It's the end of the road...for 2013!

And here we are...the very last day of 2013! We made it! It's been one heck of a year, that's for sure. So, a recap: 
First of all, I began this year with 7 resolutions. Yes, I'm one of 'those' people. It's good to strive for things and to set goals.  Let's see how I did! 
1. Let go. Let go of old friendships, what wasn't meant to be, and of regrets and past wants.  CHECK! I feel confidant that I met this goal! It was a year of new friendships and new dreams. 
2. Move on. Move on from high school glory days, from people that aren't good for me, and from the past 'me'. It's time for a change for the better!  CHECK! Done and done! I love where I am in my life and couldn't be happier! I am who I am, and if you don't like it, not my problem! :) 
3. Be happy for others. Don't judge my life based on what other people have. Be happy for them and then go back to #2, and move on. CHECK! I can honestly say that I struggled a little with this one this year, but in ending the year, I consider this resolution a resounding success! I am in a much better place right now than I was throughout the year. I'm not saying I don't sin and want what others have from time to time, but it's a work in progress! 
4. Deepen my relationship with God. And further my biblical education. For He knows what is right in my life. WORK IN PROGRESS. Although I'm not where I want to be, I know that I will never be finished with this one ... not fully. I will always strive to deepen my relationship with God and to further my learning and understanding. This will never be over! And it's one thing I'm okay with continuing forever! 
5. Clean up. Clean up my act! From work, to home, to social media. Clean it up, get it organized, and be persistent.  FAIL. Just, fail. It'll be something I continue to work on in 2014! 
6. Follow my dreams. They may not be big, but follow them anyway. Be more financially stable and responsible. Lose weight and feel more confidant. And really strive for the first step in that new car! WORK IN PROGRESS. Let's face it, this was a doozy! We are more financially stable - check. I did not really lose weight, but I am more confidant! And, we not only got a new care {new to us anyway}, we got two! Double check! 
7. Don't stress. Don't sweat the small stuff, and know that everything happens for a reason and will work out the way God intends.  WORK IN PROGRESS. I am how I am - I'm a worrier. I stress, and I struggle with it constantly. But, I've gotten it under control {at least for now} and look forward to staying on top of it through 2014! 
So, all in all, I did pretty good! Woo hoo! So, what all happened in 2013? Let's check it out: 
January I set goals for myself for the year.  I wanted more for my blog.  I linked up for the first Newlywed Game.  February I celebrated my one-year employment anniversary. We had a fabulous Valentine's Day.  I had an awesome lunch date with my husband.  Spent time with the fam on the farm.  I DROVE A TRACTOR.  I was super happy for happenings happening in my family. Got it? :) My sister bought her very first car and my mom underwent rotator cuff surgery - success!  My dad and I surprised my mom for lunch on a random day off.  March We successfully made our own fried pickles.  Sean Lowe found love! I'm obsessed with The Bachelor :).  We went to my cousin's soccer game.  It was eight years since my awful car accident. And I finally blogged about it here. I found the best ever smoothie recipe for breakfast!  My husband got a new wardrobe.  Went to my cousin's dance recital. And spent the weekend in Buda.  I made a burlap wreath!  April I opened up about my anxiety.  My heart broke for a week straight. First the bombing at the Boston Marathon, and then the explosion in West, TX.  I bought my very first Erin Condren life planner.  May I had a rough week.  I got my very first tattoo!  The blog got a facelift!  I vacationed in Schulenburg, with my sister, visiting the self-serve Mendel B&B. {okay, so we spent a week and a half at my parents' house while they were out of the country...}  June My mom and I got shmammered.  My husband turned 24.  I worked a lot of overtime.  Colten 'graduated'.  I celebrated Father's Day with my dear dad. Colten and I took a vacation to San Antonio with his family.  A fun-filled weekend in Buda!  I became addicted to Candy Crush.  July Fourth of July celebration at the annual St. John Picnic.  More fun with my crazy family!  Discovered Channing Tatum's music video. A must watch!  My parents visited Austin and we went bowling!  I worked a lot of overtime. I wrote one of my favorite blog posts.  I surprised my husband with Colt Ford tickets.  August My dental emergency. I had to have another root canal on the same tooth I had done years ago. No bueno! Colten and his friend went to the Colt Ford concert.  My mother-in-law graduated the LVN program!  My grandfather lost his battle with cancer.  September We spent some much needed time with my brother.  We supported our cousin's collegiate soccer career!  I discovered the best ever pasta salad recipe. Seriously.  iOS 7 was released.  I went to Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley's Locked and Re-Loaded concert!  October The U.S. Government shut down.  We very boldly attended Haley's soccer weekend in Dallas!  Colten and I went to the Raging Idiots concert. I turned 25! And created my 30 before 30 list.  I said goodbye to Goldie, my car. I opened up about being a people pleaser. We participated in LaGrange's Relay for Life.  Halloween!  November We discovered a new park in town. Colten and I celebrated two years of marriage!  We very successfully threw my mom a surprise 50th birthday party!  My sister and I got to see the UT volleyball team in action.  We celebrated Thanksgiving with lots of family.  December We went to the Buda Trail of Lights with my cousins.  Colten battled pneumonia.  I created our very own Thankful Tree. Colten battled blood clots. Talk about a rough month!  The blog got a whole new look, thanks to Jana Tolman Designs!  I was introduced to Nutella Crepes. Seriously easy - go try them now! The Newlywed Game came back for a special holiday edition :).   Colten, Hilary, and I went to the Austin Trail of Lights.  We celebrated Christmas with lots of family.  We went to the Rockin' Holiday Lights Tour in Round Rock. 
Overall, it's been a fabulous year! Yes, it had some ups and downs {okay, maybe a lot of downs}, but it's all made us stronger. I'm proud to say that I've made it through the year and am ending it in a better place than I started it. :) I'm thankful for my family and friends for supporting me through everything, and for God's glory that is present in our every day! I'm excited to see what 2014 has in store, so BRING.IT.ON! 

Christmas 2013

Christmas 2013 was so much fun! I talked a little about it here, but I now have pictures! 
I'll start off with the Austin Trail of Lights. I went this year with my husband and sister - and we had a blast! Our transportation to the park was via a school bus that was decorated on the inside for a contest through the school system. Pretty neat! However, it didn't feel quite like Christmas. You see, the night we attended this, it was 80 degrees outside. It's just not Christmas when you're sweating! 

This past Friday, although it was after Christmas, we decided to go through the Round Rock's Rockin' Holiday Lights Tour - it's a drive through trail of lights, which was awesome! 

Well, it was awesome up until my genius of a husband decided to lose his shoe. Yes, you read that right. Redneck much?! He was driving, and we had the windows rolled down to take pictures of all of the displays. Well, for some unknown reason, he decided to put one of his crocs (shoe) on top of the car. That's right, on top of the car! Well, it wasn't a problem until he sped up and seemingly lost his shoe. After the gorgeous tunnel of lights (as seen above...super cool!), he checked, and his shoe was gone. Well, there were cars behind us, so we had to just finish out the tour. Then, we went back through again! We attempted not to have to pay a second time, but for some reason *rolls eyes*, they just didn't believe him when he said he lost his shoe on the trail and wanted to go back through to retrieve it. Y'all. MY HUSBAND LOST HIS SHOE AT A DRIVE-THRU TRAIL OF LIGHTS! Seriously! I can't make this stuff up! I was a little upset pissed at the time, but then had to laugh it off. So, we paid the entrance fee again and went back through. Luckily, we had an idea of where he lost it. Of course, just driving through wasn't enough for us to locate a BLACK croc in the dark...go figure! He pulled off into a parking lot and then walked {barefoot} with his phone for a flashlight until he located it. Get this...apparently, the shoe was underneath a car that was going through, so he nicely asked the gentleman to move his car. I can only imagine the look on that man's face! Ahahahahaha! Priceless, I tell ya! Priceless. And now, we have an everlasting joke - he's never going to live this one down! He ultimately paid for his shoe twice. Once when they were bought, and again to retrieve it at the trail of lights! Never a dull moment... 

We spent Christmas Day with Colten's parents: lunch at his mom's and supper at his dad's. We got lots of goodies - Colten cleaned up with all things Duck Dynasty from his mom and step-dad, including shirts, a hoodie, pants, a cup, etc. I got a matching necklace and ring from Kay's {black diamonds, I'm in love!}, a handmade scarf from Colten's 3rd grade teacher {that thing is gorgeous!}, and a cross for my cross wall at home. :) We also got Starbucks gift cards from his sister - score! We then enjoyed some Fruit Ninja on the Xbox and took a walk after eating a huge lunch! 

   

 

My absolute favorite gifts this year came from my aunt and uncle. We did 'couples' gifts this year: each couple drew another couple's name and had to get a gift for said couple. It ended up being a lot harder than I thought! Regardless, the gifts from my aunt and uncle, who had our names, were just amazing!

 

So, the above may look like just a piece of wood with some knobs on it, which it is. However, I later learned that this piece of wood is special. It's from my grandparents' barn on their property! My aunt and uncle grabbed it up and added the hardware to it to match our decor! It's seriously such a special gift, especially having to experience Christmas this year without any living grandparents. It was hard, to say the least. When I learned of where this wood came from, I cried. I will cherish this piece forever! Thank you so much Aunt Loretta and Uncle Dan! As you can tell, I had to hang it up right away! I just love, love, love it!

So, overall, this Christmas was hectic and we drove all over the place, but we spent it with lots of family and love, and it's one I'll never forget!

FIVE on Friday: Christmas-y edition.

What a week! Holiday weeks are always fun, but I'm always so thrilled when I get to be in my own home and sleep in my own bed. If I don't have to travel in a car for several hours for weeks and weeks, I'll be just fine with that. 
I spent most of yesterday car sick and feeling absolutely terrible. But today is much, much better! 
We got home late last night and lo and behold, I'm at work today. So, needless to say, all Christmas-y pictures are still on my phone and I of course had no plans today for a post! It's really no surprise, is it? But alas, here I am. Friday morning, feeling sluggish, and missing my oh so comfy bed. And my husband, who does not have to work today... *sigh* 
So, here's to another FIVE on Friday! :) Linking up with The Good Life Blog. 

one//Although Christmas is over, I'm still celebrating our Lord's birth! You better believe our Christmas decorations are still up and our tree is lit. 
two//I am so, so thankful for so much family in our lives! I know that not everyone is so fortunate, but when you have to decide and compromise on where to visit and who to see, it just means you have been blessed beyond measure with so.much.family! 
three//I'm missing my grandparents dearly this year. It's the first year that I did not have any living grandparents to celebrate Christmas with, and it hurts. I'm praying it will get easier with time, but many, many tears have been shed recently. I know they are ALL in a much better place with our Savior, but I still miss them terribly! 
four//We ate, and ate, and ate, and ate, and ate some more! Oh my goodness - we ate! If I don't have another big meal for a few weeks, I think I'll be just fine with that! The holidays always bring so much food! I'm grateful to have had laughs and love over the dinner table with so much family this year! Praise God! 
five//This year was the first year I've completely missed a Christmas celebration with my family. Now, I know that I have a fairly big family and we celebrate - a lot! With that being said, I also know that when you get married, things change. New traditions are made and you have to compromise and sacrifice...every single day. It's no surprise the holidays are any different! This year, we celebrated with Colten's family on Christmas morning instead of my dad's side of the family, and I can honestly say that I missed it dearly! Although I had a great time with Colten's parents, I missed the chaos and laughter of my loved ones that I won't see for many more months. It reminds me to truly cherish the time that you do get with your loved ones, because life changes every single day and you never know when you won't be able to tell them you love them anymore or won't be visiting them when you thought you would! 

I hope that everyone had a fabulous Christmas this year and celebrated the true meaning of Christmas! 

Merry {Christmas Eve}!

I can't believe it's finally here - it's CHRISTMAS EVE! 
I look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and remembering that it's what Christmas is truly all about! I pray that he is glorified and that families around the world celebrate his birth. During this time of hustle and bustle, trying to round up presents and little ones, showing up here and there and everywhere ... I hope that we consciously remember what this season is truly about. It's not about how many gifts are under the tree. It's not about the food and the festivities. Although all of those things are great and fun, we must remember that on Christmas Day - Jesus Christ was born! Dust off those bibles and read about it :). 

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)3 And everyone went to his own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:1-20

Merry Christmas Eve!

The Newlywed Game {Take 7}: Holiday Edition!

It's back! It's back! And just in time for Christmas... :). That's right, I'm talking about the Newlywed Game linkup! Of course, linking up with Karla and Veronica for this special treat! 

1. Which Christmas would your spouse say was the best that you had together as a couple? 

Colten: All of them. Bri: He would probably say it was our first Christmas together - 2011. We were newly married and so in love! Of course, we're still in love now, but it was so magical that first year, with our first tree. Wait, this question is about his best Christmas? Oh ... my bad. 
2. What would your spouse say is the weirdest, or most unique tradition that your family does at Christmas?  Colten: Everything. My family is weird.  Bri: I'm not sure what he would say, as I'm not sure we do any weird or super unique traditions...hmm...
3. It's Christmas Day. You are looking all around and can't find your spouse! Finally you find them hiding in a closet, devouring which holiday treat?  Colten: Probably chocolate.  Bri: He'd definitely be devouring the cookies! That man loves to bake and loves him some cookies! 
4. It's your spouse's turn to pick out a Christmas movie. Naturally, they pick their favorite one. Which is it?  Colten: She loves Christmas and Christmas movies, so I don't know her exact favorite. Bri: I learned recently that he absolutely loves How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Fitting :). 
5. If your spouse had it their way...when would they put up Christmas decorations? Right after the turkey? Last minute? Not at all?  Colten: In January, and they would be up all year! {haha..no! I love Christmas, but I'm not one of 'those' people...} Bri: If it's up to him, he probably wouldn't put up any decorations! At the very least, though, it might just be last minute. 
6. What does your spouse think is the best Christmas gift you ever gave them?  Colten: All of them. Bri: I honestly don't know. I tend to get him some pretty practical things for Christmas ... except for this year! :) mwahahahaha.
7. Fa la la la laaaa, what is your spouse's go-to Christmas song?  Colten: I could not tell you.  Bri: I just got him the Duck Dynasty Christmas CD - so pretty much any song from there. He's already proclaimed that it will be tradition to listen to that CD every.single.year. Future children, I'm so sorry! 
8. On Christmas morning, what does your spouse wish is under the tree?  Colten: A million dollars. {wish is right!} Bri: This year, an Xbox One {but he knows better...}. 
9. What is one thing that your spouse absolutely has to do every year during the holidays?  Colten: Listen to Christmas music, decorate, and send Christmas cards. Bri: Drink egg nog! He loves that stuff! I can't stand it. 
10. What was the coolest gift your spouse got at Christmas as a child? (Hopefully, they told you this at some point in your relationship...otherwise, this one will have to be a lucky guess!) Colten: A whole bunch of sports gear. Bri: No clue! Maybe a toy gun or a new pair of boots?! I just love my redneck :). 

This was so.much.fun! Thanks, Karla, for bringing this baby back for the holidays! I hope everyone enjoys lots of time with their loved ones this holiday season. I know I will! 

Nutella Crepes

My amazing sister took a vacation overseas this past fall and visited Paris as part of that trip. While there, she apparently found a vendor that sold nutella crepes {not only did they sell them, they made them right on the spot - which is a story for her to tell...maybe one day soon, right Hil ;)?} to eat on the spot. While talking to her on the phone during her stay in Paris, she raved about these crepes she had been eating ... they were a big deal. Obviously. 
Unfortunately for her {but fortunately for her loving family}, the trip came to an end and she had to return home, sans crepes. However, she found a recipe and we attempted said recipe this past weekend. And without further adieu: 
How to make Nutella Crepes in your own home. 

You will need:  6 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 large eggs 1 large egg yolk 1/2 cup water 1 cup milk 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup nutella extras {we did bananas, strawberries, & powdered sugar. yum!} 

Work your magic: 1// In a medium nonstick pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once the butter is melted, continue cooking until the butter is golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside. The residual heat will make the butter a little more brown, so err on the side of golden brown versus dark before you turn off the heat. 
2// In a medium bowl, gently whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, water, milk, and salt until just combined. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Slowly pour the browned butter into the mixture, whisking constantly. If necessary, strain the mixture to remove any lumps. 
3// Use a paper towel to wipe out the same nonstick pan used to melt the butter. Set the pan over medium heat. Using a 1/3-cup measure, scoop the batter and pour it in to the center of the hot pan. Using a rotating motion with your wrist, swirl the batter around and out to the edges of the pan - the thinner, the better. Return the pan to the heat and cook for 2 minutes. Use a rubber spatula to lift up the edge of the crepe and flip the crepe over {see *helpful hints* below for another version...}. Cook on the other side for 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on how golden you like it. 
4// Slide the crepe onto a plate and spread with 1 tablespoon of the Nutella (or as much as you like). Fold the crepe in half, then fold in half again to form a triangle. You can also just roll up the crepe loosely like a carpet. Garnish with desired toppings.

   

    

+ We poured the batter into a measuring cup with a spout in order to make less of a mess while trying to fill a 1/3-cup measure.
+ We used two different nonstick pans - here's why:

• flipping the crepe over did not result in the crepe staying together completely, and who wants a holey crepe?! 
• flipping the crepe over into a second pan was much easier! Then, you just flip it from the second pan {which we coated in unsalted butter as well} onto a plate when time is up, and voila! A whole crepe :). 

+ You may be brave and attempt to eat your masterpiece as is; however, we knew better {and ourselves...we're messy!} and settled to eat it work a fork. It's up to you! 

Life Happens

Yesterday was a whirlwind. And now I'm angry, frustrated, stressed, mad, worried ... it goes on and on. 
Colten noticed a knot on his calf several days ago, which we both blew off as probably a bite of some sort that would go away on its own. Well, it didn't. It progressively got worse and then actually started hurting him. So, yesterday, he was off to the doctor. 
Once he was done there, he was told he'd had to have a venous doppler ultrasound done. When he tried to leave for that appointment, his truck wouldn't start. There was no one else around at the time to offer him a ride, so I left work early and took off to take him.  

We got the diagnosis from the radiologist: my dear, sweet husband has blood clots. Plural. 
I'm scared. I'm angry. I'm frustrated. 
And then I remind myself: life happens. These moments are inevitable. It's scary not knowing what's going on or what prompted something else to happen. It's frustrating having to deal with car problems when you shouldn't be having car problems {he bought a new battery only six short months ago...this should not be an issue}. It's terrifying to watch the love of your life first battle pneumonia and then get hit with blood clots. 
I'm stressed. I don't know where to turn. I don't know what to do. I'm worried. I'm mad. 
His doctor has yet to contact him to inform him of the next step now that his diagnosis has been confirmed. This angers me to no end. Aren't blood clots serious? Shouldn't there be a course of action for him to start on by now? I'm no medical professional, but not having answers or a 'plan' is driving me insane. We were there for hours yesterday, and we still have no clue what is going to happen next. 
Then, we had to still deal with the dead truck at the doctor's office. The plan was to jump it with my car. This took like 20 minutes -- it helps to know where the battery is in your car! I just got the car not too long ago, so I didn't know. My dad had to look it up - it's by the spare tire in the back of the car. Seriously? 

We were finally able to head home, but my husband still has no reliable transportation right now. And he had to open at work today. He has blood clots in his leg and has to go to work - his doctor hasn't said he can't. He has no 'excuse' that's good enough not to be there. He's in pain, and he has to work. This breaks my heart. 
And how was he supposed to get there? We both had to be at work within two hours of each other, and we only had one working vehicle. Stressed is an understatement. 
It's never-ending. Life happens. We just have to deal with it and move on. I'm just lucky enough that no matter what life throws at us, I have my loving, caring, goofy husband to hold my hand along the way, through every storm. He never lets go, and I'm amazed by his strength time and time again. Although he has been in pain, he still puts a smile on my face and cheers me up, even though he's the patient. He will go out of his way to make sure I'm okay. He melts my heart. 

I'm still worried about him and pray that he makes it through the day in as little to no pain as possible. I pray that he doesn't worsen today or have any serious complications while he's at work. I know that God is in control and ultimately knows the outcome of this storm, but while weathering it, I worry. What if he gets worse? What if he's not okay? What if we receive worse news today? Tomorrow?  
The 'what ifs' are nauseating. I refuse to get bogged down in them, but I still worry. I'm just glad that through it all, I get to experience the highs and lows of this life all with my husband by my side. All while life happens around us. 

December Giveaway

I've teamed up with some lovely ladies to give you a chance to WIN BIG! I'm talking about a free Erin Condren life planner {say what? just read on...} AND $35 to Amazon! Just in time for Christmas...

via

So, I know you may be asking, what is an Erin Condren life planner?! Well, it's a planner that encompasses every single aspect of your life aka awesomeness. I've had one but found out my life doesn't quite fill it up, so I've since downgraded {I don't have kids, I don't run a business, I'm not in school...so I don't have a need for a planner that outlines each and every day by 'morning', 'day', and 'night' - too much space!}. But, check out these fabulous reviews of the life planner from Kalyn over at Beautifully Tailored and Shay over at Mix and Match Family: here and here. I'll wait while you check them out...

So, don't wait any longer and enter to win these great prizes! Again, just in time for Christmas! It's easy, just follow the directions below and that's it! You have 6 days to enter!

To Recap:
One winner will enjoy a new life planner on us, as well as whatever their little heart desires off of Amazon.com! Enter the Rafflecopter honestly below and visit some of these amazing blogs!

A Beautiful Exchange//All That Glitters//The Dwelling Tree//Happy is a Choice//Faithful Footprints//Simple Moments Stick//All the Small Things//Always Ashten

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK! ;)

Delicious Creeps

And just like that, it's Monday once again! I had such a fabulous weekend, so we'll get right to the recap, shall we? 

one// We went to the Buda trail of lights with our cousins on Saturday. It was so.much.fun!  two// Nutella crepes - seriously so delicious. Be on the lookout for the recipe on the blog later this week!  three// flipflop. My new favorite wine. :) I may or may not have had half the bottle in one sitting...#sorrynotsorry four// We tried out a new church yesterday, and it definitely is promising! We'll be going back for sure. 
This year, we tagged along with our cousins to the Buda Trail of Lights, and I'm so glad we were invited! It got us out of the house and with endless entertainment at that. Win, win! We even got to ride a school bus to get there - there's really never a dull moment when we all get together! Colten is definitely a kid at heart and always plays with kids when we're around them, and this time was no different. He even painted his nose red {like Rudolph} with the kids. Precious! And we got a picture with Santa! :) 

 

  

 

 

 After the trail, we stopped by their house for some hot chocolate and then loaded up in my cousin's car to drive around looking at Christmas lights! The fun only continued, as I'm sure you've already guessed. My absolute favorite was a house that had their Christmas lights set to the tune of a radio station that was playing Christmas music. One of the songs was by the Trans Siberian Orchestra, and it was mesmerizing! I'd upload the video for you to see, but I couldn't get that to function this morning, so go head over to my Instagram to check it out! It's pretty awesome. We had so many laughs and just such a great time driving around looking at all of the lights. This one is my second favorite:

It was a huge, HUGE display in front of someone's house. I'm talking, so big I had to take this picture as a panoramic to get it all in one shot! But I love it :). It reminds us all of the true reason for the season, keeping Christ in Christmas!

Yesterday didn't go exactly as planned, but that's okay! It was better :). We started the day by attending a new church nearby our apartment - we're still in search for a church that we both love, and this one just might be a good contender! We'll go back a few more times first to really decide, but I loved it. :) After church, we were invited to my sister's house to watch her attempt at making Nutella Crepes - which was a total and complete success! They were so delicious and we were excited they turned out so well! Like I said before, be on the lookout for that recipe this week! It's a perfect {and easy} treat for Christmas morning! {or any morning, in our case...ha!} We then did some Christmas shopping and hung out for the rest of the day. It was great to relax and enjoy my sister's company! I wasn't as productive as I would've liked or had anticipated, but that's okay. Life is short, right?! :) The laundry can wait... And Colten, being the 'redneck' that he is, always pronounces things different than what they really are {mostly on purpose}. For example, if you're eating a trifle, he calls it a truffle. So, the crepes were no different - he kept calling them "creeps". Haha! He thanked her via facebook for the 'delicious creeps'. Y'all, my husband is hilarious. Seriously.

How was your weekend?