love. sweetness.

From Post Cards 2012

Sweet {and I mean some of the sweetest in the world} Andrew and Kristi invited us over to theirs for sugar cookie decorating. Kristi's eye behind the camera perfectly captured Elsie and her concentration to create the loveliest {and most artery-bursting} cookie. 

From Post Cards 2012

We all enjoyed the sweetness...thank you Andrew, for graciously entertaining Spencer so we could stuff ourselves with sugar, frosting, and more sugar. :) 

From Post Cards 2012

Isn't Valentine's Day about indulging in and sharing everything sweet and delicious? Well, thanks to four helping hands {elsie wanted to show the "special" sprinkles on top; and don't worry, we iced the cupcakes before the beaters were licked clean}, we "secretly" left cupcakes for the loves in our lives.

Fresh

From Post Cards 2012

We are so excited about this new year and thank you Snow, for making it so fresh!

From Post Cards 2012

It has only snowed a few times since we've lived here in England.

From Post Cards 2012

We gladly welcome the novelty!

From Post Cards 2012

Made us feel even more at home {thank you dear Halls for the "sledge." :)}

As a good dad does, he teaches his son that good snow fun...

From Post Cards 2012

....starts with a snowball. :) Spence and his beanie-patched eye sums up his perspective of the afternoon {although he did like tasting and riding in the snow}.

From Post Cards 2012

Thank you, Snow, for sharing a fresh new everything. x

Sunday School

From Post Cards 2012

Because church was cancelled with the snow and "slickery" roads, Elsie decided to teach us the lesson.

Postcard Book: A Tulip Stroll

A hop skip and 6 months ago.....we went for a stroll through some tulips in Keukenhof. We decided to make the most of our layover in the Netherlands and it well, made a dream come true. The tulips were prime. Love flowers. Love good weather (which it was unusually warm). Love a good stroll. Love being with family. We took note of a lot of beauty on our stroll, and finally just decided to put the camera away and take it all in.

ONE Year Ago...

From Post Cards 2011

...Spencer Everett surprised us by entering our world his way--fast and at home {where he apparently was most comfortable}. Mr. Spence has been full of surprises ever since: Huge baby boy (people have often told me they only believe he's ours because I had him at home, otherwise we could have totally been given a baby belonging to someone else), super healthy (not sick once--at least from what I can remember), ate solids at 4.5 months, had "vampire" teeth until his front two popped in, and didn't really get a full head of hair until the end of his 10th month. What would life be like without surprises anyway! So, we celebrated. I took so many pictures of Spence, I didn't take any pictures of our Skype/gVideo with family, nor friends helping make a great party. We love you! 

From Post Cards 2011

Naturally, we made "Spencer's Chocolate Cake," the potential culprit for the time-reduced labor--that rich chocolate aroma sure is relaxing....until your water breaks the sweet dream and sends a baby! Wish I'd had powdered sugar, but Spence didn't mind the mini M&M's. He loved the cake. He loves food and will let you know it, too. Music moves this boy--swaying to the birthday song was too darling. 

From Post Cards 2011

Couldn't resist buying the "blue-light" (what they generally go by here)/green-checkered ambulance---and the Medic appropriately dressed in his green (we promise your future birthday themes will not be emergency-related, sweet boy). We are so happy you entered our world.

Postcard Book: Spencer's First Year

Going through Spencer's first year made me realize a lot of things: Spence kind of looked like a little old man when he was tiny (always been wise and deep in thought), we captured his first "social smile" at two months, Spence loves to be outside, appropriately "blew raspberries," loves to play the piano, and rays a smile making me give in to almost everything. Most of all, I realized what an hourglass life is. His turning one came way too fast and I cried as I sifted through his newborn pictures. Every minute of my little ones' lives are so valuable. I shouldn't need this reminder. Seeing their bright eyes and smiling faces every day should be enough of a reminder to soak up every minute.

Happy First Year, sweet Spencer. We love you.

Return

From Post Cards 2011

Yes, we returned to England more than a month ago and have lived out the summer to the fullest {posts will follow}! One of the best events to wrap up the summer was the return of my brother from the Hmong-speaking, Fresno California Mission. Had our server been in our favor and had I set my alarm for 1:30 am--instead of 1:30 pm--we could have witnessed Kyle's arrival at the airport via FaceTime. Thank you family for capturing it all--including the two top pictures. My eyes immediately welled up when I saw them. Thankfully, I woke up randomly {an angelic wake-up call} at 5am {I never wake up at this time} from a dream that I'd missed Sarah's video call and slept through my alarm! Well, Corey and I refreshed our router and called the De Young's. Things had just wound down at the De Young Home with visits from family and friends, so it ended up being a perfect time to talk. What I have loved most about Kyle's two-year service as a missionary was our weekly email exchange. As I watched Kyle transform as a missionary, I'd witnessed a transformation in myself as a better wife, mother, and person. It seems as though whatever we love most in life must involve some form of personal sacrifice. It is a natural law I think, and has been before this earth even began. Convenience is never really present when it concerns thinking of and acting upon that impression in behalf of a family member or friend; yet, it is that element of sacrifice which strengthens that love and relationship. I'm pretty sure I can apply this to any relationship in my life--most importantly with those who are dearest to my heart. Kyle gave two years of his life and heart to the Hmong people in Fresno and loves who they are. Thank you, Kyle for teaching me how to be more selfless. Thank you to the gospel for helping become a better person.