Happy New Year's Eve! (Or the last post of 2010...)

Jessica over at Love From Texas posted these 20 questions as her last post for 2010. Hope she doesn't mind, but I borrowed them for my last post as well. Cheers to the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011...

1. What did you do in 2010 that you had never done before?

Learned to sew on my new sewing machine.

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions and will you make more for next year?

I don't think I kept them like I had hoped too. Here are my top two for 2011!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

My family was blessed with the new addition of my cousin's little girl.. Annleigh Grace

4. Did anyone close to you die?

I did not lose anyone close to me this year.

5. What places have you visited?

Mt. Dora, FL; Orlando, FL; Calhoun, GA; No big trips this year for me!

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?

More time with friends! I had lots of time with my family, but had little time to go out and visit with friends.

7. What date from 2010 will remain etched in your memory and why?

January 1 - 4, 2010... Got to spend three days in Atlanta being a "door-holder" for 21,000 college students during Passion 2010

8. What was your biggest achievement this year?

Learning to say no!

9. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I did not have any major illnesses or surgery in 2010. Let's hope for the same in 2011!

10. What was the best thing you bought?

iPhone 3GS

11. Where did most of your money go?

Spoiling my nephews!

12. What song will always remind you of 2010?

I Will Rise - Chris Tomlin

13. What do you wish you would have done more of?

Be still and listen. Spend more time in prayer and study of God's word.

14. What do you wish you would have done less of?

Worrying!

15. What was your favorite TV program?

I can't really think of a favorite.. Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Glee, Brothers & Sister, House Hunters...

16. What was the best book you read this year?

The Help

17. What was your favorite film of the year?

Eat, Pray, Love

18. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?

I was 32 this year - or as I told my students - I am celebrating my 16th birthday times 2! My parents came into town and we had dinner together, and my 3&4 year old cubbies also threw me a little party at church.

19. What political issue stirred you the most?

Healthcare reform... I read the entire bill!

20. Who was the best new person you met?

I was so blessed to meet lots of new friends this year through work, church and my blog! The "best" new person I met was my cousin Scott's wife Tammy. What an amazing wife and friend! Can't wait to spend more time with them.

White Christmas in Bama 2010

"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas"... When James Spann and ABC 33/40 reported that we might have snow on Christmas I have to be honest and say that I did not get my hopes up. My parents were coming in town from south Alabama, and I knew it would be a great surprise that day, but I really did not believe it would happen.

Well, I am here to say that I should have believed! What a beautiful blessing on Christmas to watch snow fall outside. Here are a few pictures of the snow in our area that day!

Toboggans are not my style but to go outside and play with my nephews I had to give in and wear one...

Driving to the Christmas morning church service... It was just beginning to fall...

Pictures from around my sister's home...

Back inside, snuggling up to get warm!

Christmas Day Recap 2010

We woke up to find that Santa had eaten almost all of his brownie and cupcake, and left only a little of his milk...

Looks like he let his reindeer in out of the cold as well...

All was peaceful and waiting on the boys to get up...

Santa left each one of the boys three presents (just like the wise men did for Jesus) and their stockings...

**My sister's husband has a son who joined us that afternoon but Santa went ahead and left his presents for him.

Favorite picture of the day! Connor realizing he did get a Nintendo DS from Santa...

So excited...

The gang on Christmas morning opening our presents from Santa and each other...

Cooper and his new inch-worm riding toy...

Both boys playing their electronic games...

Connor's loot...

Cooper's loot...

We had a great day! Hope you and your family did as well.

** GIVEAWAY ALERT - Diaper Swappers is giving away a Silhouette. Head on over and enter for your chance to win! **

Christmas Eve Recap 2010

I mentioned before that this was the first Christmas in 32 years that we would not be at my parents home. We made the decision to spend Christmas at my sister's this year so that we could be with my nephews that morning for Santa presents.

Christmas Eve we did not attend a church service as we always have, but instead ate BBQ and spent time watching "A Christmas Story" as a family. Enjoy these pictures from Christmas Eve!

The boys after bath.. Cooper (20 months) and Connor (4 yrs old)

Rudy-Toot the elf hanging out on the tree waiting for Santa and his sleigh to travel back to the North Pole..

My BIL, dad and nephew watching "A Christmas Story"..

Connor and my Mom getting the reindeer food ready..

Putting the food out for the reindeer..

Pouring Santa some milk for his brownie and cupcake..

Looks good! Hope Santa likes it..

Reading a Christmas book about Baby Jesus before bedtime..

Check back tomorrow for a recap of Christmas morning. Have a great Wednesday!

Top 2 Tuesday: New Years Resolutions

1. Weight Loss (or as I like to say "Gettin' Healthy")....

This is something I have struggled with my whole life. I am not obesely overweight, but I do not fall into the category of "normal" by my doctor's standards. At my last check-up he strongly encouraged me to lose 15-20 pounds. My family history includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol and breast cancer. He said that by changing my lifestyle and making "healthier" decisions, I would greatly reduce my risks. Thank the Lord I have a friend who is going to be my accountability partner through this process. Exercise, a low-carb diet and better choices when it comes to my body are on the New Year's agenda.

2. Spending time in prayer and reflection....

I lost my way so many times this past year because instead of being still and listening, I got caught up in the "act" of doing and the hustle and bustle of life. I always feel so much better if I start my mornings in devotion and prayer. I hope to begin a new routine in the morning and maximize my quiet time before I begin the business of work and life in general.

What are some of your resolutions for 2011? Blog about them and then link up over at The Undomestic Momma.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will direct your paths."

Proverbs 3:5-6

New Recipe Posted on Cooking Blog

Have you visited my cooking blog - What's Cooking in Paige's Kitchen? I have not been able to give it a lot of attention since starting it, but hope the new year will hold more opportunity to cook and share recipes.

I just posted the recipe for quick and easy Ham and Cheese Croissants using crescent rolls. Go check it you and look through some of the other recipes I've shared.

P.S. Head over to Life. rearranged and enter to win a Silhouette Die Cutting Machine.

Sunday Song: Breathe of Heaven

** Go check out the great Silhouette Machine Giveaway being hosted by Brown Paper Packages**

Merry Christmas!

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."

Matthew 1:21 KJV

Jesus is the only one who can save us. This is truly remarkable and a reason to be joyful this Christmas.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Christmas Eve... My first Christmas not at "home". For 32 years, we have celebrated Christmas at my parents home. This year they will be with my sister and I at her home. A little bittersweet yet at the same time so exciting because we are making new memories and starting new traditions with my nephews.

I am looking forward to ...spending the night with them and waking up to Santa... having a "Happy Birthday Jesus" party... Christmas service at church in the morning... and all the laughter and giggles that will take place from being with my family.

The Boston butt is in the oven to cook, all the presents are wrapped, stockings are stuffed and my parents are on their way. What a beautiful day!

Thank you Lord for the small blessings in our lives.

Just checking in...

Wow! It has been awhile since I posted. I have been traveling, celebrating and reflecting on this past year. I am so blessed and I am reminded of this everyday. Thank you Lord for the little reminders of your love and grace during this holiday season.

My parents will be joining my sister and I this year for Christmas. Our first Christmas not at "home". But we are so excited to be starting new traditions this year with my nephews! Here are a few pictures from our family Christmas celebrations last weekend.

Sara Grace is my baby cousin and has a huge place in my heart. She is 10 years younger than I and when she was born I loved her like my own little baby. She just recently competed for Miss Rodeo America and while there became engaged to the love of her life. I couldn't be happier for her and look forward to watching her and Chase grow together as a couple.

And here is her BEAUTIFUL ring... A blue diamond! It is a perfect fit for her. Chase did a great job. Looking forward to their wedding in Vegas in December 2011.

Cooper sticking his finger in my mom's chocolate pie!

What the kids did while the adults played Dirty Santa. What did we do before hand-held electronic devices?

Listening as the rules to Dirty Santa were explained... These are some of my favorite people!

My Aunt Cindy and her granddaughter Preston... She was diagnosed with breast cancer seven days before Christmas last year and is now a Survivor! We had a lot to celebrate this year.

Sunday morning, hanging out in our PJ's. Cooper wanted to check Connor's ears with the flashlight. Love these boys!

Playing the Wii.

Iron Man showed up at our family Christmas lunch. So fun!

Sweet baby boy was all tuckered out after all the family Christmas partying.

Merry Christmas to you and your families! May you know the reason for the season.

Sunday Song: Mary Did You Know?

Help A Blogger... It just takes a sec!

THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU WHO VOTED IN ROUND THREE!! Mamarazzi has now made it to ROUND FOUR and needs our help again. It just takes a few minutes and you will again be entered to win some great prizes. Head on over and check it out!

Have you met Mamarazzi? If not, you need to get to know her! She has an awesome blog, Dandelion Wishes, and host some pretty fun swaps.

She is in the running for Top Blog 2010 and was nominated by The Blog Guidebook. She has made it to round three of the voting and needs our help to go on! Can you head over here and vote for her? Please... You can vote once from your computer and once from your phone!

In appreciation for your votes, Mamarazzi has gathered some awesome prizes for YOU! Once you vote, head over to Dandelion Wishes and leave a comment to be entered. There are ways you can get additional entries as well.

Thanks for your help! I know Mamarazzi appreciates it too!

Sunday Song: Where's the Line to See Jesus?

Friday Fives: Christmas Ornaments

I am linking up over at Beth's blog for Friday Fives! This week we are to share our five favorite Christmas ornaments.

I love this ornament. It is hand painted with the manger scene and the verse "For unto us a Child is born." Isaiah 9:6

This ornament was given to me by my parents. I love snowmen! And I love that it also contains Isaiah 9:6 and baby Jesus.

As a freshman in college, our band was selected to march in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Hard to believe it has been 14 years. Wow! My college roommates Mom made us these to commerate that special event. I put it up every year!

I love crosses! My cousin gave me this ornament last year. It is hand painted and I love the design and colors.

And last, but not least, my Strawberry Shortcake ornament. This was given to me as a child by some family friends and I love getting it out every year and thinking of them.

Go over and check out Beth's ornaments and think link up your five favorite ornaments!