2020 In Review (Funny Meme Edition)

2020 has been quite a crazy year!  Although there is nothing funny about a deadly virus that has affected many people, or the fact that we've had to give up countless rights because of it, I've been trying my hardest to keep the faith and stay positive through all of life's challenges.  On the last day of 2020 I will reflect on God's goodness through the difficult times ... but ... whoa ... a crazy year it was!

Together as a world we experienced this nasty virus that's kept us "masked up" and "socially distanced" from people.  

We were told to stay in our homes and our children had to learn how to navigate through virtual learning, something that public schools and public school teachers/parents never experienced before.  

Then in the fall schools made changes that gave us the option of continuing with full virtual learning, a mix, or all in person.  

As a country we had to witness such a crazy election (I'm not giving my opinion on that but ... whoooooaaa!) 

Oh, and sometime in between all this ...

Personally, I was diagnosed with a skin disease and struggled as my depression sank for a while.  I made the choice to deactivate Facebook for a few reasons.  

Overall, 2020 has been a mess but I'm still holding onto my faith and knowing that no matter what happens, God is in control and will get us through.  This year has also taught me a lot of valuable lessons.  What has it taught you?

Wishing you all a better and happier 2021 filled with an abundance of blessings, goodness, joy, and peace ... and hopefully a little more grace than 2020 gave us!

Merry Christmas 2020

 Merry Christmas!

We spent Christmas Eve with the in-laws; exchanging gifts, eating dinner and attending an evening church service.  

Kids went to bed and Santa came.  

I kept saying that they were going to get coal for their recent bad attitudes but apparently Santa still insisted on treating them well.  

I got spoiled with an awesome new coffee maker.

And my husband surprised me with Billie Jo's book Afternoon Coffee.  So far, it's great.  Billie Jo is such a wonderful blogger and her blog is the go to place if you want some optimism, positivity, and gives me a joyful, cozy feeling. 

Since we couldn't physically be with my parents and extended family this year we had a Zoom Christmas party.  Not the same as being together but it's what the pandemic of 2020 has forced us to do.

This has been such a challenging year but through it I'm glad we have the technology that allows us the opportunity to still be in touch and "see" one another. 

I was glad to have Christmas, something that felt a bit normal in a year that was completely turned upside down and inside out.  Hope it was a merry one for you, my friends.  

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!!

 

The snow has arrived here in south-central Pennsylvania.  The kids did their school virtually this morning and then have been spending a ton of time outside.  It's getting dark and the snow is still falling so I will wait until tomorrow to shovel.  Tomorrow will be another virtual day at home.  

I can say, I've never been much for snow but it is pretty to look at from the inside.  Surprisingly, I was actually looking forward to a nice snow storm this year but I'm sure I'll change my mind while I'm trying to dig us out.  

And this is how Murphy enjoys a snow day.  I think he has the right idea!

Stay safe and warm!  

 

Lazy December Night

 

This evening we joined together in the living room and watched Elf.  Even though I've seen it a million times I still find myself laughing every second of the movie.  

Our governor had shut down a lot of things again such as indoor dining, movie theaters, gyms, and extra curricular activities and sports.  He says it's only until the new year but we'll see.  Even though they are exempt from these rules, our church decided not to have in person service this Sunday and they are trying to figure out what to do for Christmas Eve.  

I know a lot of people are annoyed with all of these restrictions and I understand.  I feel it too; however, I insist on remaining optimistic.  It's a crazy world out there and that's why I enjoy being in the comfort of my home with just us 4 and our pets.  

Christmas Cookies (and recipe)

 After a morning of a virtual school day we got busy baking and decorating delicious Christmas cookies using a store bought gingerbread mix and my mom's recipe for refrigerated sugar cookies.  Lots of icing and sprinkles causing extra sugar, which we really do not need, but the making of memories is what it's all about.   When I think back to my childhood at Christmas time one thing I remember is baking cookies with my mom.  

A perfect way to end the night was reading The Gingerbread Man story.  Poor guy got eaten by a fox.  

And because I'm such a gracious human I am going to share my mother's Christmas cookie recipe.  They are delicious!

2 1/2 c. flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 c. sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1 c. butter

2 eggs

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Mix dry ingredients together.  Cut in butter as for pastry until very finely divided.  Add slightly beaten eggs (reserve one egg white for brushing).  Add vanilla.  Work mixture lightly but persistently until a smooth dough is made.  Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator for 1-2 hours.  Take a small amount at a time and roll thin on a lightly floured board.  Cut into shapes desired.  Place on ungreased baking sheet and bake 375 degrees 5-7 minutes or until done.  

To sugar glaze, brush while hot with reserved egg white and sprinkle with sugar (sprinkles) immediately.  

Welcoming The Christmas Season

 I'm one of those people who do not believe in decorating for Christmas until Thanksgiving is over.  Black Friday is the day when all of the boxes come down from the attic and the decorating begins.  This year we have two trees: one in the living room and the other in the basement/rec room.  There's still a little more to do around the house but here are some of the decor.  

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in our household and this year I'm pretty excited for the holiday.  

What do you want for Christmas this year?

Thankful

 HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 

This year our Thanksgiving was just the 4 of us spent at home and I loved it!   Messy hair, no makeup, flour all over the countertop, piles of dirty dishes, Macy's parade, dog show, football and enough food to make us full.  

This year may have been filled with a ton of challenges but there is so many more things to be grateful for.  

13

 I am feeling so many different emotions.  Today the boy who made me a mother is 13 years old.   A TEENAGER!  I'm not sure I'm mentally ready to parent a teen but I'll take it one day at a time.  

The years go by so fast.  

13 years went by way too fast!

Matthew you are smart, talented, quiet, kind, and affectionate.  I have enjoyed watching you grow each day of your childhood and you'll always be my little boy.  

It's bittersweet!  I love experiencing each stage and look forward to what's to come but at the same time I wish I could snuggle that little baby in my arms again.  

Over the weekend he wanted to go to a car museum in Hershey.  We also took him to purchase a guitar, something he's been asking for in the last few months.

Today the kids spent the day doing school from home because the buildings are closed the next two weeks.  Then in the evening my sister-in-law joined us for pizza and cake.  

My husband is the baker of the family and nailed it again.   Matthew wanted a Fortnite cake and his dad delivered.

Now we're all sitting on the couch together watching Toy Story.   Hey, some things don't change.