Put the lights on the tree
(Put them on the tree)
Put the ribbon on the wreath
(Put it on the wreath)
-Sufjan Stevens
the Blog
Oh Christmas Tree \\ Christmas 2014
Hey Baby
This Thanksgiving, we are beyond thrilled, humbled, and grateful to announce that our family is growing by one! That is right friends, we are expecting a baby in the spring of 2015!
This year we have seen God’s love and kindness in our lives as we bought a house, transitioned Jennifer from Verizon to Derk’s Works, and most excitedly as we prepare to add a baby. We are also blessed to have the most amazing family and friends to love and support us as we enter this new and exciting phase of our lives.
I can’t wait to hold our baby, to love them and understand love in a brand new way. I can’t wait to introduce them to the world, my family, baseball, and cameras. I can’t wait for them to know their mother’s love and kindness, to be cared for and encouraged the way I feel by her. I can’t wait to understand God’s love for me more fully as I understand what it’s like to love my child. I can’t wait to know them and see what makes them laugh, cry, feel loved, and causes them to dream. So, yeah, I guess I’m a little excited.
-B
I love thinking about what it will be like to hold this new life, to snuggle, love, talk and pray with our baby or the amount of joy I will feel when I see Benjj as a daddy! These thoughts fill my heart and mind with such amazing happiness and joy. Now, the thought of which strollers or car seats, maternity, weight gain and diapers on the other hand can leave me feeling a bit overwhelmed and tired. (all you baby mommas out there please feel free to share your thoughts, advice or recommendations along the way) But overall I know, without of doubt, that God is my provider, my strength and my courage as we enter this new phase of our life. And I know that we are blessed, we are excited and yes, we are expecting a BABY!
-J
I already feel like the baby has more stuffed animals than they need… but I promise to always protect them and bark at people walking down the street. I’m excited. And nervous.
-Juno
(you may remember this photo from a while ago, this call was to make our first Dr. appointment)
(naps are non-optional)
We wish and pray for this little one to know love, courage, joy, grace, kindness, faith and peace, to be healthy and safe and to know the depth of the love that God and our family and friends have for them.
Brandon & Stephanie \\ MARRIED
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Guys, these photos are incredible. An excellent choice in your photographer!
Dinner Time \\ The Micro Harvest
As many of you know, Benjamin and I moved to Bexley this summer, purchasing our first home! One of the first home projects we took on was a room we knew we would spend hours and hours in together and with friends & family. A room I had dreamt of and love to spend time in relaxing and creating, the KITCHEN! With the kitchen renovations complete and a free weekend (if you only knew how rare this was) we invited our dear friends Tim and Simi over for dinner! But before I share the delicious details of our dinner I thought I would share some of the details of our our new kitchen!
We had the privilege to work with wonderful contractors who did quality and timely work! Designing and choosing the details each step of the way was mostly exciting only a few times overwhelming. I am so thankful for an amazing husband and friends who helped along the way, also a special shout out to pinterest!
Now back to dinner with friends! What better way to enjoy having friends over then to cook together! Simi is not only a dear friend and an amazing Barre instructor (at the best barre studio in the country) but she is an extremely knowledgeable and talented health coach who has had a profound impact on my life and health! Her blog, the micro harvest, if filled with amazing recipes and tips on whole, healthy and pleasurable living, you should definitely check it out! So naturally, cooking together seemed like the best idea!
(@derksworksdog, wasn’t very helpful but was very adorable)
The menu was simple but oh so good! Roasted chicken (marinated over night with fresh lemon, olive oil, garlic, S&P and fresh thyme) and a seasonal salad of roasted butternut squash, toasted pecans, dried cranberries and a homemade dressing of clementine, olive oil, ACV and seasoning.
While making dinner we all hung out in the kitchen and snacked on cheese, nuts, fruit and crackers. Tim, Benjamin and their basil hayden, made great kitchen and conversation companions!
We have been so blessed by Tim and Simi, amazing individuals who love each other passionately, give generously and are just a ton of fun to spend time with. Whether discussing the details and challenges of going out on your own and owning & growing your business, to family life, TV shows and celebrity crushes, we thoroughly enjoy and appreciate these guys!
For dessert we made a vegan decadent chocolate, coconut tart! It was AMAZING and the perfect treat to enjoy while sharing Paris pictures and chatting it up over tea and whiskey! The recipe for this easy and pleasing dessert can be found here!
Anyone else want to come over to cook and dine together? Let us know, we would love to have you! xoxo – Jennifer
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UGH I want to relieve the whole night over again RIGHT NOW!!! Such a wonderful evening with wonderful people (you two!). Thank you for hosting us! Still fantasizing about that dessert and your Paris photos :) XO!
This made me cry. Thanks a lot guys! :P beyond excited and happy for you both! Much love from Texas!
What a great blog! So much for you to be thankful for! Beyond excited for a wonderful couple!! That is one lucky Baby!!!!
This post is incredibly beautiful! So happy for you guys!
Praying for your wonderful, marvelous process as our first grand-baby develops and stretches toward 2015.
We love you both more than words can say and your joyous news of blessing is our delight to share :)
You two are going to be the MOST incredible parents & Juno will make a great big sis!! Sending you love, prayers, and well-wishes today and always. This is beyond awesome!!! :) XO!
Meggan and I are so excited for this next chapter in your life. We miss you both a ton, but just know we are always thinking about you. Congrats!!