The Best of 2013

It seems like only yesterday that I was writing this post describing 2012, now I'm reviewing 2013.

365 days - It can both seem like forever & can seem like mere moments. Some of those moments can bring a smile to your face, some can make you cringe just thinking about them, & some can change your life forever.

I hope that more moments in 2013 made you smile than cry. I hope that not only has your life been changed for the better, but that you have had a part in changing someone else's life as well.

Join me in reminiscing on a few favorites from the past year. If you have one that stands out, please let me know!

• God is still saving sinners
• Dr Seuss is the greatest
• "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11
• My husband is my best friend.
• We all need a vision
• Austin returns to public school
• My children teach me more than I teach them
• Makenzie returns to public school
• And God uses little ones too
• Occasionally I can cook
• Is holding your breath really necessary
• You are my hero
• Surely 490 isn't the magic number
• I fully believe that God dropped Plexus in my lap at JUST the right moment!
• Are you a good follower
• Bad news isn't always as bad as it seems
• Our beach vacation
• Never a dull moment
• One proud momma
• The curriculum that isn't being used
• Logan's birthday party
• We are only human
• Show them you love them 

As you can see, I had a hard time narrowing it down this year!

I thank God for a happy 2013 & I look forward to an even better 2014!

Elf on the Shelf ~ Merry CHRISTmas

Merry CHRISTmas Twinkle! See you next year!

Elf on the Shelf ~ Cookies & Smarties

We left Twinkle a sugary treat along with cookies for Santa.

Elf on the Shelf ~ When Nature Calls

Twinkle made a special trip to Nannie's just to go potty.

Elf on the Shelf ~ Let's Go Racing

Twinkle, are you going to put ALL of those cans back in the cabinet???

Elf on the Shelf ~ Meet Frosty

I love the indoor snowman!

Elf on the Shelf ~ I MUSTACHE you a Question

These boys must be very heavy sleepers! I sure hope it washes off easy!

One Last Christmas

I heard the most amazing song this morning. It spokes volumes to me and broke my heart at the same time. 

We need to remember what Christmas is truly about. It's not about the lights, the gifts, the food, or the engagements. It's not about a fat man in a red suit, or flying reindeer, or even elves that create fun & mischief throughout your house. There is nothing wrong with any of those things & for many (my family included), they add fun & memories for years to come.

We get caught up in the hustle & bustle. We fall victim to looking for the "perfect" present. Some even actively try to "out do" others.

Christmas is about the birth of a tiny baby who changed the world more than ANYONE ever could have imagined! Christmas is about love & kindness. Christmas is about being with family & friends even when its not convenient.

Christmas is supposed to be a joyous time, but so many people struggle through depression, anger, & grief every year when the holidays roll around.

While this story is heart wrenching, unfortunately, it's not the only one like it. Whether its a child, a sibling, a parent, or a friend, far too many people will experience Christmas for the last time this year. 

What if this was your last Christmas? Take the time to let others know you LOVE them! Don't just say it! SHOW IT!

Most importantly, make sure that you KNOW that you KNOW that you KNOW where you will spend eternity! Make sure that your family knows as well! 

I can't think of a better CHRISTmas present than to receive CHRIST & share HIM with those around you!

Elf on the Shelf ~ Milk & Cookies

Twinkle obviously doesn't like the cookie part. She only ate the strawberry filling. The milk even turned pink from dunking. But, Twinkle, that is Santa's plate!

Elf on the Shelf ~ Twinkle is in Another Bind

Oh Twinkle, don't you know that curiosity killed the elf, er cat.

Elf on the Shelf ~ Nice Castle

Twinkle was here! And she built several castles.

Elf on the Shelf ~ Hot Chocolate

Twinkle had more marshmallows than hot chocolate in her cup!

Elf on the Shelf ~ Midnight Run

Twinkle must have gotten hungry last night! She even picked up a gift card for the kids!

The Master Makes All The Difference

Unfortunately I stayed home from church this morning with a killer headache. I had one all day yesterday & no matter what I took, nothing phased it. So I curled up on the bed & went back to sleep.

As I was starting to wake up, I could vaguely hear someone talking on TV. They were talking about a commercial that was aired several years ago. I forgot all about it, but it was one that I remember vividly & loved.

The little boy wonders backstage and before his parents realize where he went, they hear a simple song on the piano. As his parents try to figure out what to do, the concert pianist steps onto stage. Instead of fussing at the boy or shooing him away, the master sits down with him and encourages him to continue playing as he performs a beautiful complex number in perfect tune & harmony.

This commercial is simply saying that we all need encouragement. But this person on TV took it a step further. He talked about how we could all go about our day, doing the best we could & it might turn out ok. BUT when the Master stepped in, everything changed! The Master can take whatever we do, no matter how simple, & transform it into something incredible.

Now I don't put much faith into TV evangelism & I will NOT mention names, but this small piece of the message really struck a cord with me.

My life is simple, many times strange, & all too often a blundering mess. But when the Master steps in, He changes it into something beautiful, into something He can use!

It's amazing what a difference the Master can make!

Watch how the Master can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary!

Elf on the Shelf ~ YUM

Hey, the more brownies she eats, the less temptation for me!

Elf on the Shelf ~ Jingle Bells

That sounds so pretty Twinkle!

Elf on the Shelf ~ NOOOOO

Twinkle, I think Santa will be MAD that you shot his reindeer!

Elf on the Shelf ~ The Stockings were hung ... with Twinkle?

I thought the stockings were supposed to be hung by the chimney with care, NOT from a shelf with Twinkle!

Elf on the Shelf ~ Just Hanging Around...

Twinkle, are you a basketball fan too?

Elf on the Shelf ~ Down, Set, Hit

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL???

Elf on the Shelf ~ A New Friend

I think Twinkle may be getting lonely!

Elf on the Shelf ~ Little Thief

Twinkle, that was the kid's candy from the parade & their presents from the fire department Christmas party!

Elf on the Shelf ~ Peek a Boo

Twinkle blended in with her surroundings this morning!

Elf on the Shelf ~ A Little Hero Worship

Twinkle pays respect to a few of her heros.

Elf on the Shelf ~ Miniature Doughnuts? Yes Please!

Those doughnuts sure look good Twinkle!

Elf on the Shelf ~ A New Star

I had to buy a new tree topper this year. The angel we have had for 14 years finally topped her last tree. The kids wanted a star this time. Thankfully they didn't fuss because Twinkle put it on the tree.

Elf on the Shelf ~ Mistletoe AGAIN???

I came in on a mistletoe ball..... I think Twinkle has been watching too many Miley Cyrus videos! Thank goodness she left her clothes on!

Elf on the Shelf ~ Guess Who's Back

Well hello again Twinkle!