The best year of my life.

And if I had to pick just one day, this would be the best of 2009:

Thank you, Lord, for the best year of my life. I am so, so, so grateful.

Move a chair, climb the counter, and . . .

. . . Voila! You've got yourself a swimming pool.

Can't put a lock on that, now can ya?

Forever Profiled

For Christmas, we gave both sets of parents framed art. Actually, I created a silhouette of each child, matted it, and framed it. This is an easy project that simply requires a bit of patience. Do not be intimidated! Seriously, this is e-a-s-y. Yet the results are classic and timeless.

What you will need: A profile picture of your subject, printer paper (and printer), scissors, pencil, black cardstock, tape, mounting squares or double-sided tape, and thick stock white paper.

Begin with a blown-up picture of your subject. I took profile pictures of each child and zoomed in on just the face and shoulders. I blew the picture up to 8x10 and printed them on printer paper. My color printer was acting up giving these pictures a pink tint. But the color doesn't matter. You could just as easily print in black-and-white.

Carefully cut out each profile. This is the hardest part because your cuts must be precise. Work slowly. Once cut, place on black cardstock.

I used tape to keep the profile on the black paper. Trace the profile onto the black paper.

Once you have your markings, cut it out. Again, work slowly. This requires patience and an attention to detail.

Keep in mind that you'll flip the profile for the final product. You don't want to frame the side with the pencil marks.

To mount the profile I used mounting squares (found at the craft store). You can also use double-sided tape. Do not use glue or glue stick. Glue tends to bubble and curl.

After you position the tape, stick your profile on your white thick-stock paper. I found this paper in the paint/art section of the craft store.

And you're done! I chose round frames for Matt's parents. The round frames compliment their early century decor.

My parents' home is more contemporary. I used classic rectangular frames. Their set hangs in their hallway.

Isn't that so classy? I love, love, love it.

*It's up to you, but I included the top of the shoulders with each profile. I simply cut in a curved line to get that classic bust silhouette.

A 40th and a 1st

These pictures were taken at Matt's sister's wedding last year, December 27th.

When I see these pictures, three things come to mind:

1. Henry's outfit was too precious for words. Oh my goodness, I absolutely adore that get-up.
2. I was pregnant with Harper, still in my first trimester. I miss being pregnant. But the challenges of parenting two small children totally outweigh the pleasures of being pregnant. In other words, I won't be getting pregnant again anytime soon.
3. I had horrendous baby bangs. Oh my, they were so awful.

Anyway, Kelley (Matt's sister) and Joe celebrated their first wedding anniversary yesterday, and I'm so stinkin' happy for them. If you know Kelley and you know Joe, then you know that they are the perfect match in every way.

And guess who else celebrates a December 27th wedding anniversary? Matt's parents! They were married 40 years ago, and they married in the same church where we were married and where Kelley and Joe were married. How cool is that?

Though a day late, Happy 40th, Becky and Roger. And Happy FIRST, Kelley and Joe. I love you all so much.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you.

Today we are thanking God for the ultimate sacrifice.

Thank you, God, for your precious son, Jesus.

* This beautiful Christmas card was designed by the incredibly talented Vanessa at Butterfly Sparks.

Henry's First Christmas

I simply had to take that walk down memory lane. And what a splendid walk it was.