new endeavors... new goals... new year.

I love starting a new year..... I've always loved fresh starts.

This year we made a list of things we loved about 2013... ways we've grown, things we've learned, blessings we've seen... and then we made a list of changes we would like to make in 2014. Afterward, I chose a scripture that I felt correlated with their pursuits for this year and will pray those over them. Bring it on 2014!

lovin' on our neighbors.

I go back and forth in my love of homemade gifts.

Some years I think it's the effort that counts.

Other years I am convinced that gift cards are way more fun than my creativity.

This year we decided to opt for homemade presents for our neighbors.

[Have I mentioned lately that we have the best neighbors EVER?]

We survived through the Christmas craze and focused on making New Year gifts.

Our go-to this year was Homemade Hazelnut Hot Cocoa and Cinnamon-Sugar Pecans.

I'm pretty sure they are going to be a hit... especially with invites to come skating in our backyard!

Hazelnut Hot Cocoa

1 cup cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred)

2 cups powdered sugar

2½ cups powdered milk (or non-dairy milk)

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons corn starch

1/3 cup dry Hazelnut creamer

Mix dry ingredients all together. Serve 1/3 cup of cocoa mix with 1/2 cup of hot water.

Cinnamon-Sugar Pecans

This is our GO-TO gift anytime we are in a time crunch. Always a crowd-pleaser.

2 lbs pecans (we use the Costco bag)

2 egg whites

3 tsp. vanilla extract

2/3 cup brown sugar

2/3 cup white sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 cup cinnamon

Wish egg whites and vanilla until frothy. Mix in nuts and coat evenly. Pour over mixed dry ingredients and toss. Pour on baking sheet and place in 275 degree oven... 20 minutes on one side, then flip nuts and 20 minutes on the other side.

good-bye 2012

I am not joking around when I say that this past year FLEW by.

We laughed....We cried....We joked....We explored.
We prayed....We hoped....We changed.

We are ready for 2013.

Yesterday we were challenged with Ephesians 4, and I can't stop thinking about how this applies to our family. I'm excited! Our question for 2013: God what are you doing, and how can we be a part?

Wishlist 2011

Since the new year is upon us, I thought it would be a great time to start talking to Isaac about setting goals and always putting himself in a position to grow and learn. He may seem young, but I think it's still a great idea to start these things at his level sooner rather than later. I found this cute "Wishlist" (from Muffins and More) and was excited to hear what he wanted to make a priority this year. Boy, was I surprised! I guess we are still in the wild imagination phase, and I have to say, I hope we stay here for a long, long time. I mean, who wouldn't want to go to space?

1.1.11

We are so excited to head into 2011!

I am expecting a lot of growth, some change, and great things from the Lord! I loved reading Tina's blog post this morning about risky obedience this year, take some time to read it here.

Psalm 39:7

"And now, Lord, what do I wait for and expect?
My hope and expectation are in you."

Happy New Year