another reason for pancakes. another tradition forming.

We had Zach and Elspeth over on the first day of the year for pancakes! Jake's family celebrates almost everything with a batch of Swedish pancakes, so it was real homey to share another tradition with our friends.

Also, it's a lot of fun to have Zach around to take pictures of Jake and me in our home.

Zach is really good at capturing all my faces, he's been doing it for years. He can capture me looking like a beauty in window light one moment ...



And also like the slinky animal I can be in the next moment, clinging to/hanging off furniture during conversation ...



After breakfast and much chilling, we went to church, and came back (this time to their house) for movies and pizza. THEN I woke up at 4 am to begin a rousing bout of stomach flu. I don't mean to be selfish ... if it was anyone's desire to lose a few pounds this year, I'd be happy to send the virus your way. Just let me know!

OK, happy new year again! Cheers.

new year's eve in my swishy skirt

This was our second time ringing in the new year with friends Vince & Amanda. I knew I wanted to wear something fancy, and it made the night so much more fun.
Also, having a dapper husband helps! I had hearts in my eyes all night.
Amanda is an amazing hostess. I'm always taking notes from her about hosting parties. We had a shiny evening dancing and playing with friends. And I resolved to use the phrase "auld lang syne" throughout the year.

checkin in

Hello 2012! Is anyone out there? I'm writing from inside the cave of our staycation. It's been blissful. Contents include winter walks (love), home repair, and loungin' around. I thought I'd check in on a few things.

One thing I love about our new home is how this console changes with the seasons. Lately it's been feeling very full of love from friends and family.


And speaking of that gorgeous wood flooring ... It needs to be swept about four times a day. I can only keep up with one (maybe two on a good day) sweeps, and since I do not like getting dusty bits on my feet, my solution is to just wear slippers.

Our home is ever changing (see cute new hanging mugs) but one thing that never goes away is dirty dishes. I do like consistency. Also, I really love my neighbors. One of them has a cool roof right out our window and if it ever snows again I'll show you how pretty it all looks.


The most exciting bit of news is that I have to update my passport this year, because I'm going on a really special exciting trip this summer! More on that later.

And this week has been brought to you kiddos by the sentence, "Jake, we have everything!" I seriously feel too blessed. Who chose me for the charmed life, that's what I'd like to know. It does help to exclaim it every once in a while. And I don't mean to brag. In fact I think if you looked around, you might find that you, too, have everything.

2 0 1 1

J A N


F E B


M A R


A P R


M A Y


J U N


J U L


A U G


S E P


O C T


N O V


D E C


this was the year we started in a 250 sq. ft. studio (and thinking i was probably leaving ministry) ... and ended in our first home, a 850 sq. ft. condo (with a new sense of calling and 4 year commitment!)

PS:
December 2010 deserves a shout out for this