1. In May, we moved "home"! After ten and a half months, we moved back to our property into our new home. We spent the first weekend listening to songs and reading blessings and prayers shared by family and friends.
3. Our oldest daughter has shown an interest in sewing with mommy. In October, she picked out some fabric and completed her first sewing project...a baby blanket for her newest little cousin.
4. On my list of lifetime goals has been the opportunity to mentor women in their walk with God. In February, I was presented such an opportunity through the House of Hope in Cedar Rapids. It was such a wonderful experience and I am excited to see where it goes this next year.
5. Birthdays are such a wonderful opportunity to celebrate life! We have had three of the children's birthdays in the new house.
6. Watching football yesterday the family and Ben's good friend, Kevin, gave me a sense of "normal" for the holidays (he usually visits Iowa during the holidays and spends a few evenings with us). It was good for us to just relax and feel normal for a few hours.
7. With all the lessons we learned in the corn crib, the one that has paid off the most (at least in my opinion) is the heating. We insulated this house quite well and installed an electric heat that is cost effective and keeping us warm this winter. I still miss the ambiance of the fire, but love the ease of the Cove heaters!
8. In planning the kitchen, I wanted a large island to work on. I envisioned cooking and baking, scrapbooking and cutting fabric, science and craft projects with enough room for four young ones to help! Baking cookies for the holidays with the children was so much fun this year, each one had space to work and help mommy.
9. Thanksgiving was an emotional day, but I am so thankful for the ability to feel, learn, grow and move forward.
10. My annual Christmas Tea is a highlight of my year and this year was no exception. From the seating to the placement of the tables and the display of goodies to enjoy, it was so healing to see everyone in the house. I had delightful conversations and especially enjoyed singing "Rudolf, the Red Nose Reindeer" with one of our younger ladies.
11. If you had told me a year ago, that I would enjoy quilting...I would have thought you were crazy! After taking a few classes in Cedar Rapids, I found that once I knew the secrets, it really is a lot of fun. I have completed two quilts and have two more in the final piecing stages.
12. The men in our house (young and older) love football! As a special treat this year, we got a dish with NFL ticket so they can watch every game from their favorite teams. Grandpa has made his way over on more than a few occasions to watch his beloved Raiders play. Special memories being made...on a weekly basis!
Happy New Year!
The four outdoor photos of our family were taken by Amber Fischer. Thank you, Amber!
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