His Strength is reviled... 2011

I've been dreading writing this post, not because I'm not excited about the new year, but I know what you want me to write... new years resolutions... what I've learned... I love reading all those things from other people, but I'm not in the mood to write my own, at least not now (and I can't tell you why, because I don't know why myself).
Don't get me wrong. I've learned and grown so much this year, and I am thrilled to have a new year and start another chapter in my long story. There is so much about me that has changed. I have new perspectives, new friends, new schooling... everything. It's hard for me to pick just a few that stick out. Except the obvious ones.

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So let me continue this post... I'm super excited about this new year. 2011, now that's fun to type:)
I can't even imagine where I will be this time next year. But so many doors have been opened, and I can't wait to walk through them and see what's next for me. Really, I can't wait. I want to know... like, now. God has been working on me. I want answers. Where will I be next year? Will this happen? How will this effect my life?
and I want so many things that might not be His will, but He is teaching me to be patient and wait until He decides to show me, tell me, surprise me.
It's been hard, and I imagine it always will be. I don't like to wait. It's one of my weaknesses, but in my weakness His strength is reviled. And that makes waiting, beautiful.

Happy almost New Year,
Maddy

Holiday Events

We went ice-skating for my cousin's bday on Wednesday. I LOVE ice skating. Who doesn't? (Oh I know... e-liz. sorry. love you!) Anyway... we had a lot of fun. And might I add that I did not fall :) I almost did (several times), but I kept my balance!

This is one of my 3 cousins on my dad's side, Brooke (the birthday girl). They came to visit all the way from Ohio! She is too sweet:) And that little munchkin in the background, is Brandi, She's a nut.. haha. I love them, and their brother, Tanner.

We had a great Christmas. It was great to spend time with family, singing songs around the campfire, chasing chickens, launching things with a bean-bag and a wooden board... yeah we have fun together:) 

It was a great week of Celebrating Jesus Birthday!

I hope you all had a great Christmas as well!

Tradition #9

 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”~ Luke 2:8-12

#9- The last and most important tradition is the real reason for Christmas. The celebration of Christ's birth. He came for us, to save us. Praise be to God on this glorious day! Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Tradition #9

This isn't a great picture, but considering that I have been sick today I decided to post it anyway. I figured you would give me some grace. This picture gives you a good idea of tradition...

#9- Our Christmas tree is more of a memory tree. Every year we decorate it with ornaments we made in elementary school with our pictures on them, ornamtes we got from friends... you get it.

We also have a collection of ornaments that we have gotten over the years from my mom. She always pics out the cutest ornaments. I got this one last year (above).

It's fun to look at all the ones I have gotten over the years. She usually picks them out according to the things we were interested at that time. I have one that is a cheerbear, with cute little pom-poms. And if you are reading my blog, you probably know me, and if you know me... then you understand why that is funny. 

I am DEFINITELY NOT the cheerleader type. There's nothing wrong with them... it's just not me, but apparently it was in 2002. You would laugh if I listed all the phases I have been through.

Let's end this post here before I embarrass myself.

So there you have it. Christmas ornaments, each containing some sort of memory... all hanging on our tree... every year :)

I love Christmas!!

Tradition #8

#8- Home for the holidays :)

Almost every Christmas has been spent with all my grandparents and cousins. We have so much fun making memories together. 

This picture was taken last Christmas. When we are in Georgia for Christmas we always take a picture on the cooking deck of the cabin (like the one above). And we always, always, always eat a ton of Christmas cookies. Without fail. So yummy!!

Tradition #7

#7- I love putting up Christmas decorations with my mom every year. 

Garland, lights... you name it.

This 'Joy to the world' decoration has hung on our fireplace for as long as I can remember. I love looking at various decorations around the house and having a flood of Christmas memories flow through my head.

Tradition #6

#6- Ever since 2002 my sister and I have always gotten a nutcracker for Christmas. The first year we picked our our own (I chose a snowman) and the other years my mom surprised us on Christmas morning. They always sit on top of our entertainment canter during the holiday:) 

There is a snowman.

a pirate monkey.

Alice in wonderland.

A mouse.

Clara... holding her mini nutcracker.

A skier.

A cook.

and lots of other ones. I remember getting them every year growing up. I always know before I open them that it's the nutcracker all wrapped up, because the paper is all crumpled, trying to cover every inch of the surprise :)

Tradition #5

#5- To go with my festive socks that keep me warm, of coarse I have to have a festive mug to go along with it! In the mornings leading to Christmas I always drink out of these cute (but kinda creepy) Santa mugs. There are some snowflake mugs that match it, but my favorite is the Santa:). 

Notice that peppermint mocha latte mix that Santa is sitting on. Always a great Holiday treat.

My mom was telling my the other day that she had mugs just like this one when she was growing up, so as you could guess she was thrilled when she found some in the store a few years ago.

They are so cute.

jolly.

and festive... I like festive :)

What's in your festive mugs this year??

Tradition #4

#4- Christmas socks! Aren't they great? You can almost always find them on my feet during this time. My feet always get cold, so what better way to keep them warm than to wear some festive socks??

Right now I am wearing some with little mini gingerbread men on them. I have lots of Christmas socks. I also have a couple pairs of toe socks, which means I can wear them with chacos... and that makes me happy.

Wearing Christmas socks is definitely a Tradition... a small one, but it makes this season even more special. 

How are your little piggys staying warm this year?

Tradition #3

#3- I remember in elementary school, whenever December rolled around I would take out the little calendar tree and hang it on our front door. And every morning I would go and move the mini Santa down a day, getting closer to Christmas. I would count how many days until Christmas and excitedly announce it to anyone who would listen. It was my job, and a very important one if I do say so myself. 

So now, just for the sake of tradition I still move the little Santa down everyday. During December i always know what day it is, without fail- thanks to my trusty tree calendar.

As I start getting older, when my mom decorates the house for Christmas she asks me, "Do you still want to hang this tree on the door."

With no hesitation, as you would guess, my reply was, "Of coarse!

Do you see little Santa's head popping out of today's date? - the 14th.

Now do you understand why I like it so much??

Tradition #2

#2- These are the stockings that hang above our fireplace every Christmas. Usually there is not a fire blazing below them because it is never cold enough. Maybe this year we'll get lucky!

I get so excited every year when the stockings go up. The cool thing is that my grandma made these for us as we were born, so every grandchild and family member has one made just for them!

Mine is my favorite (surprising huh?). I just think the little bear is so cute holding his candy cane. He looks happy... or maybe it's a girl. I haven't decided yet. What do you think?

Tradition #1

Through the next week, until Christmas day, I will do a blog post everyday about a Holiday tradition that we have at our house. I hope this gets you in the Christmas spirit!

#1- Let's start with the tree... Every year when I was young my family and I would drive out to a Christmas Tree farm to cut down our desired tree. After it was sawed down we would drag that tree for what seemed like miles to get it ready to take home. Even though it was freezing, I always loved going with the whole family.

A few years ago that Tree farm was shut down for business, so we settled for picking a tree at Lowe's. Most recently, we have gotten our tree from a local tree dealer from North Carolina. They have great trees.

For some reason we have always had a live tree. I guess it just smells like Christmas in the house. I can't imagine a Christmas without a tree. Great memories!

Where do you get your tree??