Countdown to Christmas 2017 ~ Busy Bees

It's been a busy month 'round here,

But we've been having lots of fun!

This year our goal has been for each of the girls to get some one-on-one time with mama.

And what better way than Christmas shopping?

We've also kept busy wrapping,

And baking

And decorating.

And, of course, EATING all of the delicious treats!

What kinds of fun things have you been up to?

We're trying to stay well.

I think a cold has taken hold of Kenners, but the rest of us are fighting it hard!

Tay reminds me regularly just how many more days until Christmas, and it's not many y'all!

Stay sane!

Hugs,

Liz

Countdown to Christmas 2017

Holy smokes!  Where has the time gone??  

In my mind it's October 15th, but my calendar clearly states we are in DECEMBER.

It's Countdown to Christmas, y'all!

I'll be checking in daily on Instagram, showcasing our activities.

And I'll check in once a week here for a re-cap.

Consider joining in with your own Countdown.

I'd love to read all about your happenings!

You can find all sorts of ideas for crafts, activities, and outings below:

*North Pole Breakfast, Cookie Bakin', Tree Pickin', Craftin'

*Gingerbread Houses & Christmas Lights

*Snowflake Ornaments & Christmas Movie Marathons

*Cupcake Liner Christmas Trees

*Countdown Hershey's Advent Calendar

Go out and make some memories!!

Merry Christmas Wishes!!

Liz

Birthday Partyin'

We've been busy celebrating Miss Sierra ~ 

I still can't believe she is 15!

The night before her birthday we celebrated by starting a fire in the fire pit,

enjoying some S'Mores, and opening a few gifts from mama and daddy {since Jerm was going to have to work on her birthday :( }

Birthday day started with Church, then home to prep these delicious 

single-serving-seven-layer-dips!

A few more presents

Sweet notes,

And reminiscing, by looking through all of Sissy's photo books.

{My big Sissy's first major outing since she started chemo, and we were SO happy to have her join us!}

And then some photos with the birthday girl!

Once everyone left, we got set up for an Outdoor Movie Night:

The perfect ending to a very special day!

Celebrations continue this week as Sierra has her first ever facial and massage at the spa.

Just a couple more weeks of Summer fun, before the reality of back to school hits!

What are you doing to enjoy these last few days?

Happiness and Tears . . . A 15th Birthday Tale

I looked at my husband yesterday, and through tears said, 

"Tomorrow we will have a 15 year old".

Time is such a funny thing, because, I swear, I remember being 15.

Like it was yesterday.

Studying for my permit test.

Starting my Sophomore year.

Like it was YESTERDAY.

I remember fifteen years ago.

Calling my midwife and telling her we were on our way to the hospital.

Walking the halls of the labor and delivery floor at Providence Milwaukie Hospital.

And then a few hours later, holding my tiny little 7lb. 6oz. baby girl.

And here we are, fifteen years later.

It simultaneously makes my heart burst with joy, and want to split in two.

My oldest baby girl, Happy 15th Birthday to YOU!

You are beautiful, smart, intuitive, organized.

You love hard, and are fiercely loyal.

You are dedicated, and hard-working.

And I am BEYOND excited to see where the future leads you.

Whatever your path, I know you will go far with God to lead your way.

Wishing you the very happiest birthday, and year to come!

Summer Recap ~ Family Reunion

Summer is zooming by way too fast, y'all!

We've been going, going, going since June.

And our favorite getaway every summer is

camping at Crane Prairie.

Most summers we make it over to Central Oregon twice.

First for my family reunion camp-out:

And then again with Jeremy's Mom for a nice, little girls getaway 

{plus fishing for Jerm}:

Poor Miss Tay was not feeling well the morning we left.

She has a super sensitive tummy.

We really can't travel at all without her getting car sick, and now she seems

to be sensitive to certain foods.

Poor Darlin'.

Sis and Kenners got to go out fishing the first day.

The rest of us girls got to hang around camp feeding these cute little guys,

and relaxing.

The sunsets while we were there were AH-MAZING.

We spent some time in the water,

And exploring trails on nature walks.

This little mama was so cute, parading her ducklings around.

Big Sissies are the best.

Always there to lend a piggy back when needed.

And there to share secrets.

And then, the morning we were preparing to head home, Kam went out fishing with Jeremy one last time.  And came back with this guy!  

The second biggest fish of the season at Crane Prairie!

I'm pretty sure her face says it all.

She was ELATED.

Sweet girl.

A quick group shot before heading home.

And that's that.

The end of our camping season for 2017 :(

What is your favorite summer outing??