What's Up Wednesday: December 2017
I'm a week late in sharing my post because this month it was due a week earlier than the actual last Wednesday of the month because of the holidays. But, I didn't do that. Three reasons...I've been traveling, I've had other things I wanted to share before it was too late, and because I didn't really feel like writing this post. There, I said it. =/
Truth be told, I just don't want to wrap up my December month at all much less any earlier than the real end of December but I also think I am in mourning that 2017 went by so fast. Somewhat bittersweet for 2016 to have ended the way it did, to have been thrown into 2017 the way I was, and to land on the other side of the year in a daze of amazement. God is so good to each of us. If only we'd stop to reflect and acknowledge the blessings in each and every day, each and every circumstance, each and every moment, I think we'd find a deeper appreciation for life. In some ways I can say that 2017 was difficult for me but in many ways I can say that 2017 was very exciting and fulfilling for me. Isn't that the way life always is? Ups and downs, hardships and successes. So here we are finishing up December and I sort of wish I could do it all over again and cherish the moments more. It went by too fast!
So there is one set goal for 2018 - cherish the moments more. =) Speaking of 2018, you can find some fun ideas of how to set up a New Year's Eve countdown for kids here in a previous post.
Now...on to the What's Up Wednesday post that will be as quick and brief as possible as I think I've summarized my month in my Friday Favorites and Christmas in New York posts!
What I'm eating this week:
Leftover meatballs and Mexican food! Well, Tex-Mex while in Houston is a staple but I'll have true, authentic Mexican food in Mexico later this week. January 2nd when I am back begins a Whole 30 cleansing. I need to re-break my sugar addiction! Are you gearing up to have a healthier 2018?
What I'm reminiscing about:
My sweet angels. I miss them so much and wish I could be there in Miami to see their Christmas morning, hold their little hands, hug and kiss them. =(((
Also past December trips and Christmases. 'Tis the season. La Vie En Rose.
This memory popped up on Facebook last week and I thought to myself - if only I had known I would start a blog and want these pictures perhaps I would have found a way to take less grainy photos of all of the crafts and treats I've been making all these years. I made the candy cane and white chocolate lollipops, and dipped the white chocolate and sprinkled pretzels. Festive stuff.
Another post from 2009 without a photo attached said I was making eggnog, eggnog spike, a tiramisu eggnog trifle, cookies, and a list of other homemade treats for that Christmas. #bettycrockerawardrighthere
What I'm loving:
FaceTime.
Yes, FaceTime has been around for a while, but my Mammaw got an iPhone a few months back and now she FaceTimes all the time. Heheheh. She's 92 years young and learning to swipe and has attempted to learn to text too. I think it's just about the cutest thing EVER. If I call she asks, "Why can't I see you?" and then wants to FaceTime instead. One of the best things about it aside from being able to see her when I speak to her is that I mostly see her forehead and it cracks me up.
This pic is from Christmas Eve 2016:
What I've been up to:
Since November's What's Up Wednesday post I have been keeping very busy with Friendsgivings, wine dinners with friends, Christmas dinners & lunches, travel to Tennessee, travel to New York, and an upcoming trip to Mexico. Sprinkle in Christmas shopping, decorating, wrapping gifts, and some attempts to work out in between. #byebyeDecember
Oh, and visiting Santa over and over again.
What I'm dreading:
Normally I would say nothing as I do not like the term dread. However, I am officially dreading taking down my Christmas decorations and stopping listening to my Christmas music and having to wait another 11+ months to enjoy it all again.
What I'm working on:
Not much these days! Who has the time? Certainly not me. However, once the holidays have passed I will be working on myself - health & lifestyle, and the blog.
What I'm excited about:
New Years. It will be nice to spend New Years with the FH (future hubby) in a tropical location. Sun, sand, and champagne to ring in 2018? Fine by me!
What I'm watching/reading:
Watching: Lately it has been the Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas and my favorite Christmas movies. But, now that Christmas is over I don't know what I'll have on while I work around the house since I don't yet sit down to watch anything. Perhaps I'll find a show to veg out and relax to as a 2018 goal. Any suggestions for a clean romantic comedy or reality show outside of HGTV?
Reading: I'm finishing up the One Year Bible in the coming days. I am both excited and sad to finish it. I have truly loved reading the Bible this year and feel as though I learned a lot as well as felt inspired and in awe of everything I read. There were many moments my jaw dropped open at what I read, or that I teared up with joy or revelation about things I've heard in church or in podcasts. God is so good. This was a gift to me from Elizabeth and it has been one of the biggest blessings. I encourage anyone to utilize it if you've ever wanted to read the whole bible.
I haven't been on the treadmill in a month with my hectic schedule among many other things so am still trailing along in my beloved book The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller. I have read it before and enjoy it so much! I've had to put most of my leisure reading aside to prioritize reading the bible when I've had any downtown because #life.
I am definitely looking forward to reading through this little gem, The Year of Cozy, from my bestie JMo this year! It will be perfect for recipes to explore and crafts to make because I have decided that 2018 will be a year of hand-made gifts for everyone throughout the year. That could simply end up being a very simple box cake or an intricate DIY craft depending on my mood, energy, and ability to get over to Hobby Lobby or Michael's. While I LOVE shopping for others and especially online shopping to find deals, I want to switch it up this next year.
What I'm listening to:
Podcasts about God & marriage. Christmas music (at least through New Years every year). Hillsong United. Coldplay. All my faves.
What I'm wearing:
A little of this, a little of that, and all the Christmas red possible. Houston temperatures are all over the place this month much to my disdain and factor in trips to colder states and a warmer country this weekend means I have been bundled up and will also be in beach attire. ;)
You can find links to some of my recent outfits in my previous Friday Favorites posts here.
What I'm doing this weekend:
I'm headed out of town. Viva la playa. Viva Mexico.
What I'm looking forward to next month:
I'm not ready! But, I am looking forward to the long weekend (MLK) when my bestie Cyndi is supposed to come visit, potentially running the half marathon (though looking less and less likely as I haven't trained in weeks), celebrating a friend's baby shower and other friends' birthdays. I pray Houston has colder weather too...
What else is new:
I am ENGAGED!!! This wonderful man proposed Christmas Eve...well, technically Christmas Day because it was after midnight. I am ever so grateful for the way life has unfolded and the blessings, provisions, and protection God has provided me in my life.
Psalm 145
A psalm of praise. Of David.
1 I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation commends your works to another;
they tell of your mighty acts.
5 They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.[b]
6 They tell of the power of your awesome works—
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
7 They celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The Lord is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All your works praise you, Lord;
your faithful people extol you.
11 They tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
12 so that all people may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises
and faithful in all he does.[c]
14 The Lord upholds all who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways
and faithful in all he does.
18 The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The Lord watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord.
Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and ever.
How was your December and Christmas? What were your favorite gifts to give or receive this year? Are you looking forward to celebrating New Years too?
Wishing you all a wonderful rest of the week. I'm signing off through the New Year so I hope you all have a happy and safe New Year. May 2018 bring an abundance of blessings, new memories to cherish, great laughs, great conversations, and meaningful relationships.
XOXO
