Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Christmas 2014 and the New Year~

When you are empty nesters, like the hubby and I, nothing brings you more joy during the holidays than to have your children back in the nest.  We enjoyed several days of the girls being home leading up to and then after Christmas Day.

Christmas Eve is full of tradition for our family.  Attending Christmas service at our church, coming home to take pictures before changing into more comfy clothes for the evening, hot oil fondue, the girls finding their pickles in the tree so they can open the boxes containing their new Christmas PJs, and then getting messy and a little carried away decorating gingerbread houses.

Our #1


and #2



Our biggest blessings...


Very proud mom...



and dad...


 Traditional hot oil fondue Christmas Eve dinner~



Let the mess fun begin...















and, the princess, of course (she loves her pjs but not so sure about the hair bow)


and lastly,  our traditional sour cream coffee cake waiting to be devoured on Christmas morning.


I wanted to take a moment to thank each of you (those who take the time to comment and those who just pop in for a look around) for making this a special place for me.   I cherish the friendships I have made blogging, but more than that I am beyond thankful for those who prayed for and with me this past year.  In a world where things aren't always so pleasant, people are hurting or in need, or facing a health crisis, it is comforting to know there are those out there who do truly care, aren't afraid to share as someone else may have or is going through what you are,  and willing to pray for one another.

I will be back in the next couple days with my thoughts on the New Year, and the word I have chosen for the year as well.

Many Blessings to each of you my friends!!

13 comments:

Karena said...

Lauren I am so happy that your gorgeous girls are home for the holidays. Isn't it fun to do projects like the Gingerbread Houses together!!

Happy New Year!!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

Dixie Delights said...

Seriously, you could be their sister! I know how much you love having them home. I love going home for the holidays so much and I'm sure they do too! xoxo

Ron said...

Lauren, I am so glad you were able to celebrate this special time of year with your hubs and daughters. You have been a great blog friend. I hope to meet you in person in 2015. xo

Laura said...

What a fun holiday! And I love the gingerbread house decorating tradition! Happy New Year Sweet Friend!

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Lauren, great pics of your beautiful girls. Sounds like a wonderful holiday! I hope that you and your darling family have a wonderful happy, healthy new year.

Rustown Mom said...

I'm loving the BU house! And I really love your blog and look forward to what you have in store for 2015. Looks like Christmas was fab at your house! Happy New Year!

Michele @ The Joyful Home said...

What fun to have your beautiful girls home for the holidays, and I'll say it again--I love the Baylor gingerbread house :) So very glad I found your blog and can't wait to see what 2015 brings for you!

Isaiah 55:8-9 said...

Love seeing the photos of your family! Your daughters are stunning! :)
Merry Christmas, Lauren and many blessings to you and your family in 2015!
~Laura

Beautifully Seaside // Formerly Chic Coastal Living said...

Love your family pictures! You have one beautiful family and I can tell there's a lot of love! God bless you my dear friend. Please pray for my mom, as she is having her last radiation treatment tomorrow. She has a great prognosis! Thank You Jesus! God bless you and your sweet family in the new year. XO, Desiree

Gypsy Heart said...

Both of your girls are gorgeous! You could be their sister ~ honestly. I'm glad you had a wonderful Christmas. I hope this new year is good to you!

xo
Pat

Val said...

This is such a great post!!! Cheers, to a fabulous 2015.

Andrea said...

I love that little doggie bow so much it makes my heart hurt! So glad you had such a wonderful Christmas Eve. Nothing like memories and traditions with the family! XOXO

Leslie Harris said...

Lauren I loved seeing your family photos! Thank u for sharing your lovely traditions, I'm alittle jealous to see your beautiful daughters bent over their gingerbread houses don't think I'm ever going to have that experience with my boys haha I'm so glad we met this year...wishing you a beautiful 2015!
xo
Leslie