Our Year In Review

For anyone that has been following this blog for any length of time, or at the very least since this time last year, you may remember that I used this same graphic for last years "Year in Review" post.  The message of this graphic is one that speaks so deeply to us, and one that really should be shared year after year after year (and probably will be here on our blog).  It's the perfect way to end each year, really.  

For the four of us who get to share our days together in this lovely old farmhouse 2012 was a pretty great year. Sure, there were some things that we could have done without, but on the whole 2012 really was a banner year for us. 

This year saw: a new job, the addition of two guinea pigs to our ever growing menagerie of animals (stay tuned for chickens this spring!), our first family camping adventures, our 10th anniversary celebration (and what a fabulous time it was!), both girls becoming Daisy Scouts (and me becoming a leader), a new church home, and getting more and more connected within our community of like minded families.  I really feel like this year saw us become even more of the family we've always been and were always meant to be.  

Outside of the peaceful bubble that is our one sweet world, the rest of the world took quite a beating this year. And we all know that the tragic events in Newtown earlier this month about did me in. I really hope that 2013 brings much peace to our nation and the world as a whole.  It's truly long overdue.  

Tonight, we'll be dining on Chinese food (as we do each New Year's), sharing our hopes for the upcoming year, choosing our guiding word for 2013 and filling out these fabulous time capsule sheets.  Check back tomorrow to see what we came up with!

We wish you a most wonderful New Year's Eve, dear ones.  We'll see you in 2013!  xoxox

Sunday. 7:45am.

Snow Much Fun

Even though there is not as much snow outside as we'd like there is still enough to have some serious fun in.  The girls were out sledding, exploring, playing, eating and adventuring in it for a good few hours yesterday, and I hear there is talk of more snow play later today.  With any luck the snow that is being talked about for tonight will have us waking up to a gorgeous, magical, snow covered world tomorrow morning.  Bring on winter!

{This Moment}

{This Moment} - A Soule Mama Friday ritual.  A single photo- no words- capturing a moment from the week.  A simple, special, extraordinary moment.  A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.  If you are inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments section for all to find and see.  We wish you a most wonderful last weekend of 2012!

Christmas Day Goodness

Emma's Santa gift. 

Grace's Santa gift. 

Something you want. 

Something you need. 

Something you hope for. 

Something to read.

Ready to head to Rhode Island for Christmas dinner!

Grace and the guys building Legos. 

Thanks Gramma and Grandpa!

 The girls watching as Grandpa plays darts. 

From start to finish it was a truly glorious Christmas!  We all slept in, with Dave and I getting up before the girls and the last one rolling out of bed around 8:00am.  Stockings were opened, presents given, dreams became reality and lots of love, smiles and joy was shared.  Breakfast and Emmett Otter's Jug band Christmas rounded out our morning, then it was time to get ready and head to Rhode Island for Christmas with the New England portion of our family.  Gifts were exchanged, stories were shared and a delicious dinner was enjoyed (kudos to the chef).  There were a couple of rousing games of darts (with me surprising myself and everyone else with how well I managed to play) and dessert and then it was time to head home.   

Part of what Amanda said in her post today summed up so beautifully how I have been feeling over the course of the last week or so.  Except, of course, instead of seven of us loving, learning, living and growing together in this one space we number four: 

"It's been a week full of so much goodness. From loud and boisterous celebratory fun with extended family to quieter moments of ritual and togetherness at home. It's bliss, really, all this extra special celebrating and magic on the canvas of the everyday struggle, mess and chaotic joy of seven people loving, learning, growing and living together in one space." -Amanda Soule

May the magic of this special time be present for a while longer and may the final few days of 2012 be some of your best yet!

Wordless Wednesday::Scenes from Christmas Eve