Goodbye 2010....Hello 2011!

Well, it has come and gone. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was ringing in 2010! I mentioned last year that I really didn't do the "new years resolutions" but that there were things that I saw in 2009 that I wanted to change or new things that I wanted to try during 2010. I have been looking through that list lately. Let's just see how we did with those resolutions:

*I will write letters or an encouraging note to someone once every couple of months....not emails or facebook messages. Snail mail!

(This resolution=FAIL. I mean I won't even try to sugarcoat it. It was just a fail! )

*I want to remember that my role towards Brett is first and most importantly, his sister in Christ.

(I have to say, this is a struggle for me. If you know me, you know I am ready to get married and you know that I struggle with my patience in this area. For the most part, I feel that I was encouraging to Brett but I do have to remind myself that he is never going to satisfy me even when we do get married and that I am his sister in Christ!)

*I want to cook more and learn more about it from the best, mom!

(I think this is one that will be continued in 2011...I call myself a "stay-at-home-daughter right now and I am thinking I will take advantage of this role. However, for 2010, I believe I was somewhat successful, particularly with baking. haha.)

*Save money. Give it to those who are in need.

(This is something I want to continue in 2011 and of course throughout the rest of my life!)

*Blog more consistently...haha. Lets not be too specific. :)

(This was a success! I mean, I am on the blog train and honestly, I should probably get off a little bit. I really do enjoy this blogging business. I love writing on mine and also reading others! I also like to pretend that I have many faithful readers! :) haha)

*Be intentional with all that I do and not waste time.

(This is certainly a day by day thing that honestly cannot truly be measured. I'm sure I had great days and I'm sure there were weeks that I was terrible...)

*I want to be more faithful with my prayer life. I want to be consistent in praying for my family and friends and ask them specific ways that I can pray!

(This actually was better this year! I am so thankful! The Lord truly showed me the power of prayer and I tried to be more faithful in my prayer life.)

*I want to be more consistent with my time in the Word and with memorizing Scripture!

"I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You."-Psalm 119:11

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." -Matthew 24:35

(Again, not so great with this. I think it is because I had no plan to help me with being consistent)

*I want to read one book a month...I saw this on someone else's resolutions and I think that this is such a great idea and although school is overwhelming and crazy...I believe that this is completely reasonable and beneficial.

(I really did okay with this. Towards the end it was a struggle. I think once student teaching started it became more and more difficult to find time to read. I'm like a grandma...so once I get into bed....it's over. But, I want to do this again, because, I definitely read more than I would have and this blog kept me accountable for most of the months.)

*I want to take better care of my body as far as what I put into it with the things that I watch, listen to, read, and eat!

(Umm....I can't really measure this one either. It wasn't perfect but definitely a day by day thing.)

And now...for 2011:

I think I had maybe a few too many things I wanted to work on last year. I am going to try and focus on a few things this time.

1.) Back to memorizing more Scripture...Making a plan that is simple and doable.

2.) Plain and simple: Serving. Serving more and in unique ways.

3.) Being consistent. Being purposeful. (No, I don't know exactly what that will look like but I pray that I will be obedient and truly listen for what the Lord wants me to do.)

Well, that is all for now! There are plenty more things I should work on and hope to work on throughout this next year but for now, this is what I have!

I am CERTAIN that 2011 will be just as great as 2010!

Happy New Year and Come Lord Jesus! :)

Broken

That is the only word that describes how I felt this morning as I spent time with the Lord. I won't go into detail but I was brought to Psalm 33:

"Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then Iacknowledged my sin to you an did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord'--and you forgave the guilt of my sin.Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found' surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule which have no understanding but must be controlled my bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!"

I am thankful that He breaks me. I am thankful for His grace and forgiveness.

And just because....

Been loving this song lately....

"Your sacrifice demands my life and I will live to honor Your holy name..."

Traditions...Old and New

Happy Christmas Eve!! While it was not a "typical" Christmas Eve, it has certainly been a great one with a few traditions and some new ones.

The day started out with breakfast with Julie at Spot of Tea. We didn't decide that this would be a tradition but I think it should be. Christmas Eve breakfast every year at Spot of Tea? What do you think Jules? :) This is one precious friend I have and I am so thankful for her!

The day was kinda crazy but we ended with our Christmas Eve tradition. Waffle House. No, we are not normal! haha. Not quite the same this year cause we were missing a big chunk of our family! But, it happens and we will all be together THURSDAY!!! So excited!!

Our special friends....

Love that Waffle House....haha.

Also, I was playing around with my camera last night. I had seen this tutorial and have wanted to try it for a while. I thought it was so cool!

My pictures weren't perfect but then again I didn't really take my time when creating the covering for my lens...But, I thought they still turned out pretty sweet.

Little Christmas trees!

And a few more of our tree....

I have thought a lot about this time of year and although I have learned that Jesus was not REALLY born during this month, it is the time that we celebrate His birth. I am so thankful for my Savior and that He came to this horrible world out of obedience to His Father. He lived His entire life in obedience until death on the cross. He was born to die for me. I also think a lot about Mary during this time of year. How incredibly brave and obedient she was as well....

"But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.' 'How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, 'since I am a virgin?' The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.......For nothing is impossible with God.' 'I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. 'May it be to me as you have said.'" -Luke 1:30-38

I cannot imagine hearing that. I think about all of the emotions she must have felt. I know she was probably excited and scared and was probably looked down upon by many around her. I hope that I am always obedient to what the Lord calls me to and never question Him because His ways are not my ways.

Now, to leave you with a little something adorable this Christmas Eve..

Sounds more like, "Happy Day Daisy...." but you get the idea! :)

Happy Christmas!

Cupcakes, Cookies, and Canadians

Yesterday, my Canadian sister came over and we spent the day in the kitchen. We talked and laughed and really only made two things! Whoops! 

I found the recipe for Hot Chocolate cupcakes here and had been wanting to make them. 

One tip....do not put too much batter in the cupcake liners. One pan was fine for me and the other, I put a little much and when I took them back out to put the marshmallows on them, they sunk in the middle just a bit. Oh well, live and learn. :)

Bring them out and sprinkle some marshmallows on top....

Put them back in for about 5-7 minutes or until they are slightly brown on the top!

This is what they should look like....if you want cuter pictures, go to the link that I had at the top for where I found the cupcakes. I have this issue where I cook/bake things that taste great but the presentation is not so fab. Again, live and learn. :)

Colleen had her own recipe for gingerbread cookies so that is what she made!

 I helped with this part! :) 

It was so much fun and we made a huge mess. I can get the gingerbread recipe too if anyone wants it! It was a process but they were wonderful! 

That's all I got tonight....P.S. I tried to post this once and ended up deleting the majority of the post....therefore, it is much shorter than it was. I'm tired and had no patience for rewriting the entire blog post. :) Sorry folks!

Because...I love her!

After spending those few days in Phenix City with Brett's family, we headed to LaGrange to spend some time with Virginia! Eric and Linds had gone off for a short weekend trip to celebrate 5 years of marriage so LiLi, JimPa, Sam, Brett, and I got to hang with Miss Priss. I know, I blog about this child as if she is mine. I'm just trying to help her momma out by capturing every second of her life that I am with her. Enjoy the pictures of this beautiful, brilliant child. Seriously, she can spell her name, count, say her colors, and is basically a parrot and says anything we say! Yes, I might be slightly partial...

We really liked Santa from a distance....a little more nervous the closer we got...

 She loves to beat on her "pups" as she calls them!

 Pretty girl...

Lookin' at her LiLi

Don't worry Linds! I'll get these pictures to you soon!! I promise to document all of your children just like I document this one! :)

I will be back later with a recipe and early Christmas presents! :)

A Tribute to Pudge....

A beautiful poem for my sweet brother-in-law...written by yours truly! :)

Happy Birthday!

His name is Jeff

What else can I say?

He's my brother-in-law

And his birthday is today!

I've known him a while

It has been about eight years

We've been through so much

Many laughs and many tears....

He used to be large

But then so did I...

Now he is small

And I still eat pie.... :) 

So Pudge, this is your day

I hope it has been great

Now this poem has to end

Before it is too late

Okay...I'm no poet but I love you. Here is a picture to remind you of the good ole days! You are totes the bestest brother-in-law everrrr....even if you do say I'm not getting married until 2058. Just remember....it's all because of me that you are in this family. You needed me as an excuse to come and play ping pong with so you could hang with Mangs.

Love you!! Happy Birthday!!

Where Are You Christmas?

Christmas break = So far....so good. :) I am loving relaxing and not having any responsibilities. It has been so great being with Brett and his parents for the last couple of days! Last night we went to Callaway Garden's, Fantasy in Lights. It was a little rainy but cleared up just for us! It was a perfect night, just cool enough to let us know it was winter! :)

Beautiful sky....

Pretty nativity...

 Twas the night before Christmas....

Loved those twinkling lights.....

Looking a little tired and windblown but it really was such a fun night!

Today we headed to do a little Christmas shopping in the Auburn area. I remembered Linds telling me about a cupcake shop in Auburn and well, nothing more needed to be said. :) We headed to Gigi's cupcakes. 

 I mean...I had no doubt they would be delicious and they did not disappoint!! 

 Naturally, I chose the one with the most chocolate. It was so incredibly good.

 They were all decorated so pretty!

 If you are in the Auburn area you should definitely check it out. It is one of the few perks of Auburn. Sorry Auburn friends....a small dig. :)

I am certainly sad to leave the Kittrell's tomorrow but excited for a day with this little girl tomorrow...

Happy Friday! Oh, and 7 DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS!

Mississippi Queen...

Tuesday was a good day. Brett finished finals and I had an interview. After that, we celebrated. We headed out to Jason an Colleen's in Mississippi for picture taking and lunch. We always have so much fun with them.

Hey there..

Colleen wanted me to take some pictures of them for Christmas/1 YEAR of marriage? haha. Jason insisted on her holding the gun in a few. She might kill me if she sees these. You have to understand...Colleen is from Canada and would have never in a million years dreamed that she would marry a southern boy and live in a BEAUTIFUL log cabin. I love it. God works in mysterious ways! :)

They are so cute!

So Brett and I got a couple taken too....

Love you sweet friend!! So glad the Lord brought you to Mobile!

Yesterday, Brett and I headed to Phenix City to spend time with his family. We kicked it off by decorating the tree last night and tonight we are going to the Fantasy in Lights in Callaway Gardens. I am so very excited!

P.S. 9 DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS!!!!! :)