December Delights: A Month of Festive Fun, Home Projects, and Personal Milestones
As the year drew to a close, December enveloped us in its unique blend of festive cheer, cozy moments, and significant personal developments. This month-end recap brings you all the highlights from our kitchen, our home, and our lives, sharing the memorable moments that made December truly unforgettable. From heartwarming traditions to a pivotal health breakthrough, join us as we journey through a month brimming with joy, a sprinkle of chaos, and profound gratitude.
Baking Adventures and a Floury Fiasco
Our December began, as it often does, with the delightful aroma of holiday baking filling our home. I had just finished the meticulous task of rolling out dough for our beloved gingerbread cookies, ready for their festive cut-outs, and was washing my hands at the kitchen sink. Turning back to the kitchen island, a sight both hilarious and exasperating met my eyes: Salsa, our mischievous furry companion, was not just observing but actively *participating* in the baking process. He was joyfully rolling around in the leftover flour dusting the countertop! The result? A fluffy, white-dusted Salsa, looking like a little ghost. Of course, I couldn’t resist snapping a quick photo of his floury escapade before ushering him off the counter and commencing clean-up. His antics always bring so much laughter into our lives, even if they sometimes add an extra chore!
The second photo captures one of my absolute favorite Christmas traditions: decorating gingerbread cookies. There’s something incredibly therapeutic and creatively satisfying about bringing these little spiced figures to life with colorful icing and sprinkles. This cherished activity becomes even more special because Ryan joins in. He’s actually quite talented at it, which makes our decorating sessions a wonderfully collaborative and enjoyable experience. We spend hours, listening to Christmas music, sipping hot cocoa, and transforming simple cookies into edible works of art, each one a testament to our festive spirit.
Spreading Holiday Cheer with Homemade Cookie Tins
This year, we decided to elevate our holiday gifting game. Instead of individual presents, we embarked on an ambitious project: creating 35 cookie tins filled with an assortment of homemade holiday treats for Ryan’s coworkers. It was a massive undertaking, requiring multiple baking sessions and a full day dedicated to assembly and packaging, but it was an incredibly fun project to tackle together. We carefully selected our favorite recipes, ensuring a delicious variety that would appeal to everyone. The joy of working side-by-side, creating something thoughtful and handmade, was immensely rewarding. The effort certainly paid off; the feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, with everyone loving their personalized tins. We’re already planning to make this a new annual tradition, bringing a touch of homemade warmth to the workplace each Christmas season.
Home Upgrades and Milestone Celebrations
December also brought exciting changes to our home. During the Black Friday sales, we seized the opportunity to purchase a beautiful new living room rug. I was practically bouncing with excitement when it finally arrived! Our previous rug, a stylish jute number, was undeniably beautiful but incredibly impractical. Vacuuming it felt like an Olympic sport, always leaving behind bits and pieces no matter how many times I went over it. The relief of being able to effortlessly vacuum this new rug is immense, making household chores just a little bit easier and our living space feel perpetually cleaner. It’s amazing how a simple change can make such a significant difference in daily life, both aesthetically and practically. The new rug instantly brightens the room, adding a fresh, inviting feel that we absolutely adore.
The second photo captures another significant December event: Ryan’s 30th birthday! Celebrating such a milestone birthday is always special, and we marked the occasion with a relaxed and delicious outing for pizza, one of his favorite indulgences. His family also showered him with thoughtful gifts, including a Keurig coffee machine, which he absolutely loves. It’s wonderful to see him enjoy his daily coffee ritual even more now. Turning 30 is a big moment, and it was lovely to celebrate this new decade with good food, great company, and heartfelt gifts that he’ll truly cherish.
A Breakthrough in My Hormone Journey & Christmas Show Success
For about a year now, I’ve been openly sharing the complexities of my hormone journey on Instagram, navigating a path filled with uncertainty and frustration. At the beginning of December, a crucial turning point arrived: I underwent a brain MRI. The results revealed a small tumor on my pituitary gland. While receiving a diagnosis like “tumor” can be unsettling, for me, it brought an overwhelming wave of relief and gratitude. This tumor is most likely the root cause of all my persistent hormone issues, and finally having an answer, a tangible reason for my struggles, felt like an incredible blessing from Jesus. Knowing what we’re up against allows us to move forward with a clear plan. I’ve since started a treatment designed to shrink the tumor, with the hopeful outcome of normalizing my hormone levels and, ultimately, allowing us to get pregnant. The first photo captures my raw emotion right after the MRI – pure relief, exhausted but immensely thankful to be one step closer to healing and a new chapter. It’s a journey that has taught me immense patience and faith.
Shifting gears to a lighter, yet equally fulfilling, December highlight: Ryan and I had the incredible honor of hosting our church’s annual Christmas show, “Jingle Jam.” This event is always a highlight for our community, and taking on the role of hosts was both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. We dedicated five weeks to rigorous practice and preparation, meticulously rehearsing our lines and transitions to ensure a smooth and engaging show. All that hard work truly paid off! We had a fantastic turnout, with the audience filled with cheerful faces, and the show itself was a resounding success. The energy was electric, and it was such a joy to contribute to spreading holiday cheer and creating memorable moments for our church family. Sharing the stage with Ryan and seeing our efforts culminate in a wonderful evening made all the practice incredibly worthwhile.
Sweet Snuggles with Salsa
Amidst all the hustle and bustle of December, there’s always time for precious moments of quiet comfort, especially with our beloved dog, Salsa. These cute snuggle pictures are a perfect encapsulation of the pure, unconditional love and joy he brings into our lives. Whether he’s curled up on the couch beside us, or demanding attention with a gentle nudge, Salsa is an integral part of our family. His presence adds so much warmth and happiness to our home, reminding us to pause and appreciate the simple pleasures, like a cozy cuddle with our furry best friend. His playful spirit and affectionate nature are truly a gift.
Creative Gifting and Festive Family Gatherings
Each year, we strive to make holiday gifting for our nieces and nephews a unique and memorable experience, often opting for “experience gifts” like gift cards or family memberships rather than material items. To make the reveal extra special and fun, we love to incorporate a playful challenge. This year, they had to sort and assemble puzzle pieces to discover their gift. What we thought would be a straightforward task turned out to be quite the brain-teaser – Ryan and I had gotten a little carried away, cutting the puzzle into so many intricate pieces that re-assembling them became a much greater challenge than we anticipated! Their determined faces and eventual triumph were priceless, adding another layer of fun to our family traditions. It’s always rewarding to see their excitement and engagement with these creative gift reveals.
The second photo transports us to Christmas Eve, a time for cherished family gatherings. We celebrated with my family over a delicious hibachi dinner, enjoying the lively atmosphere, the theatrical cooking, and, most importantly, the wonderful company. The joy of sharing good food and laughter with loved ones truly set the tone for the holidays. Christmas Day was equally special, spent with Ryan’s family, filled with warmth, good cheer, and the beautiful chaos that comes with extended family celebrations. These moments of togetherness are what truly make the holiday season magical and create lasting memories.
Post-Christmas Relaxation and a Grand Tree Upgrade
After the whirlwind of Christmas celebrations, the period between Christmas and New Year’s is always a cherished time for us to unwind and recharge. We indulged in plenty of relaxing activities: catching up on our favorite TV shows, diving into good books, and simply enjoying the quietude of our home. It’s a wonderful opportunity to slow down before the new year officially begins. One of the biggest excitements during this “winter break” was discovering an incredible deal on a 9-foot Christmas tree for just $65! I was absolutely thrilled. Our living room boasts beautiful vaulted ceilings, which, while stunning, made our old 6-foot tree look comically small and out of place. I had been hoping to find a taller tree for ages, but the prices can be prohibitive. Finding such a magnificent, towering tree at an unbeatable price felt like an early Christmas gift. It truly transforms the room, filling the space perfectly and creating an even more majestic festive ambiance for years to come.
Bedroom Upgrades: DIY Sconces and Custom Decor
Our “winter break” wasn’t just about relaxation; it was also an opportune time for some exciting home improvement projects. One of the most satisfying transformations was the installation of elegant wall sconces in our bedroom. This was a true testament to Ryan’s impressive DIY skills! Figuring out all the wiring and ensuring everything was installed safely and correctly was no small feat, and I am incredibly proud of his dedication and craftsmanship. The sconces look absolutely stunning, adding a touch of sophistication and providing beautiful, ambient lighting that completely elevates the atmosphere of our bedroom. They’ve turned our sleeping space into a true sanctuary, making it feel more luxurious and inviting.
Creative Projects and Puzzle Adventures
Continuing the theme of personalizing our space, during my time off, I dedicated myself to a creative project: crafting a wooden sign for our newly enhanced bedroom. It’s a passion project that I’m slowly bringing to life, and I’m really excited about how it’s shaping up. I can’t wait to share a picture of the finished piece, proudly hung on our wall, in next month’s update! These small, handcrafted touches truly make a house feel like a home, reflecting our personal style and effort.
The second photo captures a moment of triumph and playful creativity. We finally completed our challenging University of Minnesota stadium puzzle! This wasn’t just any puzzle; it was an intricate and detailed representation of a beloved landmark, and finishing it felt like a significant accomplishment. Ryan, ever the one for fun ideas, suggested we attempt to take a photo in front of the completed puzzle, making it look as though we were actually at a game, immersed in the stadium atmosphere. The result was a hilarious and memorable photo, perfectly encapsulating our lighthearted approach to hobbies and our shared sense of humor. It’s these little moments of shared joy and silliness that make our days brighter.
A Serene Start to the New Year
To cap off an eventful month, we ushered in the New Year with a wonderfully low-key and intimate celebration. Eschewing grand parties, our New Year’s Eve was all about comfort and quiet enjoyment. We ordered our favorite pizza, settled in for a cozy movie night, and indulged in a bottle of champagne, popping it a little earlier than midnight—around 10 PM—before happily heading to bed. It was the perfect way to reflect on the year gone by, cherish our time together, and welcome new beginnings without any fuss. This peaceful transition into the new year felt incredibly refreshing and set a calm, positive tone for the months ahead.
Reflections: My Instagram Letter Board Posts from December
Beyond the daily adventures and major milestones, I love using my Instagram letter board to share snippets of wisdom, humor, and personal reflections. These posts often capture a mood, a thought, or a message that resonates with me during the month. They are a fun and engaging way to connect with my community and offer little windows into my current perspective. Below, you’ll find the collection of letter board posts I shared throughout December. Each image link will take you directly to the original Instagram post, where you can read more about the context and join the conversation. I hope they bring a smile to your face or offer a moment of thoughtful reflection, just as they do for me.
Explore More: Our Previous “Out of the Kitchen” Posts
Thank you for joining us on this recap of our wonderful December. It was a month of significant personal growth, cherished family moments, and exciting home transformations. We’re incredibly grateful for all the experiences, big and small, that shaped our journey. Here’s to a fantastic start to the new year, filled with hope, health, and continued adventures!