Festival of Lights 2012

Okay... I said I wouldn't post until after Christmas. BUT I didn't know my wonderful Man who loves me, was going to take me to see the Peoria lights last night. So I think that gives me an excuse. *grins* I absolutely love going to see all the Christmas light but Justin didn't really want to go... although afterwards he said he enjoyed it. Yay!

So here are all the pictures I took while driving through the park. Sorry if they are blurry or off center. It's hard to make the camera focus while moving.

In honor of my brothers service to the US of A...

This is what you see right before you leave the park. I laughed when I saw this whale. Poor thing looks in pain... at least to me he does. I half expected to see Pinocchio inside him.

That's all for now! Just thought I would share these pictures real quickly. 

Until next time!

Decorating for Christmas

Christmas is almost upon us, can you believe it? Why does it always feel as though this time of the year goes by so quickly? Maybe it's because we are always so rushed to make sure the gifts are picked out, or the decorations done, or the cooking finished. Well, this year I did our shopping early which has made a huge difference in how I see this Christmas. The Lord has blessed me with so much and yet my heart didn't go into this Christmas season full of joy. I have lots to learn about being patient for God's timing and learning to just sit back and enjoy life while I wait... patiently. So now that my heart is in the right place I can enjoy the celebration this year and be thankful for what I have. 

One of my friends posted a picture of this idea on Facebook and I decided that our kitchen could use a little Christmasy decorating. I love how the ribbons make our cabinets look like presents.  

A couple weeks ago my wonderful husband took us Christmas tree shopping. We found the perfect one too! Here we are posing before taking it home. 

This picture not only shows how strong my Man is but it also shows his amazing skills at balancing. What a hunk!

That night we put the lights on together. Sorry the picture quality is so bad! I'm not sure what was going on with our camera at this point. 

Such cuteness! I think it is safe to say that Pippin is the best dog I have ever had! And I've grown up with dogs my whole life. He such a sweetie and not to mention adorable. His favorite spot to sleep was under the Christmas tree once we put it up. But I have since stuck our presents under there and he wasn't too happy. 

I love how I can be goofy and ridiculous and yet this amazing man still loves me. Such a wonderful and comforting feeling.

Hanging our "just married" ornament we got last Christmas. I cannot believe it's already our second Christmas together!

The tree after it's all done being decorated. It has lasted from the day after Thanksgiving until now without losing all of it's needles! I'm pretty happy about that.

Tonight we are going to Choir Practice for our Church's annual Candle Light Service. Justin and I both love to sing in the choir! It's something that we can both do since we haven't been blessed with children yet.

Next time I post on here it will be after Christmas so I want to wish everyone a...

Merry Christmas!!!!

and

Happy New Year!!!!