I still can’t believe it is January! Seriously, where did the time go? It seems like it was just yesterday that I was working on the GLWE Holiday Gift and Baking Guide. I can honestly say that I had a very blessed and relaxing holiday season spent with my family and friends. From Thanksgiving to New Years, each day was filled with love and warmth. Here’s a recap of what I’ve been up to over the past few months.

Thanksgiving was our second time hosting our family and friends for Thanksgiving dinner. My mother-in-law and I finalized the menu and assigned different dishes to each person attending. It is truly a group effort that seems to work for my family. The highlight of Thanksgiving was watching the Redskins game and learning how to play Catchphrase (a new family favorite).

Thanksgiving 2012

My niece, daughter, husband and I headed over to Cox farms to pick out the perfect Christmas tree. We roasted s’mores and the girls enjoyed the numerous activities located on the farm. The holiday season also allowed me to partake in two of my favorite pastimes, shopping and baking!

I'm so in love with my Fearless Threads Redskins apron! I gifted a few pound cakes and cinnamon roasted almonds!

Headed out to do some Christmas shopping

With November behind us, it was time to get ready to celebrate  the birth of Christ beginning with Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve is always special for me as my grandmother and I attend Christmas Eve mass every year, just the two of us. It has become our new tradition. After service, my husband, daughter and I head over to my dear friend Catherine’s Christmas Eve Open House. It is always a treat to catch up with old high school friends.

Christmas morning Payton was so excited to see what Santa brought. She asked Santa for books and he delivered! It warmed my heart to see her face light up when she discovered a new book under each wrapping. After Phil and Payton made Christmas breakfast, we loaded up the car and headed to my grandmother’s house. Another highlight this holiday season was watching my grandmother open the gifts we had selected for her. Santa brought her a new wardrobe and Payton gave her a basket of a few of her favorite things.

Payton with her books and Great Day plate.

Christmas dinner was extra special as my siblings joined me and my in-laws for a delicious and nontraditional Christmas dinner. I have a huge place in my heart for my in-laws as they have always treated me like a daughter and have been a blessing to my family. Catchphrase was played once again with my team unfortunately losing. (We’ll get’em next time). The house was filled with laughter, love and full tummies once it was all said and done.

Enjoying Christmas dinner

Catchprhase in full effect

On Christmas we made the decision to throw a Redskins/Cowboys party. I am a die-hard Skins fan and despise the Cowboys. My family and friends gathered in our basement and we enjoyed the sweet victory of the Skins embarrassing the Cowboys. So.Much.Fun!

Getting ready for the big game!

Redskins Nation 🙂

On Monday, Phil and I continued our tradition and dined at Flemings on New Year’s Eve. Flemings is our go-to restaurant for special occasions. After our early dinner, we returned home to spend the evening with our little one. Together the three of us rang in the New Year, what a blessing.

In 2012, He challenged me personally and professionally. As a result of the various incidents, encounters, conversations, relationships, blessings, etc., I know that I am growing; a work in progress. I have set solid goals for 2013. I am excited to see what is ahead for my precious family and growing business. I feel truly blessed to do the work that I love and look forward to an amazing year!

My word for 2013 is EXECUTE!

There’re BIG things ahead for this girl. Just wait and see!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11