captured

This.  Picture.

As soon as I took it I knew it would be one of those moments I was happy to have captured.  It makes my heart swell.  I think the same happened to Ian after he first saw it.  There is so much in Peter's face, looking up at his dad.  Looking up to his dad.  Already.

Ian and I celebrated five years of marriage this week.  I could do the usual post;  a picture of a younger us, on our wedding day.  But I thought this picture suited best for right now.  There's something I like to do that I call "edit," in my life.  I can't remember when it started.  But for a long time now, I'll look at a moment in my life and I'll think... what if my younger self could have seen this.  And I quickly "edit" a picture in my mind of what I would have thought had I seen this special moment in the past.  So for this anniversary post, I want to "edit" this moment into my question of what five years from when I was first married would look like.  If I could have seen this photo five years ago... no doubt I'd have a swollen heart then as well.

Because it would be evidence of my dreams continuing to come true.  It shows Ian and I safe and happy with a healthy, beautiful son.  Oh, how this picture would have comforted me!  There is so much to look forward to in it!

And the romantic in me must say: this picture reminds me that Ian has been the means by which all my dreams have come true so far.  And I have an inkling that that will only continue.  

I love you Ian Fyffe.  

Cheers to five years and on to eternity

o, christmas tree

I love our tradition of buying a tree in town for Christmas!  These little places are so friendly and always let me take their trimmings for extra decoration at home.  I think I'll make a wreath with them one of these years.  We were super excited to take Peter along this time around, recognizing that last time we got a tree he was just a special secret no one but us was aware of yet.  Too bad he slept through it.

But no matter.  It still counts.

thanksgiving

Ian and I hosted Thanksgiving for the first time ever this year.  I did not expect to be in charge of the most important meal of the year for a long while yet...so we were a trifle nervous.  But not really.  The majority of the work went into the day before and we had a head start in the morning to be totally prepped and ready by the time dinner began.  I am so grateful for a husband who enjoys cooking.  All the dishes that were brought by everyone were so excellent, which aided a lot.  We had more than enough yumminess this year!


Guest List:
Ian's parents and siblings,
his uncle David and David's wife Shana,
and his cousin April, her husband Brian and their six kids.

Things we've made note of for next time:

--Buying a couple tablecloths isn't a bad idea.  Also... a turkey baster, meat thermometer, and more than one pie tin

--Watch a video on how to carve a turkey before Thanksgiving, not after.  Haha.

--Don't worry about making too much because leftovers are the best.  But maybe make less carrots next time.  Shepherds pie is a great way to use leftover mashed potatoes

--Kids don't really eat that much in public places.  They eat mostly basics, like rolls and potatoes.  You don't need to count their portion as much, but do make extra rolls

--Cleaning up after after the meal has settled a little bit, with everyone's help, was really great and took away the stress of the aftermath



We're thankful.  We are especially grateful this year for our son.  We comment on it every day, and marvel often that he's ours and that he's here.  We're grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We are grateful for eternal families.  We are grateful to be healthy and comfortable and together.  And I'm grateful for a holiday that reminds me to focus on what I have.  It's a good thing.  It's a good life.

growing baby

Oh, how we love this boy.

november

Last Thanksgiving at my parents house in Eagle Mountain, UT

fun fact:  I was unknowingly pregnant in this photo

I've been thinking about November.  Not the end of November with the large warm Thanksgiving gathering and excited whoosh into Christmas.  But the quiet, understated beginning and middle of November.  The pomp and parade of colors of September/October are through.  The winter hasn't begun.  The trees are mainly bare and the sky still a sweet blue.  I think each year that I get older, I've come to appreciate this in between autumn and winter stage more and more.  Or perhaps I'm just getting to know a new November here in Kentucky that doesn't exist as much in the west that I'm accustomed.  It's quiet and not boastful.  It's chilly but not harsh.  It feels like the person I'd like to be.  Thoughtful, contemplative and content.  Not seeking attention for grandness.  Not pushing too much or trying too hard.  But simply beautiful without begging to be noticed.  And yet, as I've begun to notice how much I truly love November, I'm realizing how inviting it is.   As if it's that person that I begin to truly see for the first time for how good they are.