all i want for christmas....

 

there is a new baby hart on the way and we couldn't be more excited.

praying i will be a woman who fears the Lord and not be anxious for the future.
celebrating each day we have with this child, come what may.

thankful :: humbled :: deliciously happy

camping in the pecos part 1 (memorial day weekend 2013)

camping at almost 9000ft :: the most gorgeous shades of green :: a runaway tent and broken pole :: a visiting uncle cameron :: hot sunny days and frigid cold nights :: great neighboring campers :: a crying 3yo hiker :: the best breakfast burritos you ever did eat :: plus some tasty s'mores cones :: a most delightful creek to explore :: my handsome woodsman ::

pretty much always, i'd rather be camping. especially with my favorite people.

 

an adoption sip and see

a couple months back, i had the privilege of helping throw a lovely little sip and see (think baby shower after the baby has arrived) for a friend and her sweet new little guy. my contribution for the celebration was the cake and some decor.  we went with a travel theme in honor of the adoption.  my kiddos and i folded lots of paper airplanes for buntings  - such an easy and eye catching pop of fun!  a few of the airplanes were also attached to wire and combined with these beautiful flowers for the cake topper.  one of my favorite final products ever.

it was my first attempt at a naked cake (no exterior frosting).  not too shabby, but i learned a few tricks for the future, like using more frosting next time for better squish factor.  and i imagine it will take a lot of practice to conquer some of the crumbling issues when baking gluten free.  the powdered sugar masked that well though.

these were a few of the pics i grabbed before heading over to the party.  (yes, i quickly attached some of the paper fans and buntings on the chalkboard for effect.  blogger habits die hard.)  just mentally add some globes, a hand cut "welcome home" banner, loads of yummy food, fawning friends and one bundle of joy.  now you have an idea of our night.

we are so glad you are here, gorgeous baby boy!

xoxo

when super enzo turned four

super enzo and his favoritest sidekick-turned-cape, super blanky "beebee"

 birthday mornings tend to be special for our family. made-to-order breakfast ("gwuten-fwee donuts wif chocowate fwosting, peese!"), singing, and presents first thing. the drum set was a joint gift from both sets of grandparents. people seem to think we are crazy for bringing that noise maker into the house, but it seems normal to us.  my dad and brother both play, so maybe i am used to it. family band in the making!

and  then he came to the dinner table with his hair slicked back with 1/2 a can of mousse, so he could be fancy on his birthday night. tears rolling down my face in laughter with this one. all.the.time.

a couple days later we hosted a low-key superhero dance party for a few family friends. glow sticks for the win! (really the only extra thing we purchased, other than food.) spidey-bat-man had a super time.

i may still be in denial that he is FOUR. long days and short years for sure.

in my attempt to make up some lost documenting of our daily life, i will be sharing photo posts of important moments from the past year; big & special and little & mundane, but all important. the perfectionist in me cringes at the thought of this belated out-of-orderness, but the story teller in me would rather have them recorded than forgotten. enjoy!

ten days of no sugar

sandal weather arrived in albuquerque and i can't say that i mind. now that we have finally bounced back from the latest round of stomach bug (the last month has just been one sickness after another), i am just ready to get on with the onset of spring. the urge to clean house and declutter shelves has come upon me.  opening windows and airing out over-wintered cooped up rooms.  and this is where i feel a bit guilty that our weather was really nothing compared to our midwest family and friends.  but not too guilty.  they can always come visit next winter, right?  (yes, that is an invitation.)

speaking of house guests, things might be a tight fit if you do make it out to land of enchantment. we recently found out we will be staying in this rental much much longer than we hoped or expected.  the continued effects of unemployment and a fresh sting of disappointment.  it has been a humbling reminder to be content.

contentment in general has been a struggle lately.  my body has not quite recovered from last summer's miscarriage.  last week i hit the, "i will do whatever is necessary" point and made the snap decision to start whole30 round 2 the next day.  ten days down and going strong, folks.  killing the sugar beast was the worst part, mostly because i would like to eat all the emotions.  but i am determined to take back my health, however much i am able.  it is too soon to tell how my body will respond, but i do feel more clear headed and regaining energy.

there has been much broken heartedness this february.  i will remember this month and the loss felt so keenly by those we know.  my own sorrow for our baby lost - the due date approaches this weekend - has been a constant companion. it threatens to overwhelm.  and i pray to remember i can experience joy more fully knowing sorrow.

march is around the corner - as in tomorrow - and it promises big things.  a theological conference on wrestling with contentment, some big (good) changes with my classical conversations job, our oldest turning nine,  a super fantastic girls weekend, and my 35th birthday to name a few.  and countless of the unexpected too, i am sure.

see you on the flip side (of the calendar),
xoxo,
annalea