving 2015.

We went to Peter's sister's house for Thanksgiving this year and it was the first Turkey Day I have spent away from home. We usually do the two families in one day kind of thing, so it was kind of nice to relax and enjoy one meal, instead of fitting in two. I definitely missed all the southern casseroles at my Mom's house but the new baby love made up for it, I think. We have a new boy in the family that is only three weeks old! He and Solomon are one and a half months apart, I can't imagine the memories that they will create together!! They are going to be best friends and I love it! 

Some appetizers while we wait for the food!! 

Guac and stuffed grape leaves, two of my favorite things! 

We had fun switching babies around and loving on all the boys!

A perk to being at an Italian's house for Thanksgiving, baked ziti!! 

And don't let my plate fool you.... I had a serving after I finished my plate!

Trying to get a picture in the big mirror in the living room... Valentino didn't really understand, ha!

But I do love this shot that I got of us. His confusion was pretty cute. 

The newbies in the family, so sweet!! 

Hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving!!!! We all have so much to be thankful for!

Taking Stock 008

Happy almost Thanksgiving people!!!

I thought it would be fun to share a Taking Stock post before the holiday season is in full swing because they are fun and I enjoy looking back at these!

Things are busy around here and we are gearing up for Turkey Day tomorrow & all the fun filled days that follow until New Years, so... here's how things are going lately.

Making // time to clean.... always cleaning
Cooking // mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving this year
Drinking // coffee, hubby makes the best coffee
Reading // my Christmas shopping list for the day after Thanksgiving
Wanting // to soak in every moment of this holiday season with our first baby
Looking // forward to meeting my latest nephew tomorrow
Wasting // groceries, fresh produce always goes bad before I can finish them
Wishing // i could sit and watch the parade tomorrow morning but we will be on the road
Enjoying // the voice a lot this season, so many amazing singers
Liking // the cold weather 
Wondering // which stretchy pants I will wear for tomorrows feast
Loving //  our family Christmas card this year
Hoping // for safe travels for this years thanksgiving
Marveling // about God becoming man for my sins, this season is so special
Needing //  to find the perfect stocking for Solomon, I think this one wins
Smelling // yummy fall candles
Wearing // comfy pjs and fuzzy slippers
Following // a schedule is not so easy these days
Noticing // how wrong I was with my motherhood plans, it's honestly pretty funny
Knowing // the days seem long but the weeks are short, so bittersweet
Thinking // that we will want to host Thanksgiving one year soon
Bookmarking // the crate & barrel catalog for Christmas decorating inspiration
Opening // the attic for Christmas decorations sooooo soon
Giggling // at the way Solomon talks back to Peter, it is so obvious he loves him so much
Feeling // thankful

Have a beautiful Thanksgiving weekend!!!