Where did the year go?

9 Months


6 months



One day old




Just under one year old

okay, so they are a little out of order, but you get the drift. What a difference a year makes!

Tropical Christmas Cookies

Palm Trees, Board Shorts and Surfboards make great Florida Christmas Cookies... granted, this was my first time making them and they did not meet my perfectionist standards, but they were very tasty and quite tropical! Here is the recipe if you are interested:
1c butter, softened
1c sugar
1 large egg
1t vanilla extract
2t baking powder
3c all purpose flour
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream butter & sugar. Beat in egg & vanilla. Add baking powder & flour one cup at a time. Divide dough in half and roll to 1/8" thickness. Cut out with tropical cookie cutter and back 8-12 min or until lightly browned on un-greased cookie sheet.
Icing:
3T Wilton Meringue Powder
1 lb (4c) confectioners' sugar
6T warm water
Beat all ingredients until icing forms peaks (7-12 min on low speed with a heavy duty mixer).

furniture remix

this used to be the living room


This used to be the dining room


we just moved these couches around and changed the artwork...

In my feeble attempt to decorate a home, I called in the professionals. We rearranged all the funiture, artwork, photographs and accessories in nearly the entire house. It truly felt like I had just moved, but never went anywhere :) I felt like I was on HGTV as I was wrapping rafia around a photo frame... it was a great experience.

Kitchen Conversations...

What an impact parents can make on the young hearts of our children. Earlier this week I was cooking in the kitchen while feeding Brandt his dinner. In the midst of babbling, asking for more food and of course, seeing how far he could launch his food across the kitchen I try to incorporate Bible stories and lessons. We were talking as we often do about God and other random things when I decided to venture into the realm of catechism. So, I attempted the first one: "Who made you?" What is hard for adults to sometimes comprehend, is not so hard for a nearly one year old. Of course, repetition is not comprehension, but I believe it can lead to the understanding of our Creator. After going through the question two times I asked Brandt who made him. In plain as day words he simply said: "God did!"

Happy FIRST Birthday Brandt!

We can't believe baby Brandt is nearly ONE (on the 4th)! Our birthday party for him Sat evening went great. He is such the happy ham loving all the attention, cameras, presents and of course, the cake. He would have eaten the entire cake if we would have let him. We are so thankful to the Lord for his health, personality, charm and that we get to be his parents. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRANDT!!!!

More bday pictures

Happy Thanksgiving

We had a lovely Thanksgiving hosted by my parents! Our weekend included lots of boating, eating, catching up with wonderful friends, going to the beach and of course, being very very thankful for everything we have been blessed with! Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!