Empty bowl and fresh food

Charis and I went to the new farmers market today and picked out four new bowls from the Empty bowl project and then got lots of fresh produce to fill the bowls. It was a fun trip and a good cause to teach Charis about.

Starting work on the new yard

So we finally got most of the grass out of our front yard and now it is time to plant.Thanks Nathan!

Good thing I have a daughter who likes to plant and garden with me.Or sometimes just being a kid outside.

Celebrating Christmas at Nana's

We went to Kansas for Thanksgiving and spent some time with my mom and sister and some time with almost all of Kris' family that all came from IL, TX and KS.

While we were at my mom's house she let the girls decorate the tree early so that Charis could join in.Between Nana, Debbie and Aunt Cecilia, Charis is always spoiled with gifts for her birthday and Christmas. This year among other things, she received lots of jewelry, a new CD clock and her first Legos. Thanks everyone! At Leah's we ate, played games and mostly talked. And Leah should win some award for being a great host and having roller skating for the kids in the basement.

Cooking lesson

Charis is learning to make mac & cheese by herself (with careful supervision at the stove).She is so excited, can you tell?Yummy!

Final soccer game

What could be better: Charis' last soccer game, fun time with friends, the newest addition to my top three favorite games -Ticket to ride, watching Ramona and Beezus and pizza for dinner - thanks everyone that helped make this a great day.Charis winning a soccer medal, she couldn't be more proud and so are we.

Love

To write love on her arms - so that she will know from a very early age that God, mommy and a lot of other people love her.

Running

Charis and I just finished another day of running .8 miles for marathon kids. She is an excellent running partner.

Holding Baby Merin

We got the honor of visiting Meagan and her new baby girl Merin. Charis and I love her already.