Christmas Eve

what an exciting evening, eh?!

Amy and I continued our tradition of hosting the family for Christmas Eve.

The menu was spinach, pomegranate, apple salad,

crusty garlic bread,

Amy's homemade lasagna (veggie and regular),

and peppermint stick and mint chip ice cream for dessert.

sisters are BEST

I've been soaking in sister time these past few days in Michigan. On Tuesday, Amy, Betsy, and I had lunch together at Grand Traverse Pie Co. Then, we went to grocery shopping at Kroger and Jack's Fruit & Meat Market.

(ha. we are obviously grown up... how boring to go grocery shopping for a date!)

Sisters

Susanna and Sharon

M is for the Mitten!

(I can't wait to head to Michigan for a few days of Christmas holiday)

wedding/la boda

It was a pleasure to celebrate Josiah and Ana's wedding after church Sunday afternoon. Josiah is an amazing musician, and the ceremony was full of Spanish and English songs.

proper

Last month we finally hung curtains in the dining and sitting rooms.

six years

Six years ago today I turned 23 years old and graduated from Saginaw Valley State University.

I could have never guessed what the next six years would hold...

I spent a year recovering from a serious auto accident, 

nearly two years working an office job in Michigan (Amy and I purchased a house during that period), 

two years living in Zambia southern Africa, 

and now I've just completed a year working as a global accountant in Pennsylvania.

Six years ago I had no idea what God had for me "next" after graduation.

(and, I'm glad I didn't know)

It's a beautiful thing the way time clarifies God's plans and etches deeper the reminders 

of His loving care over my life. 

I have experienced God's faithfulness is rich ways over the past six years-- and I know He won't fail my expectations of His tender leadership throughout the upcoming six years... whatever they hold.

Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, 

but the Lord determines His steps.

(my favorite graduation verse)

It's beginning to look a lot like...

the tree is much prettier in real life :)

Sara, Sharon, and I went Christmas tree hunting Monday evening.

We chose the last $25 tree at the lot :)

On Tuesday evening we wrapped the tree with two strands of lights, and hung little snowflakes, bells, and bulbs. I forgot how much I enjoy fresh evergreen scent.

The Study

{the banana leaf scenes in their new home}

home

I am so thankful I was able to spend Thanksgiving at home.