Farewell 2010: To everything, there is a season

As with each birthday eve, the eve of the New Year is often bittersweet for me. Bitter in that time seems to move so much faster with each passing year, and I wish I could somehow put on the brakes and slow it down a little bit to keep fresh all of the wonderful memories made. Sweet in the sense that I have so much to look forward to in the year ahead, walking the path God has paved for our family, together with the love of my life by my side.

2010 truly was a year of new beginnings for us. 

As newlyweds, we were just settling into our marriage and our new home in Norfolk, Virginia, not to mention becoming "mom and pop" to our new pup, Bear, and for me, taking on the role of being a Naval Officer's wife.

While many adjustments were made in our first year of marriage, I am quite happy to report to everyone that told us "The first year of your marriage is going to be the worst," you were wrong. :) 

A typical scene in our home does not involve me yelling at Chris to pick his clothes off of the floor or Chris storming out of the house because I'm "nagging him to death." Why? Because we're perfect, of course! ;-) Okay, not really. Rather, we have seen so much occur in relationships around us, and we want no part of it. It's all about love and respect -- and a whole lot of guidance through prayer from our heavenly Father.

Sure, we've had to learn humility and seek plenty of forgiveness from each other, but never once have we let the sun set on our anger - godly advice given to us by my aunt and uncle that has made all of the difference. 

As we prepare to enter 2011, and year two of our lives together, I cannot contain my excitement. While I can't share much yet, a lot of major changes are headed our way. For now though, I will leave you with a favorite song (adapted from the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible) that I find so appropriate for this time of year. 

Regardless of what kind of year you may have had, or the year you are looking ahead to, it's important to remember that they are but seasons of our life. And if our lives are ultimately in God's hand, each season we go through is for a reason -- and He will guide you through it victoriously if you just keep hanging on to Him.

Words-adapted from The Bible, book of Ecclesiastes

Music-Pete Seeger

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)

There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)

And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time to be born, a time to die

A time to plant, a time to reap

A time to kill, a time to heal

A time to laugh, a time to weep

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)

There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)

And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time to build up,a time to break down

A time to dance, a time to mourn

A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)

There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)

And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time of love, a time of hate

A time of war, a time of peace

A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)

There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)

And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time to gain, a time to lose

A time to rend, a time to sew

A time for love, a time for hate

A time for peace, I swear it's not too late

10..

9...

8...

7...

6...

5...

4...

3...

2...

1...

Happy New Year.

A Winter Wonderland

Christmas evening it began snowing in Norfolk, and when we awoke on the 26th, it was to a sparkling, winter wonderland! Who would have believed that here by the beach we'd receive more than our family in Central Virginia? A whopping 12 inches when all was said and done -- more snow than had been seen in this area for decades we later found out. How appropriate, as this is most likely our last winter here in Virginia.

After a warm and hearty oatmeal breakfast, we all bundled up -- Bear in his fleece sweater gifted from his puppy cousin Harlis -- and headed out for a snow day adventure! Below are some pictures and a video from our afternoon in the snow. We just died laughing at how much fun Bear was having, and how cute he was bouncing around like a little bunny through the snow drifts. How I love our little family. :) 

Our cozy, snow-covered winter abode.

Bear taking a photo with his new friend Mr. Snow Man. And then he peed on him -- as you can see. ;-)

*Somebody* was having a blast eating the snow.

Bounding like a Bear-rabbit. He was HILARIOUS to watch.

Performing circus jumps.

And...introducing Bear in his first short film: "Bear's Big Snow Day Adventure."

A Norfolk Christmas: Part II

Christmas Day
What a truly special time of wonderful memories this Christmas has been for our family. I know we will always cherish the year we spent together -- just the two of us -- in Norfolk. A time before kids; quiet, cozy, and perfect.

Our little family took full advantage of Christmas morning and slept-in, including our little "bear deer," who had to be coaxed from our warm bed to join the morning festivities. :)

Chris started our morning off with a family prayer, offering thankfulness to our Lord in celebration of His birth, giving glory to He who is glorified!

While I am only an occasional coffee drinker -- love it, but limit it -- the pot of french press coffee Chris brewed that morning was perfect. I always say a cup of coffee is like a sweater for the inside: warm and cozy. Think about it, it makes sense. ;-)

If you've never enjoyed your coffee this way, I highly suggest it. Our press was given to us as a wedding present, and we've gotten so much use out of it over the past year. They are so affordable, and add an extra special touch (not to mention fabulous flavor) when entertaining.

We've switched from regular sugar (or I guess I should say Chris, rather, as I never did take sugar in coffee) to using raw stevia. It adds the perfect amount of sweetness with only a half of a packet, and has a very mild taste. It's a great substitute if you're looking to rid your kitchen of sugar, but need a good alternative for coffee.

Coffee in hand, the "boys" got to work heating up some of our fresh, local sausage, while I began working on our egg nog french toast.

Two very happy and relaxed chefs. We are so blessed, and thank God each day for each other. Marriage just doesn't get much better than this -- and we've only just begun!

Christmas Brunch: egg not french toast (using challah bread) topped with a homemade, fresh berry sauce, raw almonds, coconut, and a touch of maple syrup. For our beverage we enjoyed a "sunrise" mimosa: fresh orange mixed with a Brut champagne, with a little splash of cranberry-pomegranate juice for color. The pretty stemware are the glasses we used during our first toast at our wedding.

Quite happily stuffed from brunch, we attempted a self-photo of our little pj-clad family.

After living in our pj's for most of the early afternoon, we dug up some real clothes and hit the theater to see the latest installment in the Narnia series, "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader."

 Growing up, my family never was one for getting up at the crack of dawn to rip open gifts, and apparently that tradition continues on into our family, too. We didn't touch gifts until nearly 5 p.m. that day!

With the desire to simplify and focus on each other's company instead this Christmas, Chris and I decided to forego giving each other presents. Instead, we enjoyed savoring all the sweet gifts and goodies sent by our dear families. (P.S. Had I realized there were wrapped gifts inside the box mailers, I would have opened them to create a prettier setting around our tree. Oh, well!)

Yes, I put pj's back on when we returned home from the theater. Don't judge. You're allowed to do that on Christmas.

Chris cheated. Yes, after finding the latest version of Fable on sale (the only XBOX game I really enjoy playing), Chris sneakily purchased it for me and hid it behind the tree. 

Truth is, I think he has just as much fun watching me play the game and bragging about his wife who plays, as I enjoy playing it. It's the little things, wives, that make your husband thoroughly wild about you. A little effort on your part to find interest in things he has interest in can mean a lot. And you might just be surprised at the fun you end up having in the process. :)

Thank you, thank you to all of our family for the very loving gifts given. Chris was quite happy to display them so I could grab a photo -- wearing his very schnazzy bow tie. ;-)

Can't wait to play this: a game from my parents on social etiquette, food, and entertaining! Right up my alley, I'd say!

After presents, it was time for us to don the aprons and get to some serious cooking on our Christmas dinner. Well, almost time. Chris had some pre-dinner prep to attend to first. ;-)

Nothing says a "happy wife is a happy life" like a hubby ready-to-go with a butcher knife. My mother-in-law gave me this apron last year -- love it. Kudos to my husband for being a good sport and playing "dress up" with me in the kitchen. Only a real man can do this. And believe me, mine is all man. ;-)

Trying my hand at cornish hens! P.S. Thanks to my sweet friend, Jessica, for my cute apron. Love every opportunity I get to use it in the kitchen.

And...dinner is served! Thrilled with the outcome -- a true five star Christmas meal. Half the fun was spending several hours in the kitchen together cooking and laughing, and the other half enjoying a beautiful candlelit meal together, savoring the fruits of our labor and lovely conversation.

Dinner: Cranberry-stuffed cornish hens drizzled with a maple and port glaze, gourmet green bean casserole topped with coconut oil-crusted shallots, maple and ginger glazed baby carrots, cauliflower and gruyere gratin, and cheddar and cayenne biscuits.

Beverage: Christmas at Biltmore Rose Wine (purchased this October during our anniversary trip)

A Norfolk Christmas: Part I

Throughout our time as newlyweds, Chris and I hadn't yet spent a holiday in our own home. With wonderful family (on both sides) located close enough for a weekend visit, we've naturally taken the trip (up or down, respectively) for every holiday and special event.

However, as it has been an especially busy last few months for us, we decided to enjoy a cozy, quite Christmas at home this year. We love all of our family dearly, and while we enjoy every moment we spend together, we appreciated so much knowing that everyone understood our need to just be with each other this year in our own home. Following is a little look into our McLean Christmas. :)

Christmas Eve, Eve
In lieu of being just the two of us (and Bear) for Christmas this year, we thought it would be fun to go all out and enjoy cooking a true gourmet Christmas dinner together. We wanted to try some new recipes, and together we got to work searching the inter-webs for just the right meal. As a true Martha Stewart fan (her cooking and crafting that is, not the insider-trading ;-) I quickly found all I was looking for under her special holiday recipe section at marthastewart.com.

McLean Christmas Menu

Brunch

Egg nog french toast

Spicy sausage (from the local farm where we also get our milk)

Beverage

Cranberry-orange mimosas

Dinner

Cranberry-stuffed cornish game hens

Glazed carrots and ginger

Green bean casserole 

Cauliflower gratin

Cheddar biscuits

Beverage

Christmas at Biltmore Rose Wine 

(we purchased this bottle when we toured the Biltmore winery and estate on our anniversary in October.) 

With our ingredients list in tow, we made our way to the grocery store to pick-up any last needed supplies.

Note the sign Chris is standing under. Quite appropriate. He's my sweet goods. ;-)

Upon getting home, I quickly whipped up some homemade chewy molasses spice cookies, to take with us later in the car as we drove around looking at Christmas lights. These cookies turned out AMAZING, by the way. Best spice cookie recipe I've ever used. 

Dinner? A Digiorno pizza. Yep, not so gourmet, admittedly, but we jazzed it up and given the "McLean touch" with some extra special toppings, spices, and a drizzle of olive oil for the crust.

Our dear friend, Megan, was joining us on our adventure for lights that evening, so I packed up our freshly-baked cookies and a thermos of Chris's special french press coffee for some treats on-the-go.

Growing up, my mother never let us go out looking at Christmas lights without some home-baked goodies for the car-ride, and the tradition continues in our house, too. :)

P.S. My mom's pretty awesome. She's one of those amazing women who always made every occasion that much more memorable with all of her special touches. If you appreciate my love for cooking, home-making, and decorating, you have my beautiful mother to thank.

Our little bear didn't want to be left out, so he was tucked in quite cozily in the backseat to enjoy our Christmas light adventure.

We drove around most of the city it seems in our search for great lights, and ended up at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront for their yearly Christmas Light Extravaganza on the beach. They block off the entire boardwalk area for cars, and deck several miles with lights. After an hour of waiting in line to get to the beginning (most of our city was there with us!) we finally began...

For those of you in the area who considered taking part in this, it's a bit pricey at $10 a car, however, there was something special about enjoying lights with the sound of the ocean in the background.

Christmas Eve
With all of our preparation for Christmas finished the night before (yay), and no additional errands to run, Chris and I started our day off with a yummy protein shake before heading off to the gym for some Body Pump (me) free weights (Chris) and a Body Combat class (together).

Little Bear is best friends with our mailman, and as a little thank you for all the doggie treats he brings Bear throughout the week, I wanted to give him some Christmas goodies: A bag of the molasses spice cookies I'd made the night before.

We have a cozy, independent theater (built in 1930) located right down our street, and we were delighted to find out that they were showing "It's a Wonderful Life" during the week of Christmas. We decided to make the afternoon showing our Christmas Eve outing.

I never cease to be touched by this movie, and yet again walked out with tears in my eyes. It was special to enjoy it in all of it's original  glory on the silver screen -- seated in the balcony (our favorite spot!) This was also Chris's first time seeing the film all the way through. Shocking, I know! Especially considering that I've probably seen it 20 times.

We were invited to a friend's home for a Christmas Eve dinner party, but as my back started acting up some (I deal with chronic back pain -- usually manageable, but it can flare up at various points) I ended up opting for pj's and the couch. Our friends insisted we enjoy some of their party food to-go, so Chris trekked out to bring me back some incredible chili, homemade salsa, and delectable desserts. What a blessing and so incredibly delicious!

After learning that I'd never seen "A Christmas Story" (it's true, I think I'd only seen bits and pieces here and there over the years) Chris insisted we watch it that evening, and luckily found that good old TBS was running a 24-hour marathon. Favorite part: "Fra-gil-e. Ah, it must be from Italy." ;-)



So, how did our Christmas meal turn out? Stay tuned...Part II coming soon. ;-)