little bear's {birthday} week

 little bear had an amazing week of birthday celebrations!

it all started with his actual birthday falling on a tuesday {school night}

and we celebrated semi-big with just the 5 of us.

 we had pizza for dinner

train cake for dessert

and he got to open all his presents he got in the mail.

 remote control speed boat

a globe

cars memory game

 a light bright

puzzles

and craft supplies

 he had a wonderful day.

then day 2 was on a saturday

he invited 8 friends from school

and we took them to

the urban monkey

 its a giant warehouse with trampolines built into the floor

and trampolines on the wall

and foam pits

and nets so you don't fly out of the "designated area"

it was awesome!

 2 solid hours of jumping to music

even the parents jumped

it was such a blast!

 they supply the birthday cupcake-cake

drinks, and a private room to open gifts.

 alden's mom caught alden before he grabbed at the cake...

however, it shamed him and he was traumatized for a good portion of the cake part.

it was absolutely adorable.

 his smiles may be weird and toothless,

but it is absolutely food for my soul.

 even these 2 had a great time.

especially after cake.

it was another successful happy birthday week

for our little bear.

7 is going to be a great year!

{list monday} ♥ family ♥

{photos taken by dustin hardin @ light and living photography}

we recently had a little family photo shoot with our fav photographer

{and bff for-eva}

I thought I would accompany our photos with a little food for thought.

enjoy a little happiness this holiday season!

1. happiness is _______________.

 2. what was the most definining moment in your life this past year?

 3. what recently reminded you of how fast time flies?

 4. when you think of "home," what specifically, do you think of?

 5. what are you naturally good at?

 6. what's something you would do every day if you could?

 7. what will be different about your life in exactly one year?

 8. what makes you feel comfortable?

 9. what is something you would do every day if you could?

 10. what should always be taken seriously? what should never be taken seriously?

11. what have you been counting or keeping track of recently?

happy monday folks.

just 6 more days until christmas!

trimming{the}tree

we've been doing it since the year we met {13 years ago}

hubby's been doing it his whole life.

the annual "cutting of the tree" trip

we pack our coolers.

we pack wood for the fire.

we pack sleds, warm clothes, hot chocolate, lawn chairs,

the works.

we drive high up into the mountains to be sure we get snow.

we first set up "camp" and have lunch

get comfortable in our snow suits

and introduce ourselves to our new surroundings.

then, the hunt is on...

for that one perfect tree.

the one that calls out your name.

the clouds part

 sunshine dances on it's needles

and hubby swears you hear angles singing.

this year was extra special because....

someone has become "of age"

and the ax torch had been passed.

"really daddy, are you sure?"

and daddy sure was.

he did great.

a couple great swings

a few dents in the trunk
and a lifetime of memories that HE cut OUR tree down

{of course daddy finished, but that's not the point}

it was a day filled with new traditions

and sadness happiness in the triumphs of our "grown up-ish" boy

decorating it is so stressful much fun!

this is a star hubby made out of cardboard and aluminum foil

13 years ago when all we had were some borrowed lights from his parents

and nothing else.

it will probably adorn the top of our tree until we're old and gray.

the decorations are up.

the stockins are hung.

the christmas music is set to "repeat"

the shopping is done.

the shipping is done.

and the boys have one more day of school till break.

next week we have holiday crafts

cookie baking

and lots of christmas movies to watch!

happy middle of december

hope you're all surviving

and enjoying thus far!

seven...

i can't believe he's 7.

today.

s.e.v.e.n.

anybody else freaking out about this???

i am so proud of him {and i'm not just saying that cause i'm his momma}

he is amazing.

he has grown and matured so much in this last year.

it's like a different little man in my house.

so.in.love.

enjoy looking back on little bear's last year.

{ who can forget when little bear decided he wanted to be black.}

{list monday} ♥ 7 ways to change your life today

{photos from christmas tree hunting with friends, 12/2011}

"no matter how many mistakes you make,

or how slow your progress is,

you're still way ahead of everyone who isn't trying"

1. chose happiness with words.

{happiness is simply a state of mind. you can either say

"the glass is half empty" or "the glass is half full"

why not rejoice in the fact that, thankfully, you don't have anything to be terribly upset about.}

2. get uncomfortable and try new things.

{move out of your comfort zone.

you can only grow if you are willing to feel awkard and uncomfortable

when you try something new.}

3. help someone in a way only you can.

{we all have natural strengths and talents.

what comes easy to you is no doubt challenging to others.

most people's passion and talent help others in one way or another.

devote time each day to sharing your talents.}

4. dedicate time to activities your passionate about.

{taking part in something you truly believe in,

brings happiness and passion to your life.}

5. make small, positive changes every day.

{The simple act of getting started and doing something small,

will give you the momentum you need,

and soon you’ll find yourself in a positive spiral of changes

-one building on the other.}

6. acknowledge the lesson, smile, and try again.

{the real winners in live cultivate optimism.

never forget to acknowledge the lessons,

even when things don't go your way.}

7. pay attention and enjoy your life as it happens.

{Remember, right now is the only moment guaranteed to you.

Right now is life. Don’t miss it.}

and just for fun...

what are you looking forward to today???