A list

1. Let's talk about being messy

I am. I'm trying to combat it. I'm not dirty. There's a difference. But I've been trying to just keep our house at maintenance level, and it's hard! And we don't have a very big house! Laundry, toys, dishes, more dishes, more laundry, and more toys take up like, 12 of my 14 waking hours. Thus making blogging a little tricky. I don't do resolutions because I don't do them...but I'd really like to be less of a domestic mess in 2012. (this should be easy with the addition of a newborn).

2. Jesus knew what he was doing associating with the Eastern people

Our friends from the East came to visit (thankful they could find us after all these places we've lived.) Christina brought a real delicacy called dolma that is a huge giant pain for her to make. And one of my favorite things to eat. Mark helped with the final reveal.

Mmmmmmm.

Had fun hanging out with our buddies!!

3. I love food

I've been OBSESSED with these sandwiches. There is this yummy eggless, sugarless awesome sourdough around here and I've been making goat cheese and tomato and spinach paninis. And serving with this balsamic dressing. So yummy. I can't even talk about it or I'm gonna have to go make one again.

Another one of my obsessions from waaaay back is an Entenmann's raspberry coffee cake. (hi college friends :)) My friend Bree found this cute little mini Ente-man. Yum. They didn't sell this delicacy in Louisiana-so boy was it a special treat. (i realize this has every possibly horrible ingredient. high fructose hydrogenated preservatives. i don't eat them that often so just leave me alone.)

4. Polka anyone?

Ok, this was funny. We went to gymnastics and my girls were wearing brand new polka dotted outfits from their cousins-then Natalie walked in wearing a-black and pink polka dotted outfit, and then Annie and Paige were ALSO wearing pink polka dotted outfits!!!! We were very amused at the irony. Except Reese. She wasn't much amused about anything.

5. Horsey is always fun.

5. I need an alarm on my makeup drawer.

6. Marriage

I love this post by Ann Voskamp on marriage. It made me all weepy. Thanks, Laurie.

7. Children

We don't often dress all alike, but we do always all hold hands on the way into stores and this day I was tickled by how much I like these girls. :)

just some pictures about some stuff

One day we all coordinated for church. Then tried to take a picture in the sun. Oh well.

One morning we were eating breakfast and these dudes all appeared. Until Mark scared them away. But thankfully he let me take a picture first.

There were also two bald eagles hanging out in our yard! It's like a regular nature preserve over here!!!!

Poser.

Love these moments.

And these are actually pretty much fun, too. :)

Our local mani/pedi technician came for a visit...

we love you, E!

And finally trying to enrich their mind through the written word...

thanks Daddy and Cheryl.

I know. Such an exciting post. That's how we roll.

Indian Fall

We moved back to crazy, fall-like weather. Which was delightful.

But then Mother Nature remembered it was January in Michigan and things got back to normal. Which we were actually kind of excited about around here! Ava was VERY concerned winter had left never to return again without her ever getting the chance to go sledding.

or make snow angels...

Reese is still marginal on the whole thing. I don't have snow pants for her yet even, so we just bundled her in about 27 layers. Clearly she was very comfortable.

So ridiculously thankful for a husband that will do stuff like this so I don't have to.

They did actually go sledding-but as I mentioned, Mark did that while I stayed inside and baked or did laundry or something woman-y to justify me not going out there. Three cheers for four seasons again!

A good buy

We really missed Costco when we lived in Louisiana. I went last Thursday and picked up this little gem that was in the coupon book for $10 off. (Almost 30 bucks less than the amazon price. I love you Costco.) Sadly, the dust buster we got for our wedding gave us a great 7 years, but went on to handheld vacuum heaven. (Thanks Melissa for the great wedding gift! :))

The next day this happened.

Some over here.

Aaaand a little over here.

Then this happened.

And later this.

Allll because of this.

But man is she cute. Thanks new stick vac. We love you.

In the words of Dierks Bentley:

This is still the place that we all call home. So happy to be back!

Our adventure began as we left behind cajun country-with many good memories. Mostly of food. I'm very thankful that I was pregnant the entire time we lived there and I was able to indulge guilt free. :)

We passed our truck several times on our road trip. Hello everything we own!

Who needs blankets or stuffed animals when you can cuddle with the iPad as you fall asleep.

We entered Michigan at night-this picture kinda made me laugh. But I'm glad we got it! We were sure happy to cross over that state line!

Unpacking, just as the previous 3 times, was VERY exciting.

We had a savvy crack squad of qualified individuals to assist us in our move in process. To those pictured and not pictured, THANK YOU!

Friends!!!

Family!!!!

More family!!!!

WOO HOO!

We are grateful to be back in the place that truly feels like home....but thankful for the last year and the special time as a family, with extended family, new friends, heartache, and opportunities. God is good!!!