Eek! I never actually posted a recap of our November and December Highlights. Beware! We are long and picture-heavy here folks, but I just had to capture a glimpse of our last couple months!
In November:
We started off super strong with a sibling sleepover, game-night with Ang & George. Angie prepared the homemade pasta they learned on their honeymoon in Italy, which was served with George’s homemade Pesto Sauce. It was so, so fun and delicious. And then we taught them how to play Settlers of Catan. Have you played this game? When Andy and I first got married, almost every Sunday we’d have friends over, eat, watch football, and play Settlers. Very fond memories; only a few tussles ;)
My cousin, Courtney celebrated her 30th Birthday!
I was flying solo, because Andy took one for the team and stayed home for the night to take care of our recovery little sickie. I got to go out, celebrate, and enjoy the gift of remarkable family and friends.
Andy and I experienced our first weekend at home while the kids spent Friday and Saturday night at Grandma and Grandpa’s. It was awesome! Anytime the kids have done an overnight away it was because WE were away. We went out to dinner, spent most of Saturday doing our budget (romantic, I know, but necessary and very nice to have extended, uninterrupted time), but we also went to coffee, a leisurely lunch, and out for another friend’s surprise 30th birthday party!
We shared some remarkable November Afternoons together as a family and capped off the month with a lovely Thanksgiving to remember!
December:
Started off a blur and the rest of the month followed suit! Andy was out of town on business the whole first week, which is when we received the adoption inquiry. I spent the week crying, praying, and processing (a little emotionally unglued) all while he was gone and preparing for our 2nd Annual Christmas Open House (oh, I also completely destroyed our computer during this time, which was awesome. Nope, not my finest week)! But the sale was a huge success and yielded unexpected business for the rest of the month.
In fact, Andy was exceedingly thoughtful and made these business cards to show his support of my blog and products! Pretty amazing, given that I am incredibly indecisive and he just wanted to create something for me to have on hand and nudge me in the right direction!
Andy’s work Christmas party was fantastic – I love his work and his colleagues…What a blessing!
December was filled with Christmas books & movies, playing in the snow, learning to snowboard, hot cocoa, and Max’s first movie (Frozen)!
We had a few beautiful Christmas celebrations, but here are a few more pics from the day (my camera battery was dead, so most pics are from my phone or my sister; I don’t have uniform representation of the fam :)
Christmas Eve morning at our home
Pure joy at Grandma and Grandpa’s House (and a whole lot of fun with Uncle Seth and Aunt Lindy and some cuddles to go around)…
Off to Nana’s for the rest of Christmas day!
Once again, the resident Bears fan picked the Packer’s sweatshirt, which was swiftly stolen upon threat of burning! (Side note: Andy’s laugh makes me laugh every time. Won’t ever get old)
We got to spend a day at a waterpark with one of my sister’s and her family and celebrated New Year’s Eve with dinner at BW3’s and our first time bowling with the kids. Max was actually really good and was sad to leave, and Cal was easily distracted :)
On the Blog:
I spent a lot of time focused on National Adoption Month with a series called The Heart of Adoption: God’s Heart for the Fatherless becoming Our Own (which Jacqueline so graciously featured over at Deep Roots at Home)! I talk a lot about our personal story of adoption, but it was an entirely different layer to delve into the WHY of our adoption.
As for Books:
I shared a little about What’s on {MY} bookself and gobbled up the Divergent series! And skipping ahead to January shared My Favorite Books from 2013!
If anyone is still reading; thanks for indulging me :)
~ Becca
Sharing this post with: Adventures in Mindful Living, What Joy is Mine, The Life of Faith, The Modest Mom, Moms the Word, Cornerstone Confessions, Time-Warp Wife, Growing Home, Raising Arrows, Deep Roots at Home, Women Living Well, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Walking Redeemed, Serving Joyfully, Upside Down Homeschooling, Raising Mighty Arrows, & Christian Mommy Blogger
Becca V
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Becca,
What an absolutely adorable and fun-filled post! I love your family and how you enjoy each other and the blessings you have been given!! God bless your new year with peace and grace:)
Here is my new year’s plan: I have given a lot of thought as to how I will use my time this year, and I find I need to be cutting back on visiting blogs. BUT, if you find a moment to visit and a comment, I will do my best to always return the favor. I desire to go deeper, not broader, and that is how I would follow along with you :)
Thank you, Jacqueline for visiting! I completely understand your goal and it is a good one! I will absolutely be visiting you :)
Of course we are following–when there is such cuteness in those boys of yours. But then there is your heart for the Lord, your family, and what and why you do the things you do. I appreciate your heart which shows through your words so well. Thank you for sharing with us.
Thank you so much, Rhoda!! I always pray that my words would somehow translate into something cohesive and always appreciate your words as well. Thank you for reading :)
Of course I am still reading! I love catching up with your sweet family. I am so glad that you had such a wonderful holiday. Looking forward to want 2014 brings for you!
And I’m looking forward to all 2014 brings for you; I’m praying it is on the upswing!