happy 1st birthday.

I can barely believe it ... my Hunter-bear is one!  Parts of me feel like it was way longer ago, and other parts feel like he should only be 2 months old right now.  This year has been the most life-changing of years for myself and how awesome is it, that I get to sit at the end of it and marvel at this darling boy and the wonderful life he has shared with us.

Hunter Elias, there is no one like you.  Like a family friend mentioned today, you are a little man with giant spirit!  Everything you do, you make that much more epic.  You are an adventurer, a natural leader, a little munchkin, and the source of so much joy and laughter in our family.  There is not a day that goes by that I don't thank our heavenly Father for sharing you with us.  You are such a sweet sweet boy, and I love it that I am your mama.  And I love you so very much, my little bear man.  xo

pic pix: hunty's first go at cake and him loving his new present(s), at home on the counter and in the living room, 05.Nov.2014

day on the boat.

We were literally on the boat for hours ... though it felt like only maybe one hour or two.  I'm relating it to kind of like how this summer has felt - moving way too quickly.  Maybe it's because you enjoy it so much it seems to go by faster?!  I don't know.  All that I am certain of is that each minute still has 60 seconds, each day 24 hours and that I can't explain how this phenomenon works!

But, back to our boating day.  It was a guys boating trip that we caught the tail end of.  A very fun tail, mind you.  The water was a bit choppy and the clouds were overcast on the day we went up, but it made for a comfortable temperature to just relax in rhythm with the water, and let the waves move you wherever & however (don't worry Mom, I won't post any videos for you and your stomach's sake!).  Judah loved being IN the boat and OUT of it!  I love the "hi mom" wave he's giving me (in the pics above).

Matt's been talking about getting a boat for weeks now... after this excursion, I think I'm really warming to the idea :)



pic pix: Judah's first time tubing, Little Bow Lake, 27.Aug.2013

happy 1st birthday.

Wow ... a year already under this sweet little man's belt!  I can barely believe it as I type it - my baby is no longer in the how-may-months-is-he stage.  As much as I already feel like things are going much too fast, I also feel a surge of pride and a growing love for the boy he is becoming daily.  What an amazing gift we've been given - a pure source of joy and laughter.

Judah West, we praise God for who you are today and who He is growing you to be.  I'm so proud to be your Mama and love that I get to spend my days with you.  I love you, my little lion man.  xo


pic pix: Judah's first go at cake ... I'd say he is a fan(!), taken on the dining room floor, 13.June.2013 - Juju's birthday 

feeling sentimental.

Maybe it's because his first birthday is coming up, but for some reason I've been so sentimental when it comes to this sweet boy lately.

As said by the most biased mama around, he has got to be the sweetest little boy.  Lately, it seems we can't get enough hugs, kisses and cuddles from our little lion man.  I thought with him starting to walk that his independent side would kick in and he'd be happy with the freedom(!) away from mama & papa's arms.  But, it's like he knew that was what I was worrying about because he has done the opposite and has been all the more expressive.

I've been thinking about last year at this time so much lately (posts here and here).  My life literally changed/flipped upside-down and over again when he was born.  I felt like there was so little that I knew what to expect, but he put us at ease right away because he. just. fit.  And here he is, putting me at ease again.

I can't even begin to describe how blessed I feel with you in our lives, Judah West.  I thank God and praise Him for you daily.

pic pix: special moments with Juju [photos taken by m'love - i love the expressions he caught!], in our overgrown backyard(!), 01.Jun.2013

thoughts.things.

Here are some (random) smatterings of what's been going on over here ...

House for ... SOLD!
What a relief it is to have our flip-property sold!  After being on the market for almost 6 months, a deal came through and now it's all moving so fast.  As we weren't living in the house, we've been renting an apartment for the last 2 years.  With the house sold, we gave our notice to be moved out of here by March 1, 2013...let the house hunting begin!  We dream of an acreage with a mountain view, but for now, will be looking to buy in town (I'm still secretly hoping we find our dream place sooner!).  It's going to be a crazy story how the timing will work out!

Judah & the bean.
This little clip is just a sweet glimpse into the fun I get to have daily with Mr. Judah.  I'm loving every stage of being his mama!

'bean' there, doing that. from Sarah Nadine Arsenault on Vimeo.

Visiting.
We had the chance to visit Matt's Grandma last weekend.  They are still living on the farm (in their late 80s!) and keeping things going tickety-boo.  Amazing really.  It's always so refreshing to get up there and hear nothing but your own voices, animals, the wind & trees, and sometimes the machinery you are in!

Cleanse time.
I've been on a cleanse since the middle of November, and am craving a good cup of coffee, some dark chocolate(s), and good cheese.  It's interesting to learn these new things about myself (aka the foods I am addicted to!).

Blessed.
Once again, I've been beyond-the-feeling of grateful for this man.  He brings me so much joy, he is my constant support ... my wonderful husband. xo.