HIGHLIGHTS OF 2012 PART 2

I left off my last post with a mini bathroom redo at the lakehouse, so I thought I'd start off Part 2 with a little redo of our house here in the city.  With a neutral background I can change things out fast and easy.  I fell in love with a shower curtain at Target and added a new rug, towels and accessories.  A whole new look for under $50.00!

We sadly ended what was many regular trips to the lakehouse as fall approached.  We continued to go up sporadically, Michigan is gorgeous in the fall.  But the hot summer days that seemed to stretch out forever in front of us were pretty much over.

I said goodbye to the little Summerhouse that I spent so much time reading in and the screens were covered until next year.  

We brought home several large plants with us to take care of over the winter.  Even though they take up a lot of room, it's such a delight when I get a blossom even if it's 25 degrees out!

Fall arrived very slowly, at least the turning of the leaves part.  It didn't surprise me as the weather in the upper Midwest has been really wonky for over a year.

This was the first year I gave up on having pumpkins as the squirrels just have a feast with them.  A blogger (can't remember who) advised me to cover them with some furniture polish...I am going to try that next year.  Our little old porch just didn't look as festive!

I decorated the mantel in a simple way...

...and made some fall inspired cupcakes.

I found some cute dishes at Target that gave my table a festive fall feeling.

Thanksgiving came and went so fast, but we truly had a wonderful day with family and friends.  And the perfect time to count all of my blessings!

The Husband and I took our annual anniversary trip up to Cedarburg, Wisconsin.  We loved the cute little town and seriously cannot wait to go back, hopefully this summer.  When I chose this town for our trip; did the research, found the inn, booked the room, The Husband constantly teased me that I was taking him on a wild goose chase that would turn out all wrong.  He was eating his words!  He claims he has never had a better 3 day trip!

The shops were dressed for the holidays and so cute!  I did a little Christmas shopping and we had many memorable meals.  Loved it!

December came upon us quickly and I got into the baking groove.  Lots of cakes, cookies and cupcakes!

I swapped out some of the lighter quilts in our bedroom for more colorful curtains, throws and pillows.  It feels so much cozier.

I mentioned in a post that this was my favorite reading chair in the family room.  I didn't get much of a chance to do that with the hustle and bustle of the holidays but I really do plan on it now!

A little spiffing up of my winter wardrobe netted me some great compliments on these boots...

...and I treated myself to a classy pair of flats.

And while we are on the subject of shoes, I pulled these out and dusted them off when The Husband and I joined a gym at the nearby university.  Although it can be a love/hate activity, I feel good about myself and what my body can now do.  My New Year's goal is to keep it up!

So...Christmas came fast and I was cooking and baking like a crazy woman.  This was a very unusual year for us as The Husband had surgery and was recovering over the holidays.  But we carried on with the same traditions with hardly a blip and if it were possible that my little family could grow any closer or loving, it did.  And I thank all of you ladies for your prayers.

Shhhh...I have a secret!  My brain had become so addled that I had to peek back at last year's Christmas post to get ideas for how to arrange my decorations!  And I did it all myself as Emily was in Aruba and Abby had finals.  This was also the year that Abby did all of the gift wrapping and Emily helped The Husband shop for gifts for moi!  I received scarves and perfume and all things girly and I gave him a sweater and the new Thomas Jefferson book that he has rarely put down.  I gave Jeff a big plush sweatshirt from Orvis, as well as a scarf, Emily received a pair of ridiculously expensive pair of shoes from her brother Jeff, and Abby a designer watch.  But it was with a tear in my eye when Kevin opened his gifts.  He had stopped by weeks ago when it had just gotten cold and I asked him where his winter coat was...all he had on was a fleece.  Well, he didn't own one!  Kevin is very sweet and unassuming and always places others before him.  So, for Christmas I surprised him with a beautiful wool coat, scarf and leather gloves.  He was speechless, but he knows this is what a mother does...forever it seems!

So...Christmas came together and was over in a blink of an eye.  We celebrated with family over a 3 day period and then savored some quiet days reflecting on the best year ever, even with it's ups and downs.

Now it's the second day of the new year.  My living room still looks much like this but I think it's time for Mr. Douglas Firbanks, Jr. to head down to the curb and the old chipper.  Emily has been shopping for Christmas decor on clearance to have for her new home (wherever that may be) next year when she is married.  The sweet thing picked up several things for me, too.  And I did a little online shopping at Kohls and West Elm for things to set aside for next Christmas.  And, don't get me started on white sales!!

Thanks so much for following along on this year long journey.  The "Word" I chose for 2013 is Joy.  Joy in my heart and giving it to others.  Finding it in the most simple places and sharing it with those I love.  I have them to thank for the memories.  

XO,

Jane