Snapshots and Quotables: The Start of 2014

The new year is off to a fresh and full start in our home. We ended the year with a little party at our house with some of our good friends. Ashley came into town for nice, long visit, which meant lots of fun, laughing until our bellies hurt while hanging pictures on the wall, DIY projects and talking about life. The girls love every minute of having Aunt Ashley here. 

We painted our living room wall a bold new color (something in the berry family), which kind of signifies my theme for the year. New year, bold changes. A lot of people start the new year and pick their word. The theme of their year summed up in one word. Well this year, our family's word is EMBRACE. I pray that we would embrace Jesus in new ways, embrace His love for us and the freedom we have in Christ, embrace the moments He has given us, embrace relationships (new and old), embrace each new day and embrace the unique way He has made each one of us. There's so much freedom and joy in embracing God's truth, His plan and His design for our lives. Oh the possibilities are endless and I know that the results can only be beautiful! 

So, we will walk step by step with the Lord and choose to EMBRACE. Here's to another new beginning! 

Joe got a popcorn maker for Christmas. This guy won't stop making popcorn and using up all of my butter! The girls love to be a part of the popping process and of course we all love to eat it! We had a movie night with Abby last Saturday and Daddy popped lots of popcorn for us to eat while watching Charlotte's Web. 

Ella is a little mommy. She spends a lot of time with her babies. If you aren't sure where Ella is, you can find her downstairs feeding one of them in the highchair or singing them lullabies to put them to sleep.

Abby is really enjoying her ballet class. We found a lovely school with wonderful teachers who make learning dance as sweet and fun as it should be!

One night last week, I wasn't feeling well, so Joe took over the whole evening routine while I laid on the couch under a blanket and rested. After their bath, the girls ran out to the couch and covered me in hugs and kisses. I'm thankful for my sweet husband who captured the moment.

Six little girls ringing in the new year together. Until 8:00 at least!

Ella loves Miss Heather and any opportunity to climb in her lap.

The girls love their quality time with Ashley. She always spends time playing with them and really engaging in their world. She takes them to pick out a craft to do with her each time she comes and it makes them feel so special.

We did start the year with some fevers and sickness, but thankfully they were short lived. Two things are true about this picture: 1. Ella is all snuggles when she is sick and healthy. 2. My girls love their Daddy!

Furniture was rearranged and wall hangings were on the floor because the wet paint was drying. The girls found some new ways to entertain themselves.

Yesterday morning, I was doing some ironing BEFORE 7 am. Joe came out and said, "Wow, Mommy is a rockstar!" Abby's sweet response: "She is! She is a beautiful rockstar!" Nothing like a little girl's words to encourage her mommy's heart.