what happens when mommy asks the big sisters to watch their brother for a couple of minutes...

its about time

i am usually the first to say that raking leaves is pointless. they keep falling and blowing all around and it is impossible to keep your yard leaf-free...so why not just embrace the leaf clutter? well, much to the neighbors' delight colin decided to rake for the first time in about a year. it was the biggest pile of leaves i have ever seen. the kiddos had a blast playing in them (except for jackson).

happy birthday baby boy!

i have to admit...i have always wanted a baby boy. however, i was scared when i found out that i was pregnant with one because i am so used to girls i did not know if i would know what to do with a boy. and then came jackson. what a perfect addition to our family! the first time i saw him on the ultrasound screen i fell in love with him. he warms my heart and brings joy to our family every single day! we had a small party for him today to celebrate his first birthday. colin grilled fajitas and baked him two different cakes (after all, we didn't know if he would like chocolate or vanilla better). watching him eat his cake was something i will never forget! he had two big pieces - one of each flavor - and loved them both...big surprise!

and a happy birthday to grandpa mac, too! we love you and are thankful for you!

christmas at the pmf

what a wonderful Christmas we had this year! it was so nice to just hang out with family, play games, eat, and be in God's creation. colin had some time off work and school, so it was especially relaxing. an added blessing this year was that oma came up to the ranch to spend Christmas. the kids love having both grandmas there. i am so thankful that everyone gets along so well and really likes each other. some of my favorite pics...

opening presents

jackson and me on the zip line!

oma went rabbit hunting with us.

on pmf mountain