Flashback Friday

My best friend from high school has been in town and we have been playing hard.  My sis joined us last night to eat and I thought that this was totally appropriate to post for today.

In case you thought that this family was all fun and games...

Our discussion tonight was why we were all ticked off this day.  My parents proudly display this every holiday season in a cheery Santa frame.

Flashback Friday

So...my sister and I were going through old albums and found waaaaay too many pics to not post some.  I have to admit...I am pretty darn excited to embarrass some family.  I will share a few of our many, many treasures found.

It's like an early Christmas!

Flashback Friday--Megan and I

Well...this Tuesday (yes, Christmas) is my middle sister's 26th birthday.  My parents always tell the story of how I was willing to have Christmas at 2:30 in the morning so that they could see what Santa had brought me before they had seen what Santa had brought them.  (Or the stork, or God...whomever your preferred carrier pigeon be.)  I didn't mind playing with my Little Tykes kitchen set...or the mischief that later ensued.  Happy birthday Megan!

P.S.  I always use her for my cush answer of my favorite present ever.  Before you get all sappy....it's just because I don't have to think.

Ok, I am a little delayed in posting things, but I feel the need to post this.  I could post a million Bible verses, but I think I will just do my favorite, the blog's namesake (or blogsake's name as my tired brain put it).

"So let's not get tired of doing what is good.  At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up."--Galatians 6:9

Good things are coming.  I can feel it.  More to come.

Flashback Friday--family photo

Our family, at my grandma's 60th birthday party.

This last weekend, we took a new family picture, 20 years later, at the same exact location. It is weird and comforting to see my family all together, laughing, and goofing and having a phenomenonal time.  It was so freeing to avoid the present exchange and to just revel in one another's company.  After all, we know that our time to do this could change at any time.  My uncle and aunt are preparing to leave for Swaiziland in Jan.  My heart continues to be expanded in the best ways possible as I have friends and family who continue to globetrot.  I am so excited for the work that they are doing and the things that they are doing, so I can't be too selfish in wanting to have them near me.



Cookies and a marriage proposal...it's all about local shopping

The baking extravangza continues this weekend.  I made chocolate gingersnap cookies last night that were so good, I was ready to eat them all.  But alas, after a deal negotiated with cookies at a local store, I needed to deliver some.  The marriage proposal and free coffee and a mug with Bailey's didn't hurt either. (Seriously, I can't make this stuff up.)

I continue to enjoy how the lights up for the holidays are strategically placed during the darkest time of the year; just for maximum viewing time.

Junk store shopping and a $2 local race with friends always make a weekend better.  I mean, really...who needs a light-up Santa ashtray?  But the bigger question is...who actually bought this originally?!?!?  It made me very happy to leave the race with a $20 car wash gift card and the junk store with nothing.

Flashback Friday--St. Lucia

Our family (ok, namely me) had a slight obsession with the American Girl dolls.  Whilst spending our entire wish lists on this overpriced collection, we picked up a few holiday traditions.

St. Lucia Day Dec. 1996

Sugar and Spice and everything nice

Sugar:  The Official Love Language

I have been blessed with so many awesome people in my life, I have had to make more cookies.  I don't mind, since I always look to improve my baking and cannot possibly eat all these myself.  (Not to say I haven't tried.)

I attempted shortbread, which my sister said looked like cocaine.

And then there were the Pecan Sandies, which were ridiculously easy to make.  I even convinced my roommate to get in on the action.

I made a day a little brighter by stopping by a local gift shop.  I was beckoned to the flowers and had to get some.  I skipped on my way out of the store.

It is so fun to see everyone be grateful for the cookies.  More recipe adventures to come.

Flashback Friday--marching band

Because I am an equal opportunity embarrasser...

My best friend from high school before I knew her.  Thank heaven for parents who took too many photos.  Because who really wants to remember middle school marching band?

August 1996