Welcome 2014

First, I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year.  I pray that each one of you are blessed throughout 2014.  Over the past week, I've had to step back and really begin trying to recover from having the flu.  This isn't exactly how I imagined that I'd be spending my long awaited Christmas break.  However, I'm happy to report that I feel much better (though still a bit tired).

Am I allowed to use being sick as an excuse to restart my love dares?  Though I hate admitting it, I haven't done a very good job on these.  I've been rather cranky.  So, I'm declaring a redo on the first couple of dares.  Isn't that what a new year is about?  This is my chance to start over, so I'm going to do it.  I'll keep you posted.

We began the process of taking down the Christmas decorations this evening.  We went from our cozy little mantle…

…to the take down…

…and ended with one boring room (according to Hannah).  

For me, it is a chance of renewal, a fresh approach to the year.  I'm praying that I can see all the changes that seem to happen as a renewal, or a start of something new.  Wish me luck!