2012: A Year in Review

2012 was a great year. I saw many friends get married, engaged and have babies! Nick and I went on some amazing vacations, moved into our new apartment in a new town and we enjoyed lots of quality time with loved ones. All in all it was a great year, and I can't wait to see what 2013 has in store for us!

January: 

Skiing in VT

February:
2nd Annual Mother/Daughter Cruise

March:

Exploring our New Town

April: 

Celebrating Birthdays

May: 

Celebrating family get togethers and weddings

June: 

More family weddings!

July: 

Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod

August:

Cousin's bridal shower and friends weddings

September: 

Apple picking and fall beers

October: 

Matron of Honor duties, fall in Lexington & trick or treating

November: 

Thanksgiving in VT and Cousin's Wedding

December: 

Christmastime!

Cheers to a happy, healthy 2013 for you all!!

I'll be home for Christmas...

Christmas has been spent home in CT this year, with both my parents and my in-laws! It's been a really low-key holiday, which is just what the doctor ordered. It even started snowing on Christmas Eve, while we were sipping our hot cocoa and watching 'It's a Wonderful Life'-it can't get much better than that!  And after a rough couple of weeks, we've all been remembering what this holiday is all about-the blessings in life that money can't buy.

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!!

Heavy Hearts

Sandy Hook Memorial

A week ago today, the world changed. It got a little dimmer. Being a teacher became a little more frightening. Since hearing of the horrific tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, I have been walking around with a heavy heart, and I know all of you have as well.

I don't know if it's that I grew up in CT, in a quiet, sleepy town, just like Newtown, or that I am now a teacher and cannot fathom the horror that they all experienced, but I just cannot get over it. I am carrying around a sadness that I just can't seem to escape. I have been glued to the TV, constantly watching every news story that comes up, and every time I hear a parent speaking out about their beautiful angel that they lost too soon,  I cry. I sob uncontrollably. I just can't stop the overwhelming feeling of grief and sorrow I feel for the 26 victims. For the staff members of the school. For the first responders. For the town. For our country. It's just all so heartbreaking.

Going into school this week has been really hard. I couldn't wait to get into my classroom Monday morning and hug every single one of my students and let them know how much I love being their teacher.

I will celebrate this Christmas by hugging each one of my family members a little closer, remembering what is truly important in life. 

Rest in Peace, beautiful angels of Newtown, CT. 

“It's so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone.” 

- John Steinbeck

Victims of Newtown, CT

Wordless Wednesday

Here's a peek at what we've been up to this past week:

 Christmas Cards are hung! 

 Going out for Girls' Night!

Bundling up

 My wrapping theme this year-plaid & gold

 A beautiful wine cork ornament from Aunt Stacey in FL!

Gertie's holiday haircut :)

been an awful good girl...

This year, I would be really happy should I find these items under the tree....

necklace, slippers, watch, tripod, exfoliator, tea kettle, toms

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...at the G house!!

I love decorating the house this time of year. Going to storage and sifting through years' worth of ornaments, wreaths, pillows, etc. makes me all happy inside as I reminisce on years' past. The house always seems warmer and cozier to me this time of year. There's nothing like coming home after a long day, it's dark outside and only 4pm, and seeing the Christmas Tree all lit up. 

To me, it really is the most wonderful time of the year!

Happy decorating!!