~2012~

As I look back on this last year I can't believe how much has changed in our lives, how much fun we have had and that 2013 is almost here!

Here are some bullet points of 2012:

• Happiness - I finally LOVE where we live and what God is doing in our lives. Complete turn around from a year ago.
• 5 Year Anniversary 
• Alaska Cruise
• Apple Picking 
• Blessed
• Amazing New Friends
• Visits from family
• Trips to MN
• Baby Sister Engaged
• Wonderful Bible Studies
• Peach Picking
• Apple Pie Contest
• Student Loans Paid Off
• Snow on Christmas 
• Finished Main Floor Remodel
• Finished Another 1/2 Marathon 
• Amazing Husband Who I Fall More in Love with Everyday....even though I might not like him some days I always love him!

I know there is more that I am missing. We have had an amazing year with some highs and some lows but I wouldn't change a minute of it. We have grown, fallen more in love, and have truly made where we are our home, finally (have I mentioned I don't like change)!

CHRISTMAS

Josh and I had a wonderful Christmas together. This is our second Christmas where it is just us and it was lovely. Not that we don't enjoy being with our families because we do and miss them so very much. But having a quiet couple days to ourselves is just what we needed. 

Christmas Eve

We attended Christmas Eve service at church and then went to look at Christmas lights. We also opened up the rest of our Christmas gifts from Josh's parents.

Penelope LOVES her new toys! 

Josh's mom sent a big box of yummy treats!

I love my new pampered chef pan!

.....and Penelope loves her new box!


Christmas Day

Josh woke up before me and decided to surprise me with waffles, bacon, whipped cream and strawberries for breakfast. It was delicious! After breakfast we started the fireplace and opened our stockings and the rest of our gifts. It was such a relaxing day.

 Yummy Breakfast

 Couple stocking stuffers from mom and dad

 Sweet girl loves her some paper and bags!

Josh has been telling me for months about this remote control helicopter for inside the house. He has no idea I got it for him. I must admit it is pretty fun to use!

I LOVE all the gifts Josh got me. He is always so thoughtful in what he chooses. One of his gifts was this cork board and map. I have talked for years about how my grandparents had a huge world map in their basement and would put a pin in to mark all the places they had traveled. He got one of the U.S. for us to start with. I am excited to put it all together and hang it up in the office. 

Ummmm...remember how I said Josh is thoughtful?!?! He made this necklace for me! I absolutely love it! He waited to stain the necklace so I can help choose the color. 

Wearing our pj's all day is the best!

*SNOW*

Well Christmas day and into the next is snowed, we got 10 inches total at our house. That is crazy for Arkansas! Josh had 2 work days canceled because of it. We decided to take advantage of the snow and made a snowman. I must say it is a kind of difficult playing in the snow with rain boots on, but you have to use what you have.  There are lots of tree branches and trees down behind our house and around the state. Lots of people without power too. Fortunately haven't lost power at our house.

Day 1

Day 2 
  I love how peaceful and pretty everything looks after a snow storm.

10 inches

Love

Our backyard

Lots of trees weighed down and broken

Back of our house

Hope everyone else had a lovely Christmas with the ones you love....

WEEKEND UPDATE + MONDAY

We started the weekend out with getting the yard raked and cutting back the evil privet on the backyard fence. As you can see in the backyard after picture MORE leaves fell the next day....really? I am still glad we got it mostly done because there were a ton of leaves!

  

                                  Backyard Before                                           Backyard After 

Saturday afternoon Josh finished up some outside stuff while I took a nap. For dinner we decided on a at home date. We watched a movie and had popcorn for dinner. Once the movie was done (at 9pm) I had a burst of energy and decided to get the Christmas decorating done. The time sure flew and before I knew it, it was 12:30! I'm glad I got it done though.

 Penelope taking a nap in her favorite spot...

 
Do you see the little monster IN my tree?!?!

 I had to work 1/2 day on Sunday but after work we headed to the One Silent Night with FFH & Lifesong for Orphans Concert. We met up with our Sunday night bible study group and had a great time. I thought I should take some of the kids home with me...don't worry I restrained myself!

Today I got the Christmas lights up outside, in shorts and  the tank top!! Something is wrong with that picture! When I went to get the mail I saw our tickets for the championship game in
January. Only 1 more game to go....lets go BISON!

Have a Wonderful Week!