New Years Weekend

Over New Year's weekend, I had a new friend, "E", come visit. He flew in on Friday and then flew home on Monday. It was an awesome weekend and we had a fun time. 

On Saturday, we took a drive up Uintah Canyon. There was a ton of snow, so I only stopped for pictures twice. 

When we got home, he was kind enough to do a few things around the house for me. Over Christmas, I mentioned getting a new table and he offered to put it together for me when he came to visit. It went together pretty quickly, but I was grateful to have someone who knew what they were doing or it probably would've taken me twice as long. 

While he was working on the table, he managed to bump his head into my low hanging kitchen light. (Anyone an inch taller than me has had that happen to them.) I mentioned that I had found a replacement at a yard sale, but I didn't know how to change it out. So he did that for me also. He even went above and beyond. After he installed it, he noticed it wasn't an exact match, so he took it down and we swapped it out for one in my spare closet. Now my kitchen light fixtures match and no one will hit their head anymore. He also hung a towel hook in my bathroom for me. I felt pretty spoiled having someone to work on my "honey do" list for me. 

I am in love with my new table. Over the years, I usually didn't have a table because my kitchen had a full size freezer instead. It was fun to cook over the weekend and eat at an actual table. 

On Sunday, after church, I decided to drive up to Flaming Gorge and show him around there. We first stopped at the resort for lunch. 

At the highest elevation there was a bit of snow, but once you started to drop down, there wasn't near as much. 

While we were driving around, he noticed a sign for a river access. I had never been down that road, so we decided to check it out. It took us to the bottom of the dam. 

It was gorgeous down there. 

Then we also stopped at the top of the dam for a quick look. It was pretty cold, so we didn't explore much. 

Dating still feels pretty new to me, but I think I am going to enjoy it. 

Christmas 2016

This year, I decided to not stress that I was alone, but instead do my best to make it the best Christmas yet. 

On Christmas Eve, I got new pajamas and fuzzy socks. 

I was well spoiled by family and friends. I felt so loved!

I was thrilled to find the perfect pajama shirt. Most days, I live on Jesus and coffee. 

I've actually had the presents under the tree for a few weeks now, just to keep the tree skirt in place. The cats didn't like this. Today, as soon as the presents were gone, they were back under the tree. 

I left the tree lights on last night. I loved waking up to the tree all lit up. 

Before I got ready for church, I decided to open my stocking. 

After I opened my stocking, I hopped in the shower to get ready for church. When I got out, I went downstairs to get my breakfast. Instead, I found some cats who decided to put themselves on the naughty list. Yesterday, I thought it would be nice to have some pretty flowers by my tree, so I bought a small vase of roses. 

They did look pretty, until someone decided to destroy them. After further inspection, I found chew marks on the ribbon that was around the vase of flowers. I'm pretty sure Percy was trying to get the ribbon, which in turned knocked over the vase and then they decided to eat the rose instead. 

After church, I came home to open the rest of my presents. I think the one I was the most excited for was a new kitchen table. Its not assembled yet, but a friend is going to help me put it together next week. 

The cats checking out their package of crinkle balls they got. It came with a dozen. Percy is convinced they are ALL his. 

Percy and Blue had fun playing in the wrapping paper while I unwrapped my presents. 

I must say, its like Santa knew exactly what I wanted! I felt very fortunate that I could spoil myself this year. 

 Once again, I am amazed at how far Jesus has carried me this year. He is the air I breathe and I am forever grateful for his Peace and Love. 

Christmas with the Nephews

This year, I decided to try and support home businesses for my Christmas shopping. So for the nephews, I bought them a pet and dry towel from a friend who sells Norwex and then some cute soaps from another friend. 

For Tyler & Preston:

For Colt:

Colt and his family were out of town for Christmas, but I was able to go see Preston & Tyler on Christmas Eve. 

For Valex and Daxsen:

Snowman Jars

School had me pretty stressed this year, but when I saw these cute snowman jars on Pinterest, I had to make a few to use for coworker gifts. They were so easy to put together and they turned out super cute. 

Christmas Cards 2016

This year, I decided to do a simple card instead of doing a newsletter. This year had a lot of lows, I lost my grandma and a dear friend. I learned of my ex's unfaithfulness and watched my marriage fall apart.

But the Lord has also blessed me. I was promoted to Payroll Specialist at my job and I graduated with my Associate's Degree. Most importantly, the Lord restored my joy, while my world was falling apart.

When I saw this card that said JOY, I knew it was the perfect card. 

When they came in the mail, I was upset to see that the last line was missing. So I tried to match it as close as I could and then I hand fed each of them through the printer. 

Here's hoping that 2017 goes much better.  I can't wait to see what God has in store for me. 

Brrr

Tonight, my nephew Daxsen got to sing at the community event where they light the Christmas tree. It was pretty cold, so I bundled up pretty warm. But watching those poor kids sing had me freezing!