Just for the Joy of It: Remembering 2009 in Pictures

In between loads of laundry, I'm taking a moment to join Sharon in a walk down memory lane! It's Thursday, although it took reading her post today to remind me of that fact...Anyway, I decided that looking back on the beautiful memories of 2009 would bring me great JOY, so here are a few random pictures that made me smile. :) She's changed so much!

Happy New Year!

Praying...

*I am praying for my husband, his mother, his little brothers, and their whole family tonight. They are dealing with the devestating loss of a father, husband, grandfather, and so much more today. Any thoughts and prayers for this family would be appreciated...*

Day 154...We're Ready for You

Tonight, Sean and I hosted an early New Year's Eve party for some of our family. We'll be leaving tomorrow to go out of town for the weekend, and two of my step-sisters leave early tomorrow morning to make the cross-country flight back home. It's a tradition, this New Year's Eve party, and it doesn't even matter that we didn't have it on the actual evening of New Year's Eve, we just love celebrating. (Brittany and Braiden, we missed you this year!)

Every year, for the past 4 years, Sean makes his yummy Taco Dip (although I did have to make it this year, he's a busy, busy boy...), my mom brings lots of goodies and games, and we all gather to say "good-bye" to the year on its way out, and "hello" to what the next year will bring. We talk, we laugh, we enjoy each other's company, we remember moments of the past year, and write down our goals, our hopes, and our dreams for the 365 days that lay ahead. The past year presented our family with loss, new life, opportunities for improvement and growth, moments of hoplessness and fear...

From where I stand now, looking back over 2009, I realize that I have had moments, real moments. I've stood in amazement as many of my loved ones showed (and continue to show) an incredible amount of God given strength when it was needed, found myself on my knees in tearful prayer at times when there seemed to be nothing else to do, and have been overwhelmed by just what a powerful feeling love is.

2009 has meant something different to each one of us. The experiences we've encountered along the way have made for yet another life-changing year. I am walking into this coming year feeling refreshed, hopeful, and excited for where life will take us. I know that many doors will be opened this year, for me, for my family, for you. I have faith in God's plan and am praying that many blessings come your way.

For me, this coming year is a tabula rasa, Latin for "blank slate". It's yet to be written upon, it's completely new, and I have every opportunity to make the most of it. And I will.

And so, 2010, you should know, we're ready for you.

Day 153...

I was looking back at some of my Christmas pictures and wanted to share these from Christmas Eve!

I thought I would title this series of pictures "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"! :) We turned up the Christmas music and celebrated the day with a little afternoon dancing!

Day 152...Busy Girls!

Gracie and I spent some time today getting things back in order, now that Christmas has come and gone. We were overwhelmed by "stuff", so we did our best to get organized, starting with Gracie's bedroom! As much as I would like to think she is still just a little baby, I know this is not true. :( It was time to make a few changes to her room, so out went the changing table and in came this:

I love how organized Gracie's books and toys are now! She had way too many toys, half of which she barely played with, so we went through all of her toys, packed some away, and set some aside to either pass down or donate. Gracie also received this precious chair for Christmas and she loves it!

Another part of "getting things in order" was taking down some of our Christmas decorations. Some things will remain until after our New Year's Eve party with family, but we really needed to reclaim the space taken up by the tree! Gracie was very helpful! She was a huge help with unwrapping the lights, and then I turned around to see this:

She'd been wearing her new mittens around this afternoon, and it worked out well because they protected her little hands from this portion of our Christmas tree! :) She keeps me laughing!

Day 151...

The very best part of my Christmas weekend?

Yep, that's them. :)

Day 150...

(Christmas Day)

Day 149...True Meaning of Christmas

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining

It is the night of our dear Savior's birth

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

'Til he appeared and the soul felt its worth

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn

Fall on your knees, oh, hear the angel voices

O night divine, O night when Christ was born...

(Reading "The Story of Christmas" before bed last night. Thank you to Grandpa Johnny who also took time to read the Christmas story from the Bible during our Christmas Eve party! Jesus is what this beautiful day is all about!)

Day 148...A Joy-filled Christmas Eve

This morning, I'm trying to figure out what I'll be doing over the next couple of days that won't bring me JOY! It all started when my eyes opened this morning, the realization that it is really Christmas Eve put a big smile on my face, and had me giving even bigger kisses to my husband and baby girl! Gracie and I started early with our newest Christmas Eve tradition and got prepared in the kitchen to bake cookies for Santa! Oatmeal Raisin are his favorite when he visits our house, and while I wish I could say I whipped these up straight from scratch, the truth is, the good old "break 'n bake" option worked perfectly for my little helper. :)

(Arranging them on the cookie sheet.)

(Don't eat them!)

As for the rest of our day, we have family to pick up from the airport, a Christmas Eve party to attend this evening, and lots of hugs and kisses to collect from those we haven't seen in a while!

I wish you all a beautiful, JOY-filled day! Merry Christmas!

Day 147...Wordless Wednesday

Day 146...

My little Grace, in only two more days...

you will be waking up to your 2nd Christmas morning.

I don't think I can even tell you how excited your Daddy and I are to share this special day with you. There will be so many fun things to do, presents to open, and traditions to experience. You don't realize it yet...

but our Christmas Day will be beautiful, simply because we get to spend it with you.

Day 145...

Monday was Ashley's birthday, so we celebrated with lunch at La Fiesta's and a trip to the Natural Science Center. Gracie really enjoyed following her cousin, Chandler, around. He was very entertaining and kept her giggling. Austin was also with us and was very interested in what the bigger kids were doing! I think the highlight of our visit was seeing the tigers. They were pacing right in front of us and would occasionally rub their heads up against the gate or glass.

Birthday Wishes...

Dear Baby Sister,

Gracie and I had a wonderful time with you and your boys today. We laughed, chased after my one year old, answered (almost) all of Chandler's questions, and passed Austin from your arms to mine, and from my stroller back to yours. It was a fun day, for all of us, and while it brought me great joy to spend this extra special day with you, I am also having a hard time believing my baby sister just turned 22 years old.

I can literally remember the day you were born. You were so precious, wrapped tightly in a blanket, in our mother's arms. I didn't really care for you, which is why I squeezed your newborn baby hand as hard as I could, and then raced for the nearest exit. Time, however, has taught me that having a little sister isn't so bad. In fact, it is one of the BEST things EVER. You are, and have always been, a blessing to me.

When times were uncertain and lots of things didn't make sense, you were there. When I needed one thing to stay the same, one constant in a world of change, there you were. When I wanted to laugh, or needed to cry, I never had to question who I would turn to...

We've made up some of the best, and most ridiculous, games, laughed until we couldn't breathe, and kept each other strong during difficult times. I don't know that I would have made it without you. When God decided to give me a sister, he knew exactly what he was doing. Tonight, I am thanking Him for you and looking back on 22 years of incredible memories. I am so very proud of all that you have accomplished along the way, and am in awe of what a beautiful woman, and mother, you are.

Although I didn't know it then, the day you were born was also the day my life took a turn for the best. So, Happy Birthday, Baby Sister! Words cannot describe how much I love you and the 22 years that we have shared. I wish you lots of love and laughter during this 22nd year, and hope that all of your dreams come true.

Love,
Your Adoring Big Sister

(This one's for you.)

(P.S. I still pull out your "goodnight" letters from time to time. You are the sweetest and most thoughtful person I've ever known.)

Day 144...

Happy Sunday!

Before heading to church this morning...

(The sun was directly in our eyes, but she really tried!)

(Lots of love for Cuddles.)

Day 143...Winter Wonderland

We were walking in a winter wonderland today! The snow started falling yesterday afternoon and continued through this morning. It's just beautiful, and Gracie enjoyed getting outside to check it out for herself. We built a snowman, threw a few snow balls, and after all of our winter-weather fun, we warmed up inside with a cup of hot chocolate. :) Even though we had to cancel our family get-together planned for this morning, today turned into the perfect Saturday. Once our roads were plowed, we even ventured out to finish up our Christmas shopping! I can't believe Christmas is less than a week away!

Last week, I mentioned that my husband and I really enjoy making homemade hot chocolate, even if we have the instant mix right in the pantry! Today, I wanted to share the recipe that we use, because now that we're looking at a beautiful blanket of snow on the ground where we live, we will be making it. :) I don't know exactly where we found this recipe, but it's quick and we love it! These measurements make two steaming cups of hot chocolate!

2 tbsp. cocoa
4 tbsp. sugar
4 tbsp. water
2 c. milk
a bit of vanilla (optional)

Begin by combining the cocoa, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Heat it on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent any sticking. After about 1 to 2 minutes, add milk and vanilla. Continue to warm until it reaches your preferred temperature. Enjoy!

Day 142...

It looks like we really are gearing up for a little potty training...and not just for Gracie...

I put this diaper on "Cuddle Bear" yesterday. I asked Gracie if we should check to see if he needed a diaper change, since she did. She picked him up, took him into the bathroom, and was very patient with him while he sat on the potty. :)

Day 141...Just for the Joy of It

It's Thursday, which means it's time to take a step back, reflect on my week, and share what I've been doing just for the JOY of it!

 

This week, I had a wonderful afternoon out with Gracie, my mom, and my 4 month old nephew. We toted the little ones to the mall, where we had lunch and browsed through a few stores. I think we saw at least a million other babies whose mommies and grandmas had the same great idea! Just being with my family brought me lots of JOY!

I also feel very JOYful when I get a chance to watch Ellen in the afternoons. I can usually only pull this off about twice a week, but I have to say, I love that woman! She is so generous and funny, and I don't know if I'm just crazy or what, but I almost always get teary-eyed when I watch her helping a family in need. And I may be a dork, but I have never been more excited about watching American Idol! I think she'll be a very humorous judge! :)

Finally, our Christmas get-togethers begin on Friday! I can't believe we're really here! Gracie and I are going to spend the day finishing our Christmas shopping and making our edible gifts. The Peppermint Bark is ready to go, thanks to a yummy recipe from Myra at Happy Housewife Living Life. I just have one more treat to put together for my dad. :) I cannot wait to start celebrating Christmas with our family members. This brings me the most JOY of all! Have a wonderful day!

Oh, and this face, a constant source of JOY...