winter wonderland

 this morning, ellie and i looked out the window . . .

and saw this.

merry, merry christmas.

new camera!

i got an early christmas present—a new camera. {thanks ann!}

i'm pretty excited about it.

i might be a little snap happy,

so bear with me.

here are some random shots . . .

My rosy-cheeked girl

A very smiley bath time

Pitate Face!

Caroling with the girls

Beanie time

party time for ellerina.

we celebrated ellie's special day with family and a few close friends.

 all dressed up and socializing with one of her boyfriends. She hadn't even taken a nap, but she was all smiles during the festivities. A true party girl.

 she had no problem scarfing down her red velvet birthday cake and homemade ice cream {thanks jess and kar!}

 "why are you interrupting my cakefest for a photo?"

"more, please!"

 she loves her new dolly, Lucy!

it was so fun to throw our girl a mini birthday party!

{thanks for the pictures, Karlee!}

Family Pictures

My sweet friend Heather took these shots of our little family.

I love how they turned out.

I didn't post my all-time favorite one because it's going on our Christmas cards!

I spotted this red barn door and knew I had to have some photos there.
Ellie sat on the ground on our coats while Clay and I got cozy.

When Ellie is in cheesy-mode, she tilts her head really far to the side like this and smiles. Love it!

Ellie wasn't afraid of the geese but I was a little worried they'd nip at her little face, so I'm kind of holding her back.

Post-picture bread and hot cocoa. I think Ellie was happy to be done and inside a warm cafe.



Thanks Heth, love you! 

Latter Day Woman Magazine—Holiday Issue

I had so much fun working on our holiday issue of

Latter Day Woman Magazine.

There are two giveaways,

Lots of delicious holiday recipes,

great gift ideas,

and true Christmas stories.

Check it out here and let me know what you think.

I'm already excited about our Spring issue, which will be all about fashion! 

A Thanksgiving Wedding

My stepsis Kira got married to Josh over Thanksgiving weekend and become a Spongberg.

We couldn't be happier for them—they are so good for each other.

It was so fun to get our big family together and celebrate—as if we needed an organized party to get down! {reception dancing pictures are omitted from this post due to my awkward dance moves}

Eight sisters down—one to go! {Take your time, Halo.}

All eight of us! The two on the far left are Josh's sisters.

Jen (due with a boy in April even though you can't tell), Rachie, Kira, Jess and I

Ellie loves her uncle Jason. It's fun to see how she just takes to certain people!

So much for leaving out awkward pictures. Our game of reverse charades (a team acts out, one person guesses) was worth sharing. No idea what we were acting out here. Santas on the side and a turkey in the middle??

I was really excited someone guessed something. Apparently I show excitement in my neck.

After charades, Haley and I decided to re-enact a picture of us that was taken back when pink scrunched-up socks and bikeshorts for pants were in style. I haven't changed much, have I?

My baby is one!

Happy birthday, little ell-bell. We love you!

{Thanks for the cute pics, Jen!}