a break, new year, new news...

Yes, it has been awhile since I've posted here.  A lot has happened since September, so I will fill you in.  Life got busy fast, and I just needed a break for a little bit.

The biggest piece of news is that I am pregnant with our second baby!  Here's a peek at my 18 week bump.

I got pretty sick again this time like I did with Finn, so I was out of order for a few months while my dear husband cooked, took care of our boy, and took care of me.  But I am feeling myself now, and super excited for this wee one coming in June!  We are planning a home birth, and loving every minute of our experience so far.

Finn turned two in November, and he is growing into a little boy each day.  He is talking in small sentences, using clear words more often, and is a good helper in the kitchen.  Love that kid.

We had a great holiday season, with parties, family time, good food, and so many memories made.  It's easy to be inspired and positive this time of year, and it makes me grateful for all the blessings in our life.

Now that January is here, Landon and I are hoping to be intentional about this new year.  I don't like making resolutions, rather goals.  We have a few big ones in mind, and some little personal ones.  More than anything though, I just want to enjoy each day and try to live them to the fullest.

One goal I have is de-cluttering and re-organizing the house...a common New Year's task, but a worthy one, I believe.  I have signed up for Apartment Therapy's January Cure, and I am really eager to start on the assignments.  Today, I am doing a walk-through to note anything that needs attention in our home.  I'll be making a project list and working off of that.  I know for sure our garage needs an overhaul, and the bathroom cabinet could use a good cleaning out.  This is my first time participating in this cure, but I'm excited that it will give me some great ideas to use all throughout the year for a fresh, clean home.  Back with updates on the cure this month.

Happy New Year!

a simple lunch...

For my simple lunch I threw together...

*Two large handfuls spinach leaves
*1/2 medium zucchini, chopped
*small sprinkle of mozzarella cheese
*1 clove garlic, minced
*olive oil
*balsamic vinegar
*dill weed

Craving something green and full of goodness today.  But I am also looking forward to some yummy treats for the 4th of July and the weekend.  Landon and I are making donuts for the celebration.

We are going to try to take Finn to see some fireworks tomorrow night.  Not sure exactly how he'll react, but hopefully they will be fun for him.  I'll be taking off until next week, so happy 4th of July and happy summer!!

xo

i'd eat these...

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Don't these cookies look absolutely delicious?  I am getting over being sick, and am trying to stay away from sugar and sweets until I'm better.  So naturally I am craving anything chocolate or peanut butter-y or dessert-y.  Maybe I will try this recipe for the holiday season.  Speaking of, our tree is decorated and our banister is too.  I'm so loving this cozy time of year.

Finn's first holiday season included....
*knitted hats
*remote controlled helicopters (landon's favorite gift!)
*box beds with Grandpa
*all the uncle love anyone could want
*snow
*muffins
*puppies
*pigs
*new friends
*cuddling with Grandma
*endless games of Ticket to Ride

We had a blast making our Christmas card this year.  Since Finn arrived so close to the holidays, we timed his birth announcement along with our own card.  Here are the ones we sent to friends and family, and also a few extras.

Have a very wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!!
See you all in 2012!

movie time!

Tomorrow night, Landon and I are going to head home a bit early for the holidays so we can go see a movie and let Finn hang out with the grandparents.  I'm so excited to go out to the theater since I haven't been since before Finn was born.  Landon and I love going to the movies!

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We're seeing the new Sherlock Holmes which looks great!  I love the time period and all the amazing costumes and set design.  I'm especially excited to see Noomi Rapace in the film (I think she is gorgeous!)  We saw her in all three of the original Swedish Girl With The Dragon Tattoo films when they came out, and loved her.  Landon and I have read the books too...if you haven't, you should because they are superb!  Even the real life story surrounding the author and his death is very intriguing.

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What did you think of the new hollywood version?  I saw the trailer and it looks alright, but I was a bit biased.  Check out the Swedish trailer.  Ah, but I will probably still see it and compare it to the "real" ones. :)  Tomorrow, though,  it's Sherlock Holmes time and all about the mystery and plotting.  Maybe Landon will buy me some butter popcorn!!

Christmas Supper!

Since Landon and I will be with family for Christmas morning and Day, we decided to have our own Christmas supper celebration on Saturday evening.  We had ham with an amazing honey glaze, carrots, garlic butter mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
Yes, we are still eating the ham.
It was such a treat to spend a quiet evening at home with a delicious supper, just the two of us and our little bitty tree.
Christmas seems extra special this year.

Thanks!

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I hope you all have a special Thanksgiving day celebrating with family and friends.  I'm so looking forward spending time with Landon's family and my parents these next few days.
Take time to think about what is truly meaningful in your life as you celebrate!

Love,

Leah

holiday table decor

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I'm getting so excited to spend Thanksgiving at home with our dear family.  These beautiful table decor ideas are so inspiring and gets me even more in the mood.
I bought my ingredients today and I can't wait to start baking!
My second love is the kitchen for sure.

xo

Vacation!

I am SO excited for this holiday season to start!  Spending time with family is so wonderful.  I get all of next week off of work, so I'll have plenty of time to bake!  We'll be bringing pumpkin pie and maybe green bean casserole and sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving next week.  Yum, yum.

Then, the weekend after Thanksgiving weekend, we are headed off to Jamaica!!  Ahh, it's going to be such an awesome vacation!  My sister Hannah, and her husband Jon are coming with us and we're staying at an all-inclusive resort for a week.  They offer a ton of extra activities like scuba diving, boat tours, and day trips at no extra cost, so we are planning to take in as much as we can.  Plus, we get to spend it with our best friends!  Hannah and Jon are so cool and we can't wait to spend quality time having a blast!

So, awesome thanksgiving, awesome vacation, then back for an awesome Christmas!

 For our honeymoon, Landon and I went to an all-inclusive resort in Antigua and had the time of our lives.
Here are a few pictures from the best trip ever.

Here's to holidays filled with family and friends.
xo