Category Archives: Motherhood

Hunt and Cut 2015

IMG_5445

We gathered once again with friends….and hunted for the perfect Christmas tree. I leave the cutting down the tree part to Reed. It’s a lot of hard work, but he’s certainly the man for the job!

This annual Hunt and Cut has looked different for us every year [check out 2013 & 2014]. The locations and the friends who have have gathered and hunted with us have varied as well. I’ve enjoyed every single year for their own reason……all have been special….and this tradition will always hold a special place in our hearts.

This years Hunt and Cut was with the couples in our AMAZING life group [plus the Brandeberry family]. One couple had NEVER cut down a tree before- so it was wonderful to see the sparkle in their eyes as we trekked through the forest, looking for the perfect tree.

There was a fantastic sledding area for the kids…..so their laughter became the soundtrack of the day. It was perfect.

Ezra was a trooper, walking through the snow……but eventually he got tired and momma had to carry him back to the car. Oh MY ARMS!!! He’s almost getting too big to carry, but I still take the chance to hold my baby as much as he’ll let me. He was a really big help this year….he loved adventuring in the wild. He’s good at that!

It’s been a while since I’ve brought out my camera- the iPhone has been so much more convenient, but when it comes to special occasions…..I bring out the best. I always enjoy documenting our life….and the annual Hunt and Cut always delivers such beautiful and memorable moments.

We found the perfect tree. Its tall and a little more like a Charlie Brown tree, even though every year we seek out to find the fullest tree in the woods. HA. Everything looks bigger and fuller with snow on it. Right?

Our day ended at the Red Caboose, where coffee and hot chocolates were passed all around.

Im so very thankful for the fiends in our lives here in Montana.

Do you cut down your own tree? Do you put up a fake tree? Theres pros and cons to both……what is your tradition?

IMG_5509IMG_5483IMG_5453IMG_5462IMG_5472IMG_5477IMG_5481IMG_5485IMG_5495IMG_5501IMG_5480IMG_5507IMG_5510IMG_5512IMG_5515IMG_5513IMG_5522IMG_5523IMG_5527IMG_5532IMG_5547IMG_5539IMG_5559IMG_5561

Thanksgiving 2015

IMG_5432

The last time we were in Boise for Thanksgiving was 2011. Reed and I sat around the table with my sisters and mom….and we told them we were expecting a baby. It was a pretty exciting season for us.

This Thanksgiving looked a lot different.

Mom wasn’t at the table this year. However, I was with my sisters and I know that my mom would be happy about that.

[We also celebrated my sister & aunts birthday while we were all together…..and went bowling too!]

Our Thanksgiving table was beautiful….one of my sisters works at Pottery Barn and I loved how she decorated…..all the details were so wonderful.

I am thankful for the reconciliation that has taken place within my family this year….and I am thankful to have even more family [aunt, uncle and cousins] living in Boise now.

Although it was bittersweet…..it was good to be near the ones I love.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving !
xoxo

IMG_5207IMG_5199IMG_5197IMG_5201IMG_5195IMG_5196IMG_5211

Thankful

IMG_4710

Give THANKS to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. -Psalm 107:1

Thankfulness is a popular topic this time of year, as we are quickly approaching Thanksgiving. However, we all know that an attitude of gratitude will serve us well as we enter each new day. Every day. All year round.

Being THANKFUL is something that Ezra and I talk about often. Its the core foundation of our prayers…

In this book “Thankful” by Eileen Spinelli, she reminds us that we have so much to be thankful for. I love that she focused on the little things- found in everyday life. Its not just about the big things…..

The big things are easier to spot and be thankful for, but the little things- the little ways that God shows up and shows His love can often missed, if we aren’t intentional about always looking around us. Never taking anything for granted.

As the leaves have changed colors and fallen to the ground….we took some time and walked around our new neighborhood. We actually read this book in a big pile of leaves! It was super fun to get outside and outside of our normal routine. Who reads books in a pile of leaves? WE DO! The golden colors and endless shapes that can be found in the leaves are truly amazing. We serve such a creative and inspiring God. I love that we get to see glimpses of Him, in our everyday.

Vanessa and I consider it a privilege to be partnered with ZonderKids. We consider it an honor to be able to read new books to our children and share such golden gems with you, as you build your own library with and for you kids.

IMG_4655IMG_4692IMG_4665IMG_4637IMG_4721IMG_4735

33 / 52

AC1B1496

“a portrait of Ezra, once a week…every week, in 2015.”
Road tripping to Canada and stopped off to explore around this teepee.

32 / 52

52 week series KELLI TRONTEL

“a portrait of Ezra, once a week…every week, in 2015.”
He’s in the 3 year old class at Church….and loves singing and doing crafts!