Valentines Weekend

We got snow twice over Valentines weekend!! 

With it falling on a Sunday my oldest daughter offered to treat mom and dad to dinner after church!! 

My chicken looked like a heart!!! lol 

The lovebirds even joined us at the table!!  It really made my day getting to spend time with the girls and yes even B!! 

Because of the snow our annual Sweetheart banquet got moved to Monday and even though it snowed again that morning it was all gone by the time we left for the dinner. 

We got a surprise when we arrived. Nicki's godparents were in attendance!! We will have lots of opportunities to take pics together over the next few months what with the bridal shower and the wedding! 

A bit of Valentine love from my favorite valentine!! 

Been with this man over 33 yrs and I wouldn't have it any other way!! One of his sisters said the other day that we are cute but sappy! And I'm ok with that!! lol

Can you believe its 2016?

February to be exact! My poor blog is taken a hit. But it's for a good cause! Our life has been consumed with wedding planning. So even though there is not much action going on over here...my treasured creations blog is getting lots of love!!

I posted this picture today on my Instagram and Facebook. 2015 was a rough year. Sometimes in the midst of all the "mess" we forget to thank God for the many blessings! 

This bracelet was a gift from my mom over Christmas. I've worn it several times since then but this morning I was feeling kind of down (let's face facts...I was having a good old fashioned pity party). Then I went to grab this bracelet after getting dressed for church and it hit me!! 

So this is what I posted! Hope it's blesses someone else just like it blessed me! 

On the days I forget or when others make me feel down on myself, this bracelet from my mommy reminds me that I am blessed and highly favored by God!! #noweaponformedagainstmeshallprosper

Year in Review 2015

 

Started out the New Year with family. It would be the theme for me for 2015.

 

Me with my Godmother.

 

Marc and I celebrated his 52nd birthday together in 2015. Just us two (another theme for 2015 as we got to spend a lot of alone time).

 

In March we traveled to Florida for a friends wedding and got to spend it with friends who have been like family for over 20 yrs.

 

I didn't make it to Disney but we did get to spend sometime at Downtown Disney and before leaving Marc and I checked out the Boardwalk.

 

Us at my girlfriends daughters wedding.

 

In April I celebrated my 51st Birthday.

 

In May Marc graduated with his Masters degree in Theology.

 

Nicki got in engaged in May.

 

For the first time ever she taught a class at VBS. And speaking of class....she starts back to school this year and will finally get her degree in Mass Communications!

 

Quisha traveled cross country this summer.

 

Said goodbye to her first official grown up job that she had since graduating from college. And is now a case worker and this spring will receive her Masters degree!

She also moved into her big girl apartment as she likes to call it. LOL

 

Marc really wanted to visit the National Cathedral so a few weeks after graduation we traveled to DC for the weekend and did a bit or site seeing!

 

Also did our annual stay vacation at my moms and visited our favorite local place....Williamsburg.

 

At the end of the summer we visited my birth state of PA and got to see Joseph at the Sight and Sound Museum.

 

Got to hang with my cousin at a local Leadership Conference over the summer and got to listen to one of my favorite speakers Dr. Sam Chand.

 

 

Marc and I both made an effort to participate in some ministry occasions outside of church. This picture was taken this fall when a group of men greeted students as they attended the first day of the new school year.

 

I finally answered the call and announced that I would become a licensed minister this coming spring.  

 

 

We surprised Nicki and my mom for their birthday this fall. They celebrate birthdays a few days apart and this year Nicki turned 30. With the pending wedding this sping we couldn't do anything elaborate but we got them with a big surprise party with close family and friends at my moms home. Nicki thought the party was for mom and mom thought it was for Nicki!!!

 

Several of Marc;s college classmates were ordained this year and he actually had the honor of participating in two of them.

 

I got to watch my bestie re-dedicate her life and ministry back to Christ in the fall and watch her be baptized.

 

I completed a goal of mine by participating in the annual cancer walk to show support for my friend Sonia and in honor of my late grandmother.

 

Met some youtubers last year!!!!

 

Got to hang out with some awesome young adults who totally have my heart!

 

Celebrated 7 years of leadership with the love of my life!

 

And finished my year participating in ministry with a cool group of young people. Still can't believe they let this old lady hang with them!!!

 

Although 2015 was a pretty rough year I have to say that it had some pretty high moments as well. But I won't be lying when I say that I'm really looking forward to all that 2016 has to hold!!!

Christmas Morning

My one wish Christmas morning was to have all of my kids under the same roof one last time!! I got that wish and then some! Let's just say I was a very happy mama!! 

Christmas Activities

Over the last few weeks I've been in full Christmas mode!! Attending Christmas parties!

Supporting friends at Christmas programs! 

Touring Christmas Townes!! 

Christmas caroling at malls! 

Enjoying some great food with my hubby at local restuarants!

Even busted out a few meals myself!! 

Even managing to get up two Christmas trees this year, finishing my shopping early and wrapping the gifts.

I was determined this year to enjoy the season, not stress out and get in as much time with family as possible!! Somehow I've managed to do all of that and more! My secret??? Nothing big or earth shattering. I started decorating a bit early. We limited gifts to one per child with a few stocking stuffers, I took time out to spend with family even if it meant leaving a house that wasn't spotless and I made family time and time with friends a top priority. As we go in to a new year I'm constantly reminded just how short life is. How important it is to embrace the good times and not let the bad times steal my joy!! I've declared 2016 a year of new beginnings. I have lots to look forward to including one daughters graduation with her masters degree, one daughters wedding and so many more first to numerous to list. And I'm determined to take it all in and enjoy every moment!! What will you do in 2016 to make life just a little bit sweeter?? It's really in your hands. We can't always change our circumstances but we can most definitely change our attitudes!!