I have spent countless summers at the lake. Last weekend I was sitting on the dock thinking about all of the past years (and taking this picture...which I am in love with). It almost feels like I grew up there. When I was little it was the place that my cousins and I would go on adventures and search for sea shells. In high school it was the place my friends and I would go on late summer nights to hang out and listen to music. In college it was the place where Dane asked me to marry him. Now it is a place I go to spend quality time with my family and relax in the sun. There are several reasons that I love it so there so much.

• It is a good place to get close to nature. 

• It is the perfect place to read my Bible and pray. 

• AND...It is the place of some of my fondest memories. (The proposal is my favorite!)

I am excited to see what future summers at the lake will hold! Until then, I will just sit back, relax, and enjoy this marvelous place with my wonderful family. 

Sometimes you have to follow your heart...even if you don't know where it is leading you.

I love visiting this dead end road. I really miss living in the country, and I would have to say that it has been the biggest adjustment I have had to make. Lately, I have been longing for a little house in the quiet country (with Dane of course!) Someday this dream will come true, and it will be wonderful!

This rainy but beautiful month has not been a very productive one! You may remember all the things that I planned to accomplish this month...well, I didn't! Bummer! (I did get a couple things done, but not all of them.) However, I did manage to add things to the list. Go figure! Is it any surprise that I add projects faster than I subtract them? (Tell me I am not the only one who does that!) Here is a roundup of what I did/didn't do:

•Finish the office/guest room: There are still 3.5 days left...I have hope that I may make a dent in this project! 

•Add homey touches: I still haven't done this...but I did find a ladder! (Actually, my wonderful father-in-law found two ladders! I can't wait to show you what I have planned for them!)

•$1 Bowl Makeover: All of my DIY projects were put on hold when I opened The Hunger Games! (Except for the magnets that I made...you can read more about that here.)

I hope that your month was more productive than mine. I promise that I will post all about my Pinterest Challange project when I get it finished! (Which will be soon!)

Christmas wouldn't be as sweet if there were no Christmas cookies!

Every year my husband's family gets together to make yummy Christmas cookies at his Grammy's house. Unfortunately, we were missing a few faces (Lacy, Dustin, and Coletta) this year, but there will not be a shortage of the sugary snack when the holiday gets here.

The boys were especially excited to get started with the cookie making. (Hank, our sweet nephew, was in love with that Christmas tree cookie cutter.)





It is always fun to watch Hank cut out the cookies. He never lacks effort or enthusiasm...



...and he is never disappointed with how they turn out.



 "Shake, shake, shake" (A necessary step to ensure that the cookie is perfect!)







We eventually collected a large variety of tasty cookies...even if Dane managed to sneak a few bites of raw dough.





No cookie is complete without icing...and sprinkles when Hank is involved. (Trust me, EVERY cookie got at least one sprinkle.

YUM! Don't those look delicious?



I hope everyone is enjoying these days before Christmas. Have you made cookies yet, or do you have an different holiday tradition?

{b}

I have been up to my eyebrows in wedding planning, but I am enjoying every minute of it. I have carefully selected professionals to make this day spectacular for Dane and I (and our guests!!!) I have learned that it is difficult to start the whole wedding planning process. It seems that there is always one exceptionally big decision to make. For some it is the venue or the dress (or in my case the photographer!) I looked at countless photographers to find the very best one and stick to my budget! I didn't want just any old photographer. I wanted a photographer with a unique, artsy style that would show in my photos! Well, I finally found one, and she is AMAZING!!! I am so excited that Elise Photography is going be taking pictures of my special day! Her style is exactly what I was looking for.

Back in October Dane and I had her take some engagement shots, and she did a wonderful job.






(c) Elise Photography



(c) Elise Photography



(c) Elise Photography

I think I got a few a lot of bug bites from this particular shot, but it was well worth it! This is one of my favorite pictures. My plan is to blow it up and hang it somewhere in the living room.

 Elishia did a fabulous job for our engagement pictures and I cannot wait to see what she does for our wedding! I am counting down the days (52 left)! {b}