Snow...

We finally got enough snow to go outside and play! Malachi only lasted about 10 or 15 minutes, but he did enjoy sledding.


Malachi and I went a little faster than I expected and ended up crashing into the barn. It wasn't as bad as it may look...we both got up laughing!

Family Pictures

My mom has been wanting a current family picture for the past few years, so this year all the siblings decided to get it together and give her a picture for Christmas. Because our resident photographer, Kelsey, needed to be in the shot and because we all absolutely love the work of our friend, Cassidy, of Cassidy Dawn Photography, we commissioned her to take the pics.

After rescheduling at least three times and wrapping a framed drawing of the family so that Mom would have something to open at Christmas, we finally had our photoshoot on January 2nd. Cassidy did not disappoint and now we are just faced with the problem of picking out our favorite!

This is my brother, Blake, and sister-in-law, Kimberly. They will be adding another member to our family in July! Malachi is already talking about his "special baby cousin in Kimberly's belly".

I love how Cassidy does such a great job of catching natural emotion...this expression is so typical of Dad!

Can't you tell how much fun we had?

If you'd like to see all the proofs go to http://lloydfamily.photoherald.com/ (password: lloyd). You can also see more of Cassidy's work by using the link from this blog!

Bridal Show

Last Sunday I participated as a vendor in the Chillicothe Bridal Show. I was able to share many samples and hand out business cards to brides who are busy planning weddings in the area. This was my second year in the show and I really enjoyed meeting all the brides and getting feedback on what I'm doing.

I owe a HUGE thank-you to my wonderful sister, Megan. Not only is she the designer behind my business cards, she also devoted her entire day to helping me out and was a very important source of moral support. Thanks, Meg...I couldn't have done it without you!

Musical Talents

Although Malachi may look more like me and my side of the family, he definitely got some musical talents from Erik's side! There was a lot of singing and playing music together while we were in GA. In fact, as soon as Malachi walked into the other cabin he exclaimed, "Wow! Where did all these instruments come from?" He joined right in and played his "whistle" with everyone.

He also entertained us by singing on the way home!

Christmas Memories

This year was the first time since high school that both Erik and I were able to wake up in the house we live in on Christmas morning. It was wonderful! We had to wake Malachi up at about 9:30 (he definitely didn't get that from my side of the family...Meg and Kels still get up before 7:00 a.m. to get their presents!) and he was so excited when he came down the stairs and saw what "Santa" had left for him. We spent the rest of Christmas day with my family hanging out, exchanging presents and, of course, eating. It was a lot of fun and everyone enjoyed Malachi's excitement.

Early Friday morning we headed south to Amicalola Falls, Georgia, to see Erik's family. The Jarrett family - Laura, Gene, Alice, Becky, Jennifer and Cindy

Grandma and Grandpa with their grandsons, Isaac, Erik and Malachi

Grandma Alice arranged for everyone to meet and stay in rented cabins to celebrate Christmas and Grandpa Gene's 80th birthday. We had a lot of fun together, in spite of the intense fog and mostly rainy weather.

Monday turned out to be a beautiful day and we were able to hike and see the waterfall. Malachi was a trooper and we all had a great time!

Christmas Cookies

We spent Saturday evening at home decorating Christmas cookies...and had so much fun! Enjoy the video and Merry Christmas!

O Christmas Tree

This was the first year that Malachi was really able to participate in decorating the Christmas tree and he had so much fun! Erik and I just sat back and watched!

Of course, I did have to rearrange things a little after he went to bed! Notice the concentration of ornaments in the bottom right corner!

I also have to brag on our new stockings just a little. My mom knitted them especially for us and I love the way they turned out!

This year Malachi has his very own tree in his bedroom. We made ornaments using construction paper and markers. I figured they'd be a little safer behind closed doors...even though he has strict orders not to touch the tree!

The first night he had the tree, we left the lights on when we put him to bed at 9:00. When I went up to turn off the lights at 11:15 he was still awake, sitting in the middle of his bed, hugging one of his stuffed animals! He told me he was "just looking at the pretty Christmas tree!" None of his books or animals were disturbed! He just sat there for over 2 hours gazing at his tree!