Embracing the Season of Joy: Our Family’s 2019 Christmas Card and Annual Update

The magic of Christmas cards holds a special place in our hearts. There’s an unparalleled joy in receiving a tangible piece of love and connection, a snapshot of life’s precious moments from those we cherish. While we wish we could personally mail one to each and every one of you, sharing our journey through this virtual Christmas card is the next best thing. As the year draws to a close, we invite you to step into our world and experience the wonderful adventures and milestones that have shaped our family in 2019.

Josh: A World of Wonder at Four

Our eldest, Josh, recently celebrated his fourth birthday, and what an incredible four years they have been! He truly embodies the spirit of an adventurous and inquisitive four-year-old, constantly exploring and learning. This year marked a significant step as he began attending preschool three days a week, a transition he has embraced with infectious enthusiasm. Seeing him thrive in a structured environment, making new friends, and discovering new aspects of the world outside our home has been immensely rewarding for us as parents.

Josh’s days are a whirlwind of delightful activities, each revealing a new facet of his blossoming personality. His bike has become his trusty steed, propelling him through countless outdoor escapades, while playing with our backyard chickens provides endless fascination and gentle lessons in animal care. The “why?” phase is in full swing, and we often find ourselves answering hundreds of questions a day, a testament to his burgeoning curiosity and desire to understand everything around him. It’s a wonderful, albeit sometimes exhausting, journey of discovery for us all. And despite the occasional tumble, his resilient spirit shines through with a quick “I’m Ok!” followed by a confident grin.

Dinosaurs continue to reign supreme in his imaginative play, transforming our living room into prehistoric landscapes filled with roaring T-Rexes and soaring Pterodactyls. He’s also a natural at making friends, radiating a friendly warmth that draws others to him at the park, where he delights in climbing, swinging, and sliding. Paw Patrol remains a firm favorite, inspiring countless rescue missions and heroic tales. When he’s not saving the day, he’s often found wrestling playfully with his daddy, building a strong bond filled with laughter and boisterous energy. Josh’s growing independence is evident in his desire to do things “by himself,” a phrase we hear frequently as he conquers new tasks and challenges. Every day, he brings an abundance of laughter and joy into our lives, and we cherish watching him learn, explore, and evolve into the wonderful boy he is becoming.

Ryan: Sweet Milestones at Eighteen Months

Our little ray of sunshine, Ryan, recently turned one and a half, and with each passing day, he grows sweeter and more enchanting. This past year has been a period of rapid development and countless firsts for our youngest. He’s now confidently walking and fearlessly climbing, exploring every nook and cranny of our home with an infectious zeal. His vocabulary is expanding at an astonishing rate, with new words emerging daily, much to our delight. Among his growing lexicon, “momma,” “dada,” and “osh” for his big brother Josh remain his absolute favorites, spoken with an endearing purity that melts our hearts every time.

Ryan’s favorite things paint a vivid picture of his delightful toddler world. There’s nothing he loves more than a playful chase, his giggles echoing through the house as he darts away from us. Food of all types is a constant source of fascination and enjoyment; mealtimes are an adventure in flavors and textures. Napping, for him, is not just a necessity but a cherished ritual, providing the much-needed rest for his energetic explorations. He loves pretending to drive the car, mimicking our actions with serious concentration, his tiny hands gripping the imaginary wheel. His undeniable bond with momma keeps him close at all times, a comforting presence that we both adore. Splashing in the bath is a highlight of his day, turning mundane routines into joyful, bubbly experiences. And yes, like many toddlers, eating sand during outdoor play is a curious, if messy, discovery. His little finger is constantly pointing at everything, accompanied by an insistent “that,” as he seeks to understand and name the world around him. A playful “getting spooked” game elicits the most charming jumps and giggles, only to be followed by requests for more tickles and the best, most squeeze-filled hugs that warm our souls. Ryan’s inquisitive nature and boundless affection bring immense happiness to our family every single day.

Us: A Journey of Love, Laughter, and New Passions

This year, Shawn and I proudly celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary. Seven years of partnership, growth, and unwavering love – and happily, no “seven-year itch” for us! Our journey together continues to be one of shared dreams and evolving aspirations. A significant chapter in our professional lives closed recently as we retired our wedding videography business after filming a remarkable 83 weddings. While we cherished capturing the beautiful love stories of so many couples, we felt a growing pull towards a different creative endeavor, one that aligns even more closely with our current passions and family life.

Now, we’re pouring our creative energy into filming recipe videos for Natalie’s recipe website, Tastes Lovely, and we are absolutely loving it even more! This new venture allows us to combine our filmmaking expertise with our shared love for food, healthy eating, and inspiring others in the kitchen. The process of developing recipes, styling dishes, and bringing them to life through engaging video content has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s a joyful challenge that leverages our skills in a fresh, exciting way, and we’re thrilled to be part of a community that celebrates wholesome and delicious food.

Amidst these professional transitions, our family life with two energetic boys remains our greatest joy. Our favorite things revolve around the simple, profound moments: playing with Josh and Ryan, witnessing their daily growth and discoveries, and cherishing the unique bond between siblings. In the midst of the glorious chaos that naturally comes with toddlers, we still find precious moments to flirt and connect, ensuring our relationship remains vibrant. And, of course, once the boys are asleep, we relish the quiet evenings cuddled on the couch, watching Netflix with a glass of wine, a perfect end to a busy, blessed day.

Happy Holidays and a Heart Full of Gratitude!

As we reflect on 2019 and look forward to the promise of a new year, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude. We are profoundly thankful for our health, a foundation upon which all other blessings stand. We are grateful for our family, the source of our deepest love, laughter, and support. Our lives are filled with immense joy, found in the everyday moments and the significant milestones. And above all, we carry a deep sense of gratitude for everything we have. We truly feel we have more than we need, and for that, we are incredibly blessed.

The holiday season serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of connection, reflection, and giving thanks. It’s a time to slow down, cherish loved ones, and appreciate the simple yet profound gifts in our lives. We hope this message finds you surrounded by warmth, love, and happiness. May your days be merry and bright, filled with memorable moments and the company of those who matter most. From our family to yours, we are wishing you and your loved ones a very happy Christmas and a New Year brimming with peace, prosperity, and renewed hope.

Our Journey of Transformation: A Health and Wellness Update

One of the most remarkable aspects of our year has been a commitment to health and wellness that has truly transformed us, inside and out. Looking at the comparison between our Christmas card photo from last year and this year’s, the visual transformation is quite striking, but the internal changes have been even more profound.

Shawn and I are thrilled to share that we are down a combined 90 pounds! This significant achievement is the result of a dedicated and holistic approach to our well-being. Our journey has centered around a clean keto Whole30 eating lifestyle, which has not only helped us shed weight but also dramatically improved our energy levels, mental clarity, and overall sense of vitality. This way of eating focuses on whole, unprocessed foods, eliminating inflammatory ingredients and teaching us how to nourish our bodies effectively. It’s been a powerful tool for resetting our health and understanding what truly makes us feel our best.

In addition to our dietary changes, we’ve incorporated intermittent fasting into our routine. This practice has not only supported our weight loss goals but also enhanced our metabolic health and provided a structured approach to eating that fits seamlessly into our busy lives. Complementing these efforts, we’ve consistently added moderate exercise to our weekly schedule. Whether it’s brisk walks, playful activities with our boys, or more focused workouts, staying active has been crucial for building strength, improving endurance, and boosting our mood.

This commitment to a healthier lifestyle has been more than just about losing weight; it’s about gaining energy, confidence, and setting a positive example for our children. As we continue to get smaller and feel stronger, our cute boys keep getting bigger, taller, and more active, reminding us every day of the importance of staying healthy to keep up with them! This journey has truly been a testament to the power of consistency, dedication, and the incredible feeling of reclaiming one’s health. We are immensely proud of our progress and excited to continue embracing this healthier, more vibrant chapter of our lives.