Insta-Tuesday {12.29.15}

These are all the insta-posts for the rest of the year. Putting it together, it's kind of ridiculous because it doesn't show any of the big things that we did. Like, Christmas was completely skipped. But I guess that's what I love so much about Instagram. It captures the small moments that would otherwise be overlooked. 

{12.5.15}

insta-david

The high's and Low's of the Christmas season. High: playing with cousins, Christmas tree farms and shopping for a bunk bed with a slide. Low: being sick. Here is to a Merry Christmas to all and hoping Lydia starts feeling better and all of us remember that long ago a Savior was born. 

#merrychristmas #specialbunny #pandaisdirty

{12.8.15}

I'm one lucky girl. On three different occasions today I stumbled across a sweet note from David. Two from last year, one written on our white board because he left for work before we woke up in the morning. These notes kept me smiling all day. I don't post to be all "look at me and my awesome husband" (although he is pretty great), But I post these on my blog and I want to remember how sweet David is and how his notes brightened my day today. #myownlittlelovenotes

Notes from David read as follows...
Top- From Valentines Day 2014: Dear Shan, Love is not about a few big things, but rather many little things combined together. So on this Valentines Day, let me tell you about a few little things that make me love you. I love that you introduce me to new things that I love, but never knew about. I love when you introduce me to new books that we love. I love when they turn those books into movies because I love to cuddle with you. Happy Valentines Day!
Bottom Left- A note written in the note program on our computer dated October 23, 2014: Dear Shantel, I love you a lot. I miss you and can't wait to see you. Love, Your Shark Tank watching, mostly awkward, but always amazed at how lucky I am to have you Husband.
Bottom right- A note left on the whiteboard in our kitchen, December 2015: I <3 Shantel. (I Love you Lydia + Austin.) 

{12.11.15}

When your craft room/sewing table is too messy to do any actual sewing. #openspotonthebedroomfloor #makedo #illcleanmycraftroominjanuary

{12.18.15}

"We're having a picnic-snack!" Accompanied by massive amounts of laughter and handfuls of popcorn. #tryingtofinishmychristmascards #childhood

{12.18.15}

Huge shout-out to my amazing parents who volunteered to watch my kids (plus one extra- my sister had her baby, eek! And we are watching my niece while they are in the hospital.) So I could go to the post office and grocery store all. by. myself. AND they cleaned my kitchen for me while I was gone. Seriously, they are the best! #mailingchristmascards #myparentsarethebest #cantwaittomeetmynephew #theymightnotgetmynieceback #imkeepingherforever

{12.19.15}

insta-david

True love is when your wife brings the 2nd very awake child downstairs and then insists that you are the one that gets to get back in bed. Thank you Shantel.

 #truelove #whattimeisit #howdidigetsolucky #goodmorning

{12.19.15}

Happy 30th anniversary to my lovely parents. They are examples of everything that is good and kind. I'm so grateful for them, their lives, and their marriage. I love looking at their wedding pictures and thinking about their lives when they were my age. I hope that when David and I reach 30 years together we will be as good of parents as they are and have lived as good of a life. I admire these two people more than anyone else in my whole world and am so lucky they are my parents. (Picture is from the table setting last weekend when my siblings and I threw them a surprise anniversary party, complete with a speech and toasts.) #30years #bestparentsever #boughtchampagneflutesfortheoccasion #usedsparklingcider

{12.23.15}

It's been a wonderful, but incredibly busy week. I haven't posted about my grandpa's 80th birthday party, our awesome Peaden family Christmas party, or about my little brothers wedding. So many wonderful things, but barely any time for Christmas prep. Today we spent finally finishing our shopping plus an awesome Christmas kickoff party with our little family, and now we are staying up way too late trying to get everything wrapped. Even so, can't help but be so so so excited for Christmas! #andfinishingneighborgifts #christmashallmarkmovie #canigetachristmaselftohelp? 

{12.24.15}

insta-david

"All I want for Christmas is to vacuum. " First thing this morning Austin went straight to the closet and insisted on vacuuming. He loves it. Then we turned on Christmas music and danced. Happy Christmas Eve. I imagine Joseph and Mary may have spent Christmas Eve quite discouraged, but I am certain the Savior helped guide them to the quiet stable. If you feel tired or discouraged, keep moving and the Savior will guide you as well.#asaviorisborn

{12.28.15}

Hanging out at Jiffy Lube in pajamas, rain boots, and a firefighter coat while eating popcorn and watching Aladdin. #doeslifegetanybetter? #safetyandemissions #puttingitofftillthelastminute

{12.28.15}

David has to go back to work tomorrow and I'm soaking up every second left with him with stocking candy, popcorn, and a movie.#christmasbreakshouldlastforever

{12.28.15}

Someone decided to join us...#pleasegotosleep! #butheisreallyhappysoicantcomplain

{12.30.15}

Catching up with this girl was exactly what I needed yesterday. Wyoming is too far away! #collegeroommates #hayliandshan