The end of a season...

Tonight was our Cheerleading Awards ceremony, officially ending our season which started in July. (Please tell me what other sport has an 8 month season.) It was short and sweet without being too sappy. It was such an amazing year, and full of great memories. I have learned so much through coaching my first cheer squad. I'm pretty sure they taught me more than I taught them. It was such a blessing to coach the girls that I cheered with all those years ago. God has been faithful through many ups and downs, and I can't wait to see what He has in store for next season. I will so miss my Seniors, but I know life holds great things for them. As I looked out over my team tonight I realized that this year was so much more than coaching cheerleading, this year I made so many new friends. Next year is going to be awesome!!!

I love these girls!

Friday!!

Hooray it's Friday! The first time I've actually had time to sit down on my couch, and desire to write a blog. It was a fun week in kindergarten with lots of fun, tears, and peeing on a shirt! Oh how I love 5 year olds! As I watch the older elementary students (and high school students) I realized I love teaching kindergarten because they love you no matter what and (almost) always do what you say. I love that the "quiet game" is enough to keep them completely still and quiet in the hallway. I love that they are enthralled by powder that turns to 'snow' when it is mixed with water. I love that getting to hold a stuffed penguin is the best reward. And I love that they will come to me and say, with no shame, Mrs. Hamilton I pee-peed on my shirt. Although I loved my week of sewing and baking, I am glad to be back.

Finished Placemats!

So here are my final placemats...yay! I did learn, however, that it is quite difficult to use the macbook to take pictures of things on the floor. Scott laughed at me trying to stand on a chair to get a better shot. :)

Here are a set of four placemats

 And here is my favorite placemat! I love these buttons!

Next project-ruffled scarves

Current train of thought-should I open an Etsy shop? I really like making this stuff but what will I do will all of it? Advice?

Snow Days

Of course I had to put up some pictures of our multiple snow days...especially since I don't think there is anything else I can possibly do in my house

Scott and I attempted to sled, but we really just pushed ourselves for the sake of "newly married pictures during our first big snow". Thanks to my mom for being willing to go out and take pictures of our attempt to play in the snow. :)

 Then we decided to take a stroll around the block (near my parents house) to see what my neighbors were doing...and you thought sledding behind a four-wheeler was redneck...

Nothing like sledding behind a slow-moving tractor.

This was sitting in the next-door-neighbor's yard. 

And who wouldn't use a halloween decoration to make a snowman's head?

Hope everyone had a fun snow/ice day!

A look at our year...

Since I haven't put up any pictures yet here is a snapshot of this year...

Getting Engaged!

 Graduating from college!

 Getting married!

Honeymoon to Cancun!

Halloween

Thanksgiving in the mountains

Cutting down our first Christmas tree!

Our first Christmas together!

Full

As we were leaving a wonderful weekend with friends, this was the word that came to mind. I was literally full from all the great food we ate, and overwhelmed by what a blessing my friends are. Looking back over the past year my life has been so full. This time last year I had no idea where I would be now. Married to a wonderful husband, grateful for fulfilling jobs, close to my family, and three couples who are amazing friends. God is so good.

On another note, my family is preparing for a large event tomorrow. Erin will receive a new kidney, kindly donated by my dad. :) Thank you to everyone who has/is supporting us through prayer, meals, and everything else. We cannot express how thankful we are for your generosity. Please keep them in your prayers over the next two weeks.

Merry Christmas to all! Don't forget to thank God for all He has blessed us with!