Bandwagon Posting

     I’m not generally a bandwagon jumper, but it’s the end of the year, and who doesn’t love a good “Goodbye to the Old, Hello to the New” post?  In January, I posted about some attainable goals…womp womp.  Out of 3 (three!) goals, I accomplished 1.6. 
1.  I am going to spend more time in the Word.  (In SMART words:  I am going to read my Bible three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening.  I am by no means saying I don’t want to do this more often, but I’m starting with what I know I’ll do.  The more I’ll read, the more I’ll want to read…that’s the real goal.) – Welllllll…I didn’t do so hot on this one.  That’s not to say that I don’t feel like my faith has really grown this year though.  Keith and I have been doing much better about reading together, but as far as the actual goal I set out – .3% accomplished
2.  I am going to get a job in my field. (This one is a little more difficult in SMART words:  I can’t put a time frame on this because I don’t know God’s exact plan for me.  I do know He has a job for me though…I’m just out here looking for it.) – Done and done – 100% accomplished
3.  I’m going to go through my closet (to sort, organize, and donate) three times this year, in April, August, and December. – Bahahaha…I occasionally tossed out things I hadn’t been wearing, but as for whole clean outs? No. Not even a little. – .3% accomplished.
     All that being said, I am not making resolutions for 2014.  Keith and I definitely have some things we want to (and will) accomplish, but not hard and fast resolutions.  What do I want to get done?
1.  Pay off my student loans.  This one should be accomplished by October/November (hopefully earlier).  As exciting as this will be…it’s really just a stair step, but it will free us up to focus on Keith’s student loans.
2.  Take a trip.  We’ll be going to the beach this summer (*sigh*), but we are hoping to get away even for just a few days this spring.
3.  Buy a dresser.  The one we have now, while beautiful, is not terribly functional and is much more suited to being a television stand.
     Thrilling right?  We definitely have more we want to do, but these are the ones that are sort of at the top of my list.  Small victories.  2013 was a huge year for us, but I have a feeling 2014 will be the one to beat it.  We’ll get to celebrate our first anniversary and hopefully a million other things.  Happy New Year, blogosphere…here’s hoping I actually hang out here more this year!
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Keith was pretty pleased with himself here.  He decided to surprise me by coming out dressed all in camouflage before leaving the church.  (I framed this one.)

Bacon Wrapped Everything

     So if I were one of the Seven Dwarves (side note…it’s spelled “Dwarfs” on the cover of Snow White…weird), I would be Cheesy…or Corny…or maybe just Dopey.  Hold on…you’ll see in a minute. 
     Right now my house is Christmas chaos.  One tree down, two to go, and other stuff just half up (or down depending on how optimistic you feel).  As sad as I am to see my first married Christmas go, there is just something so special about this time of year.  I am never happy to take down Christmas, but this time of year always makes me feel so hopeful and optimistic – like anything can happen (I know…Cheesy, Corny, Dopey…I’ll let you know which one I settle on).

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Christmas Chaos…or New Year’s Optimism?

     I am so excited for the upcoming year!  I just know it’s going to be a good one.  Even though I’m not sure how it’ll top this past year, but I’m pretty sure it will.  Keith and I have been busy busy discussing some plans and things we’d like to do this year, and I cannot wait!
     Now that I’ve spent a few minutes looking forward, let’s hit rewind for a quick look at Christmas.  Was yours fabulous?  I hope you got to spend time with your family and eat tons of great food!  Mine was just as wonderful.  Apparently in our house Christmas is “Cover Everything in Bacon Day,” and my first experience making bacon wrapped crackers was a rousing success – so so good.  I kind of want to make more just to eat…alone…and not share.

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via my Instagram (follow me @allycami)

     Have we covered everything?  Optimism bordering on the cheesy – check.  Bacon wrapped everything – check.  Christmas chaos – double check.  I know I’ve said it once, but I hope you’ve had just the best Christmas season and are just as excited for the new year as me.  Maybe 2014 will be the year of my triumphant return to the blogosphere…………………….

Merry Christmas

     I kind of thought I would have a little more time on my hands once I made it to Christmas break, but I have been busier than ever for the past few days.  No complaints here…I LOVE Christmas (obv), but between marathon grocery shopping, house cleaning, present wrapping, cooking, and battling the crowds, I don’t know that I’ve had time to breathe!  In spite of all the crazy, we went to my church’s candlelight service last night, and I was reminded again of just how small everything else is. 


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     That’s it.  That is the only important thing.  I’m excited to spend time with family.  I can’t wait to eat (and eat and eat and eat and eat) delicious food.  I love seeing everyone’s decorations.  BUT…knowing and believing and celebrating the One who loved us enough to leave Heaven, live this life, and die for us surpasses everything else in every way. 

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  Luke 2:19

     Merry Christmas to each of you and your families!  I hope the next few days are just wonderfully filled with food and fun and family and the most important thing of all.

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I just wish you could see the tackiness in it’s entirety…sequin bows!  I love it…I almost want to wear it in real life person all the time!