Photo Challenge Wednesday

I decided I wanted to try my hand at taking a photo a day this year.  Instead of boring you with a blog post of a random photo each day, I thought I'd just post them here on Wednesdays, and include with the pics some of the blessings of my week. Why Wednesday? Because our new year began on Wednesday. :)  So let's review my week, how about it?

Lady Mary - quite the character!

Wed., January 1 - Happy New Year! I kicked back on the couch and continued my Downton Abbey marathon with seasons 1, 2, and 3.  It was quiet, peaceful, the Christmas tree illuminated the room with a soft glow - good stuff. Great New Year intro.

That day we got together as a totally complete family to celebrate Mom's birthday. I really enjoyed the bruch together - a little less crazy than Christmas.  Love my family.

Look at the cute Mountaineer! 

Thurs., January 2 - Pop and Macy.  I announced on Twitter my One Word for the year - Appreciation. As in, appreciate all things in life, even the difficult moments.  Embrace life instead of complaining about life, you get the drift.  I shared it on this blog here.

My friends headed to Miami for the Orange Bowl and to pull for Clemson! :) So glad the tigers pulled it out and WON THE GAME! (Of course, the game wasn't on this day, but whatever.)

Someone became very attached to her mommy over Christmas break

Holy cow, Sunshine! 

Fri., January 3 - Happy Birthday to my Mom! That morning Miss Macy wasn't feeling well - her teeth are driving her bonkers.  The sun on the drive in - wowzers.  That night, we celebrated with cake and gifts for Mom.  She's an amazing lady, I'm SO VERY BLESSED to have the parents that I do! We went out to a local restaurant, ran into family aquaintances, enjoyed each other's company - just a great time.

Handmade by Family = <3

Sat., January 4 - Clean up from Christmas.  I finally got my living room back in order!  Ok, so the tree is still up and naked, but the ornaments and such are packed away.  The pictured quilt top is from one of my grandmothers.  I thought it would be a great addition to my living room - love it! I love handmade family things.

I didn't get out of my jammies at all on Saturday, but did have time to continue the Downton marathon - finishing all three seasons (just in time for Sunday!).

Two peas in a pod

Oh My Gosh, DOWNTON IS BACK

Sun. January 5 - DOWNTON IS BACK! But first - nursery duty at church with the cutest, sweetest children. We would sing songs to them and they would go crazy clapping for us at the end of each one.  Katie said - this is what it feels like to be a rock star! :)  After lunch, I visited with mom's family member, aunts and uncles and cousins.  What a great time to hear their stories and enjoy great laughs.  Good times.

Then, it was DOWNTON TIME.  I brewed up hot chocolate (I'm trying to learn to like hot tea) and settled in for the 2-hour season premier. I must admit - I just wasn't blown away or impressed! I was very sad about it all... hope this week is so much better.

Peek-a-boo!

Mon., January 6 - The clouds started rolling in on my way to work.  We were bracing for some crazy cold weather ahead.  I left work early to get home and get the house braced for temperatures we just aren't used to seeing down here in the South.  (I'm so grateful I have a job that will let me leave on a moments notice for something goofy like this.)

Macy was too funny at Mom's house that night.  She would run into the tent and say, "Where is Macy?!" Then pop out and say, "Peek a boo!"  HAHA.  She's got such an imagination.

HOLY COW did the weather hit us!!! I was so worried about the pipes freezing or the heating unit exploding - but we came through just fine.  I thank God for the fact all of us on the hill had water this morning, heat all night, got to work safe... Thank you, Lord! :)

No clue what the wind chill made it - but I'm SOUTHERN. I hate cold!

Tues. January 7 - Well, Monday's bled into Tuesdays (like I said, we all had heat and power and water in the morning, the cars cranked, yay!) The frost on my car windows was so pretty but I couldn't get a really good picture of it.

I'll do better at taking notes on all the good things that happen each day. I have so much to be thankful for - warm shelter being a biggie in this cold.  I read a devotional this week about the power of prayer and it made me sit up and immediately pray for those who are struggling, hurting, sick, in need of comfort and love - so say a prayer for your friends and family, please.

:)  Well, I did the first week! Let's keep it going!