Happy New Year’s Eve! I have been a bit MIA this past week, as I’m sure most of you can relate to. Christmas-time is my absolute favorite time of the year. We spend the holidays at my mom’s beautiful beach house pictured below. On Christmas Eve my sisters and their families gather together at my mom’s for a gourmet meal, retelling of the Christmas story, and opening of gifts. I don’t share a lot of my personal life on the blog because I don’t want to bore you—I save that for instagram and facebook! But today I thought I’d give you a glimpse into my beloved extended family.
Pictured below are my beautiful sisters. Christianne is 5 1/2 years younger than I am and Kim is 3 1/2 years older than I am. I am the middle of three girls. My sisters are my best friends and I adore these women more than I can say!
Christmas Eve is sort of like our “New Year’s”. We enjoy cocktails and wine, dress up in something sparkly, and celebrate God’s grace.
Family picture taking is always a huge part of our festivities much to our children’s chagrin. They have to endure commands to “smile” and “look at the camera” several times a year, so you’d think they’d be used to it by now!
They did pretty well this year :).
Here is my mom’s dining room. She is a fantastic cook and dining with her is always a treat! My dad passed away from skin cancer almost 3 years ago and is deeply missed. It’s hard to celebrate Christmas without him sitting at the head of the table.
I made those cute polar bear cake pops for the kids. I used my Babycakes pan and used gluten free brownie mix so that my boys could enjoy them. I followed a modified version of Celebrate Creativity’s tutorial to make them. Everyone loved them!
We gave my mom 8 grandchildren between us three girls. They all love each other and get along so well. We are truly blessed for that! Every year we reenact the Christmas story and sing Christmas carols together. It’s a fun and meaningful tradition that helps focus everyone’s attention on what we believe is the true purpose of Christmas—celebrating the gift of Jesus and salvation.
Our festivities don’t stop on Christmas Eve though. They continue all week long! We had a fantastic meal on Christmas Day over at Kim’s house and then enjoyed seeing Les Mis together the following day.
In the picture above is my sister Kim and my mommy. Yesterday we celebrated Kim’s youngest 6th birthday together–which consequently would have been my dad’s 66th birthday if he were still here with us. And tonight we’re getting together for wine, chicken chile, and board games. I adore my family and am so grateful to have this time at “home” to enjoy them!
Thanks for letting me share my life, my projects, and my passions with all of you. I wish all of us an incredibly blessed New Year! Happy 2013!!!
Related Posts
Just now getting to look at these lovely pictures. You look beautiful and the dress…amazing on you. Such a beautiful family you’ve been blessed with. Your Mom is so pretty, and did a beautiful job on everything.,.including you girls! I know you all miss your Dad, you are honoring him by keeping your family traditions.
Have a blessed 2013!
Thanks you so much Olivia ;).
Oh my goodness Beth – you looked absolutely STUNNING! And what a beautiful family. Thanks for sharing your Christmas with us. I enjoyed it!
Warmly, Michelle
You have such a lovely family! One question though, does your family also spend time with your husband’s side of the family? I know this is a common dilemma among many families, but I just cant seem to figure it out. My husband and I both want to spend time with our parents.
Hi Brenda! Yes, we spend some time with Matt’s family as well. We had a lovely Christmas Eve brunch with his parents, brother and their kiddos. It’s a challenging balance for sure. Christmas is a “big deal” on my side of the family and is more low-key on his. I would be incredibly sad to miss out on the festivities with my fam so we do our best to make the rounds.
Beautiful home & beautiful traditions! I’m so sorry about the loss of your Dad. I know that the Holidays especially make it hard. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Nancy
What beautiful memories you all had made….so wonderful that you were all together to celebrate the Christmas season….I am truly sorry about your dad…I know how difficult it is especially around the holidays…
Happy New Year!
Beth… you have a beautiful family with wonderful traditions, sorry your dad is no longer with you to enjoy the festivities with you all! Happy New Year….enjoy your fun day!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful family traditions! Carrying on after losing a parent is hard…being together is a key to healing. I lost my dad when I was 36 which was 17 years ago. Still missing him, but at this time of year, so thankful that he is truly “home for Christmas.”. Blessings to you in 2013!
Love, love your pictures and traditions! I enjoy your posts that share your own family traditions it gives us a peek into your own authenticity. I too, share the absence of a father at the head of the table. Two years ago we lost my dad suddenly and these holiday times keep the memories pretty strong. Thanks for all your posts and tips. Have a beautiful rest of the holiday and Happy New Year!
Beautiful family and your mother’s house is spectacular. What a great spot to make such wonderful memories. Happy New Year!
It lifts me up to see into someone else’s special celebrations. Thank you for sharing, Beth.
I really enjoy these types of blog posts! All your photos were so fresh and beautiful. It looks like such a special time for all! Your holiday reminds me of ours…we spend 3 days at my parent’s home too. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year friend! =)
Beth, what a beautiful family! Your mom’s house is just gorgeous there on the beach :). I just love seeing you with two sisters as I’m the mom of three little girls. I hope they grow up and be close like your family!
Happy New Year!
I love hearing about your family. Happy and Blessed New Year!
Thanks Kathy! Happy New Year girl!
So fun to see you and your sisters!!
And those polar bear cake pops! So cute! I almost forgot that your fun treats for your kids used to be some of the things I loved to feature the most!!
Ha! Yes, and I loved being featured! Hmmmm, I need to start posting more of those treats again in 2013 and maybe I’ll land another feature :).
You have an absolutely beautiful family, Beth! Funny, I am also the middle of 3 girls, and they are also my best friends! Enjoy the rest of your family vacation. Sweet wishes for 2013! ~Kerri
Sisters are the best! Cheers to being the middle child :)!
what lovely traditions! I absolutely adore the children reenacting the Christmas story!!
Happy holidays, my friend!
Thanks Leen :)!
Happy New Year Beth. Thanks for sharing someofmthe personal side of you!
You bet :). Thanks for being such a good blog friend Laura!
I meant all the *best not {post} in above comment! Typing too fast! lol!
Beautiful family with wonderful memories to last a lifetime. Thanks for sharing a small portion of your life Beth.
Happy New Year!!
Thanks for visiting me Meegan! Happy New Year to you!
That was so sweet!! I love that your family Loves the Lord…and you are passing on such a beautiful Legacy!! The beach house and Christmas…look amazing!!
Blessings
Thank you so much Sandy! It’s such an amazing blessing to come from a strong Christian heritage. I definitely don’t take it for granted.
Lovely pictures Beth ! YOu are so gorgeous and have a beautiful family! Your white dress is stunning on you! Wishing you a wonderful New Year’ Eve and all the post for 2013! Cheers to another year of blogging! Your blog is one of my absolute favourites and I come here every day to be inspired and to learn! Angie xo
Aw, thanks girl :). Your comment has me grinning from ear to ear! Happy New Year to you!
What a beautiful family, can’t believe it’s been 3 years for your Dad, I love to see family pics !!
Happy New Year to you and your sweet family.
God bless,
Kathy 🙂
I can’t either Kathy! The pain of missing him is still very real so it definitely doesn’t feel like that much time has passed.
Beautiful family! Thanks for sharing them with us:)
Happy New Year!! Cant’t wait to see what 2013 will bring for you!
Thank you sweet Nicole! Happy New Year to you!