Merry Christmas from our family to yours

snow days and christmas deadlines

On Friday we had the treat of a snow day, a precious part of a southern winter. Weather that would be considered a normal winter day further north shuts things down. It is a beautiful thing. I can remember as a child moving to Arkansas after my family lived in Ohio for two years and the joy of a snow day. In Ohio we went to school in snow suits and boots and jumped in piles of snow on the way home, but here the smallest snow brought a day in your PJs, sipping hot chocolate and watching Christmas movies. It is a wonderful thing and there is a part of me that watches the weather with a childlike anticipation of a snow day.

Over the last three day, and I'm sure today too (another snow day), we have watched countless movies, drank hot chocolate, roasted marshmallows over endless fires, learned to crochet, sledded on ice, thrown snowballs, taken naps, read stories, and rarely gotten out of our PJs. It has been a wonderful treat and has us all feeling so excited for Christmas. Around here you never know if it will be cold or possibly 70 degrees at Christmas so we are enjoying what we get.

I would love to know your snow day traditions? Or just ways you and your family are looking forward to Christmas.

And while my mind is on Christmas here are a few deadlines and dates. Hope you are having a snow day too!

-Christmas order deadline is December 13th.

-Most orders will take 4-7 business days

-If interested you can check out my Christmas card options here

-Prints can be ordered directly from the site, but cards and disc ($400 for whole session disc) can be ordered from me via email

food friday...pumpkin dump cake

To finish off November I am going to share my favorite pumpkin recipe. I really fell in love with pumpkin flavored treats just a few years ago. I have tried several recipes, but mixing pumpkin with a classic and easy dump cake recipe that I have eaten many times with various canned fruit was a pleasant surprise. 

In a mixing bowl combine...

1 can pumpkin purée

1 can evaporated milk

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

3/4 cup sugar

3 eggs

This is the bottom layer and can be evenly distributed in 10-12 lightly buttered small ramekins or the bottom of a 9x13 dish. 

Next, in a medium bowl, mix...

1 box dry cake mix, I used spiced cake but you could probably also use white or yellow 

1 cup chopped nuts

This is the next layer. Evenly distribute on top of pumpkin layer. 

Melt 1 stick of butter and slowly pour over dry mixture. 

Bake at 350 for 45-65 minutes. Edges will brown. Lower time for ramekins and longer cool time for a large dish. 

We topped it with freshly whipped cream. A perfect treat for a fall night by the fire or a small Christmas party. 

Happy Friday all! 

Thanks

On this thanksgiving day I am feel so thankful. I have been working for a couple of days on a list of the things I'm thankful for, 34 things because this is my 34th thanksgiving.

1. My mama. The older I get the more I see all the amazing things she did for me. She is a strong woman who loved me fiercely and for her I am so grateful. 

2. Travel

3. Wilson. An amazing leader, thinker, reader, music lover, laugh maker and all around awesome guy. You challenge and amaze me daily.

4. Awesome teachers

5. My hot bag

6. Swimming pools

7. Campbell. A tender heart, people lover, passionate, story teller, puzzle solver and all around wonder boy. You melt my heart. 

8. Red lipstick

 9. Changing seasons

10. Small group. I am richly blessed by a group of 9th grade ladies that I meet with weekly. They have a special place in my heart and just the thought of them makes me smile...and laugh. 

11. FaceTime

12. Nertz

13. A job I adore

14. Memories

15. Dreams and the people who follow them. I have been blown away this year by the people I know who are following their dreams, the scary places it takes them and the wonderful adventures they are on. 

16. Sleep

17. Forgiveness

18. Apples

19. Family. We are beyond blessed with amazing families. I am so thankful for the one I was born in to and the one I have had the privilege of marrying.  My people who I learn from, laugh with and love the most. 

20. Starbucks

21. The bike I ride. Left behind by theChinos and loved dearly by me. 

22. Travel plans for 2014 (Chinos here I come) 

23. grace, i don't deserve it...so thankful for it. 

24. Fellowship North

25. Friends. My favorites. My life is the most fun because of beach trips, cruise ships, Santo Sundays, birthday lunches, coffee dates, nertz games and group text. 

26. My dad. I am not afraid to admit that I am a daddy's girl, I love my dad, but this year I am so grateful for time together and a hobby we love to share. Lets get back in those bikes Jimbo! 

27. Seasons. Each is special as long as it doesn't overstay it's welcome. Fall is my fav. 

28. Soccer and my soccer people

29. Pizza

30. My sisters. I never really wanted a sister or gave it any thought, but The Lord has blessed me with three amazing sister in laws. All three strong women who are so totally comfortable in their own skin. You inspire me to go for my dreams and challenge me to be better.

31. Being an aunt. 9 of my most favorite people. 

32. Clothes

33. Legos

34. My hubs. My best friend. After it's all said and done I just love you like crazy and most days I am super thankful that I get to wake up next to you. 

Happy day all! I am thankful for you.

little rock mini session sneak peek

 Hello Monday!
I don't know about you, but for me it feels that November has totally escaped me. Here we are the week before Thanksgiving and a mere 5 weeks until Christmas and I have almost let it fly by without stopping to enjoy it, all of it except the leaves which I have spent countless hours staring at and pointing out to my husband and kids.

 I have also spent a great deal of time putting people in these gorgeous leaves,  gift to me.

These images are from my Little Rock mini sessions. I think for both the Fayetteville and LR Minis we hit the peak of the leaves and I couldn't be happier about the amazing backdrop they provided for these families. 

 Though I am determined to stay at my computer this week and play catch up, I am sure that you will also be able to find me out catching the last leaves of this beautiful fall.

2013 christmas cards

I'm so excited today to share the new Christmas card options I am offering this year. I love these gorgeous templates and can't wait to fill them with photos from this year.

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

I will also still offer all the cards from 2012 and 2011 so check those out too!
Cards are $2 each and offered in packs of 25 with pearl, linen, recycled, flat, and semi gloss finishes.

ps... Christmas is only 39 days away!!!