Goodbye 2012

Another year?! It went by so quickly...too fast at times.  As I reflect on what this past year has brought I'm overwhelmed by God's goodness in my life. Sure it hasn't always been easy, but there have been so many blessings - and yes, even in the midst of the trials. He has given me peace and joy, strengethened my faith, blessed with new friendships, strengthened relationships with family and friends, added a new member to the family, and so much more!

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{You should try this. Sometime this week, as you go to the Lord in prayer don't ask Him for anything...focus on thanking Him. Turn those prayer requests into praises. You will be blessed!}

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As we say goodbye to 2012 and hello to 2013, may we endeavor to become more Christ-like and take the time to daily look for the Lord's blessings in every situation. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for the coming year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

8 more days!

It's almost here! Hard to believe Christmas is next week! Here's a little look at what we've been up to...

{The Nutcracker}

This was my very first ballet, and I loved it! So much fun!

{Christmas baking}



Gingersnaps! I also made what felt like a million peanut butter balls. :) Lizzie's mom asked me to participate in her work's cookie/candy exchange, so I made 10 dozen for that plus some for us!

{Christmas cantata}

On Sunday is our Christmas program, so we've been working really hard to get the music and play ready!

{Christmas Party ... Photo Booth Fun!}

{Snow!!}

Fail

You know how I've been trying to do things that I've pinned on Pinterest? While most things turn out great there is a slight percentage that are fails. Take these cookies for instance...

I like caramels.

I like apple cider.

I like cookies.

But caramel apple cider cookies? Not so much. It sounded good, but they didn't taste very good. They weren't gross necessarily, but they weren't delicious either. A waste of caramels and apple cider in my humble opinion. I'd much rather drink a cup of cider and eat a caramel and cookie. :)

But hey, who knows? Maybe you'd like them. Here's a link to the recipe in case you want to give them a try!

December

December is here and I have a feeling it's going to go by as quickly as it came! There is so much planned for this month it's crazy, but I do love this time of year!

A while ago, I saw a table centerpiece box on Shanty 2 Chic and loved it! So, this week I bought the supplies and asked our resident handy man (aka: Dad) to help me with it. :) I showed him what I wanted and he did a great job! I stained it and filled it with some Christmas-y decor...I'm loving the way it looks!

I used branches left over from our Christmas tree to to fill in the box. See those red ball ornaments in there? Those are the ones I bought at the thrift store for 50 cents. Oh, and remember that wreath form I also bought at the thrift store?

Ta da!!

I'm loving our decorations this year. Maggie put the mantel together...doesn't it look great?!

Do you like our snow? Shhh...don't tell anyone, but it's epsom salt! Thank you Pinterest!

And our tree :)