Simply beautiful Janie... and you look stunning in that last photo with your hubby at your side... so happy he is doing so well... you had an eventful year!... full of lots of fun times with family and friends and lots of good food and shopping!... always love your posts... I did a year in review post too, but I did not have nearly the things to recap as you did... mine were mostly from my garden... but like you, I am looking forward to a beautiful year ahead... I love your word "Joy" for the new year... mine is "Believe"... much love to you, xoxo Julie Marie
Hello Jane....loved your monthly reminders, so much fun....but Christmas went to fast, I like the Christmas spirit to last a little longer.......the tree is so pretty by that warm fire, I could sit there all day and stare into the fire, cozy........It is a joy to have meet you, so enjoy your posts and visits.......Hope Hubby is doing fine......Warm Blessings Francine.
Jane, I do believe "joy" is the word of the year! I chose that as my word, too! Today's post is all about it. You had a full year of lots of good things and the little stumbles that go along with living life fully! So glad your hubby is doing much better. xo
Sounds like a perfect holiday. So glad that things went well. Love your living room. The last picture of you and your hubby is wonderful. My word for the year is enJOY.......spelled that way......good minds think alike.
Hi Jane, Thanks for sharing your lovely memories with us. You have such a loving and close family and I always enjoy hearing about celebrations and family gatherings. I love your pretty shower curtain and that rug is so cute. I'm also glad to hear that the husband is doing well. I'm also looking forward to a wonderful new year with some big changes ahead. Thanks for always encouraging me and leaving such kind comments.
It is interesting how many people find a "word" to inspire them throughout the year. I like hearing the ones everyone comes up with. you had a busy..productive year.
Jane, what a wonderful review of your year. I'm so glad to have been a part of it, hope Hubby is doing well, I'm sure you're still enjoying the fab boots! Your home is always so warm and inviting. You two are just the cutest couple...Looking forward to this years events in your life. hugs ~lynne~
I enjoyed catching up with you and peeking in at all you've been up to the past few months. I didn't realize you were in Michigan. I grew up in Lansing and we have family cottages in Gaylord, East Tawas and Lake City. I miss going up north for the great seasonal activities. Thanks for tip on pumpkins ... we offered a lovely variety this year and they enjoyed each and every nibble! Ugh.
Jane, it was fun to read your review. You had a full year. Love the boots, and "joy" is one of my favorite words. ;-) Thanks for sharing a friendship across the miles though our blogs. Looking forward to 2103.....Sarah
Jane, how fun for me to pop by and see not one, but two great posts about all of your adventures this past year. You all have experienced so much over the course of a year, and weathered every storm and joyous occasion beautifully! I hope that 2013 is a year of calm and health for you and your entire family!
I enjoyed reading the second part of your year in review! Your son, Kevin sounds like such a sweetheart. And I love that last picture of you and Al. May you be blessed with plenty of joy for 2013!
Love your recap and your word ~ Joy! With the wedding on the horizon you will have lots of joy this year. I have chosen blessed ~ I need to remind myself how lucky I am so this word works for me. Cheers to 2013. xo
Jane- so glad your honey is doing well and was able to enjoy the holidays! You year in review is great. I hope to do that next year when I have a full year of blogging under my belt
What a great post, Jane, and a great word to live by! I am loving your comfy looking white chair! And your bathroom spruce up, too. Wow, you really got alot of bang for just 50 bucks:)
Just read both of your year in review posts and I found myself saying, "Oh I remember that" or "When did I miss that?" Such a fun way to wrap up the year with a blog. 2012 sounds wonderful and I bet 2013 will be even more delightful! I'm looking forward to seeing what you are up to in 2013!
Oh what a sweet walk thru time! I SO enjoyed seeing and hearing all about your time at the lakehouse and back at home! Have a blessed NEW day dear friend, BIG HUGS!
What a wonderful post, Jane! I enjoyed reading about what you've been up to lately. Your homes are so nice and cozy looking! Christmas was nice here too. We had a whimsical tree and lots of family and friends to celebrate with. I am just now taking a little blog break. My family has been growing in leaps and bounds, and it's time to reassess what I'm doing and where I'm at in this crazy but wonderful life! Blessings to you this 2013!!
I just read part 1 and 2 Jane, what a great couple of posts! So glad to have been part of your year dear friend. You have had a lot to deal with this year plus a lot of joy, and you have handled it with grace and class. Hugs dearie, Cindy
I loved this post! What a great recap!I did not know that you could bring summer blooms and have them all winter... you must have the perfect light! Happy New Year!
What a great post Jane! So fun seeing a little bit of everything and seeing the highlights of the year. Happy 2013, looking forward to another year of Blondie's Journal:>)
I've enjoyed your highlights of 2012 posts. You had a great year, and I wish you Joy, Peace, and Health for 2013. (I really like your choice of word for 2013)....
Happy New Year Jane. So glad Al is doing well. Love that last picture of you two. Hope this is a great year for you and look forward to seeing you in NC.
Jane, your tree was beautiful. I just took down my garland on the porch and wreaths on the windows yesterday and I miss them. The way you talk about your lakehouse sounds just how I feel about the porch. I can hear the sadness in your voice. Spring/Summer will be back soon! We'll just read the winter away and plan for those warm days that I know will soon return. I LOVE your new boots! Those are sharp! :) Happy New Year to you, dear friend! XO
Janie, I enjoyed catching up with your year in review! How fun to have the word "joy" as your incentive and goal. I hope your days are filled with it! Happy New Year, my friend! xo Sue
Posts like this are the reason I long to move back home. Your "year in review" was such a joy to read, Jane. You have a lovely family, and beautiful home that you take such care to make it such a welcoming place to all who enter. You are one special lady. Happy joyous 2013, sweet friend. xxoo
O, Blondie, you have such a good heart and sweet spirit...and, yes, us moms FOREVER take good care of our kids...no matter how old they are. And, the great part is that THEY take good care of US, too.
We have all our decorations down and packed for moving...hoping the mover show up next week. Then we'll work oon getting our house up to par to put on the market. O, we still have to take our icicle lights off the house...maybe tomorrow. :)) They look so pretty at night, we just hate to take them down.
It is sometimes surprising when we look back over the year to see how much we have done when at times we feel like we haven't accomplished much. I love that our blogs can be a storyline of our lives that we (and our families) will be able to look back at many years from now.
Truly lovely post, Jane. It was so nice hearing your heartfelt love of your family in your writing. You are a dear, sweet lady and your family reflects that. I'm so glad that it was a good year, even with "blips," and I hope "2013" is even better!
I'm finally home, company is gone and I'm trying to get back to some kind of routine. I'm actually ready to be a little bored (but just for a little while)! I need to read backwards to catch up with all your doings, but the parts of this post about your Christmas just made me feel joy. The warm and cozy came through in your words...I hope your husband is doing okay and that you have a Happy New Year!
What a grand post full of fun and possibility! That tip about furniture polish on pumpkins so the squirrels won't eat them is brilliant. You should pin that on interest! Your new boots are the bomb - I've been on a quest for some just like that for a year. I just don't want to pay $300! Thanks for telling your secret about looking at your post from Christmas last year to see how you decorated. I don't feel so bad now, as I did the same!
Enjoyed your recap Jane!! Wishing you and your family a very happy 2013! Glad the hubby is doing well :) ps Love the boots!!
January 10, 2013 at 2:41 PM
[Image]I left off my last post with a mini bathroom redo at the lakehouse, so I thought I'd start off Part 2 with a little redo of our house here in the city. With a neutral background I can change things out fast and easy. I fell in love with a shower curtain at Target and added a new rug, towels and accessories. A whole new look for under $50.00!
[Image]We sadly ended what was many regular trips to the lakehouse as fall approached. We continued to go up sporadically, Michigan is gorgeous in the fall. But the hot summer days that seemed to stretch out forever in front of us were pretty much over.
[Image]I said goodbye to the little Summerhouse that I spent so much time reading in and the screens were covered until next year.
[Image]We brought home several large plants with us to take care of over the winter. Even though they take up a lot of room, it's such a delight when I get a blossom even if it's 25 degrees out!
[Image]Fall arrived very slowly, at least the turning of the leaves part. It didn't surprise me as the weather in the upper Midwest has been really wonky for over a year.
[Image]This was the first year I gave up on having pumpkins as the squirrels just have a feast with them. A blogger (can't remember who) advised me to cover them with some furniture polish...I am going to try that next year. Our little old porch just didn't look as festive!
[Image]I decorated the mantel in a simple way...
[Image]...and made some fall inspired cupcakes.
[Image]I found some cute dishes at Target that gave my table a festive fall feeling.
[Image]Thanksgiving came and went so fast, but we truly had a wonderful day with family and friends. And the perfect time to count all of my blessings!
[Image]The Husband and I took our annual anniversary trip up to Cedarburg, Wisconsin. We loved the cute little town and seriously cannot wait to go back, hopefully this summer. When I chose this town for our trip; did the research, found the inn, booked the room, The Husband constantly teased me that I was taking him on a wild goose chase that would turn out all wrong. He was eating his words! He claims he has never had a better 3 day trip!
[Image]The shops were dressed for the holidays and so cute! I did a little Christmas shopping and we had many memorable meals. Loved it!
[Image]December came upon us quickly and I got into the baking groove. Lots of cakes, cookies and cupcakes!
[Image]I swapped out some of the lighter quilts in our bedroom for more colorful curtains, throws and pillows. It feels so much cozier.
[Image]I mentioned in a post that this was my favorite reading chair in the family room. I didn't get much of a chance to do that with the hustle and bustle of the holidays but I really do plan on it now!
[Image]A little spiffing up of my winter wardrobe netted me some great compliments on these boots...
[Image]...and I treated myself to a classy pair of flats.
[Image]And while we are on the subject of shoes, I pulled these out and dusted them off when The Husband and I joined a gym at the nearby university. Although it can be a love/hate activity, I feel good about myself and what my body can now do. My New Year's goal is to keep it up!
[Image]So...Christmas came fast and I was cooking and baking like a crazy woman. This was a very unusual year for us as The Husband had surgery and was recovering over the holidays. But we carried on with the same traditions with hardly a blip and if it were possible that my little family could grow any closer or loving, it did. And I thank all of you ladies for your prayers.
[Image]Shhhh...I have a secret! My brain had become so addled that I had to peek back at last year's Christmas post to get ideas for how to arrange my decorations! And I did it all myself as Emily was in Aruba and Abby had finals. This was also the year that Abby did all of the gift wrapping and Emily helped The Husband shop for gifts for moi! I received scarves and perfume and all things girly and I gave him a sweater and the new Thomas Jefferson book that he has rarely put down. I gave Jeff a big plush sweatshirt from Orvis, as well as a scarf, Emily received a pair of ridiculously expensive pair of shoes from her brother Jeff, and Abby a designer watch. But it was with a tear in my eye when Kevin opened his gifts. He had stopped by weeks ago when it had just gotten cold and I asked him where his winter coat was...all he had on was a fleece. Well, he didn't own one! Kevin is very sweet and unassuming and always places others before him. So, for Christmas I surprised him with a beautiful wool coat, scarf and leather gloves. He was speechless, but he knows this is what a mother does...forever it seems!
[Image]So...Christmas came together and was over in a blink of an eye. We celebrated with family over a 3 day period and then savored some quiet days reflecting on the best year ever, even with it's ups and downs.
[Image]Now it's the second day of the new year. My living room still looks much like this but I think it's time for Mr. Douglas Firbanks, Jr. to head down to the curb and the old chipper. Emily has been shopping for Christmas decor on clearance to have for her new home (wherever that may be) next year when she is married. The sweet thing picked up several things for me, too. And I did a little online shopping at Kohls and West Elm for things to set aside for next Christmas. And, don't get me started on white sales!!
[Image]Thanks so much for following along on this year long journey. The "Word" I chose for 2013 is Joy. Joy in my heart and giving it to others. Finding it in the most simple places and sharing it with those I love. I have them to thank for the memories.
XO,
Jane
posted by Blondie's Journal at 3:21 PM on Jan 2, 2013
"HIGHLIGHTS OF 2012 PART 2"
57 Comments -
Simply beautiful Janie... and you look stunning in that last photo with your hubby at your side... so happy he is doing so well... you had an eventful year!... full of lots of fun times with family and friends and lots of good food and shopping!... always love your posts... I did a year in review post too, but I did not have nearly the things to recap as you did... mine were mostly from my garden... but like you, I am looking forward to a beautiful year ahead... I love your word "Joy" for the new year... mine is "Believe"... much love to you, xoxo Julie Marie
January 2, 2013 at 3:29 PM
So sweet to buy your son a warm wool coat. That is what a mama does. CC and I just took our tree down. It took hours but I am glad its done. xo, olive
January 2, 2013 at 3:37 PM
Hi Jane, sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas with family. I am glad that your husband is doing well. Hope you have a lovely week.
January 2, 2013 at 4:20 PM
Hello Jane....loved your monthly reminders, so much fun....but Christmas went to fast, I like the Christmas spirit to last a little longer.......the tree is so pretty by that warm fire, I could sit there all day and stare into the fire, cozy........It is a joy to have meet you, so enjoy your posts and visits.......Hope Hubby is doing fine......Warm Blessings Francine.
January 2, 2013 at 4:29 PM
Jane, I do believe "joy" is the word of the year! I chose that as my word, too! Today's post is all about it. You had a full year of lots of good things and the little stumbles that go along with living life fully! So glad your hubby is doing much better. xo
January 2, 2013 at 4:35 PM
Sounds like a perfect holiday. So glad that things went well. Love your living room. The last picture of you and your hubby is wonderful. My word for the year is enJOY.......spelled that way......good minds think alike.
January 2, 2013 at 4:37 PM
Hi Jane,
Thanks for sharing your lovely memories with us. You have such a loving and close family and I always enjoy hearing about celebrations and family gatherings.
I love your pretty shower curtain and that rug is so cute.
I'm also glad to hear that the husband is doing well.
I'm also looking forward to a wonderful new year with some big changes ahead. Thanks for always encouraging me and leaving such kind comments.
Oh, btw, I love those boots and darling flats.
hugs
Sissie
January 2, 2013 at 4:43 PM
This is a very sweet post Jane! I love your chosen word, I hope you have a very joy filled 2013 too:@)
January 2, 2013 at 4:44 PM
It is interesting how many people find a "word" to inspire them throughout the year.
I like hearing the ones everyone comes up with.
you had a busy..productive year.
January 2, 2013 at 5:09 PM
JOY back at ya Jane.
I am wishing you and your family a wonderful, healthy and happy 2013~!
January 2, 2013 at 5:29 PM
I loved reading your year review--both part one and two! You have a beautiful charmed life!
January 2, 2013 at 5:31 PM
oh my gosh I loved this year in review part two, you really make us feel like we are right there with you
January 2, 2013 at 5:37 PM
Love your new boots! Glad you had a nice Christmas with family. I for one and ready for the quieter days of January.
January 2, 2013 at 6:10 PM
Jane, what a wonderful review of your year. I'm so glad to have been a part of it, hope Hubby is doing well, I'm sure you're still enjoying the fab boots! Your home is always so warm and inviting. You two are just the cutest couple...Looking forward to this years events in your life. hugs ~lynne~
January 2, 2013 at 6:11 PM
Jane, that was such a lovely post. I hope your year is FILLED with Joy, you deserve it! Xo
January 2, 2013 at 6:23 PM
I love the way your writing always makes me feel like we are sitting together and just chatting. So cozy. Where did 2012 go? I blinked :)
January 2, 2013 at 6:29 PM
Happy New Year!!! Love the Boots!!!
January 2, 2013 at 6:36 PM
I enjoyed catching up with you and peeking in at all you've been up to the past few months. I didn't realize you were in Michigan. I grew up in Lansing and we have family cottages in Gaylord, East Tawas and Lake City. I miss going up north for the great seasonal activities. Thanks for tip on pumpkins ... we offered a lovely variety this year and they enjoyed each and every nibble! Ugh.
Wishing you much JOY in 2013! :)
Jo
January 2, 2013 at 7:03 PM
Jane, it was fun to read your review. You had a full year. Love the boots, and "joy" is one of my favorite words. ;-)
Thanks for sharing a friendship across the miles though our blogs. Looking forward to 2103.....Sarah
January 2, 2013 at 7:06 PM
Jane, how fun for me to pop by and see not one, but two great posts about all of your adventures this past year. You all have experienced so much over the course of a year, and weathered every storm and joyous occasion beautifully! I hope that 2013 is a year of calm and health for you and your entire family!
Happy New Year!
xo Kat
January 2, 2013 at 7:07 PM
I enjoyed reading the second part of your year in review! Your son, Kevin sounds like such a sweetheart. And I love that last picture of you and Al. May you be blessed with plenty of joy for 2013!
January 2, 2013 at 7:07 PM
Great to join in on your memories of 2012!
Mary Alice
January 2, 2013 at 7:30 PM
Love your recap and your word ~ Joy! With the wedding on the horizon you will have lots of joy this year. I have chosen blessed ~ I need to remind myself how lucky I am so this word works for me. Cheers to 2013. xo
January 2, 2013 at 7:34 PM
Wonderful highlights! You've been so busy!! Thanks for sharing your Christmas activities with us. Sounds lovely.
January 2, 2013 at 7:59 PM
Jane- so glad your honey is doing well and was able to enjoy the holidays! You year in review is great. I hope to do that next year when I have a full year of blogging under my belt
Judy
January 2, 2013 at 8:05 PM
What a great post, Jane, and a great word to live by! I am loving your comfy looking white chair! And your bathroom spruce up, too. Wow, you really got alot of bang for just 50 bucks:)
January 2, 2013 at 10:02 PM
i love your blog, i find it very interesting and very helpful too. you really have shared a lot of ideas
bathroom accessories
January 2, 2013 at 10:06 PM
Just read both of your year in review posts and I found myself saying, "Oh I remember that" or "When did I miss that?" Such a fun way to wrap up the year with a blog. 2012 sounds wonderful and I bet 2013 will be even more delightful! I'm looking forward to seeing what you are up to in 2013!
HaBee New Year!
January 2, 2013 at 10:33 PM
We chose the same word! I loved looking back through last year with you. Wishing you a joy filled new year Jane.
Hugs,
Penny
January 3, 2013 at 8:27 AM
Oh what a sweet walk thru time! I SO enjoyed seeing and hearing all about your time at the lakehouse and back at home! Have a blessed NEW day dear friend, BIG HUGS!
January 3, 2013 at 8:29 AM
Hi Jane,
I loved following you through 2012 in pictures. What a heartfelt post.My wish for you is... "All good things in 2013."
Hugs, Balisha
January 3, 2013 at 9:13 AM
What a wonderful post, Jane! I enjoyed reading about what you've been up to lately. Your homes are so nice and cozy looking! Christmas was nice here too. We had a whimsical tree and lots of family and friends to celebrate with. I am just now taking a little blog break. My family has been growing in leaps and bounds, and it's time to reassess what I'm doing and where I'm at in this crazy but wonderful life! Blessings to you this 2013!!
January 3, 2013 at 12:42 PM
I just read part 1 and 2 Jane, what a great couple of posts!
So glad to have been part of your year dear friend.
You have had a lot to deal with this year plus a lot of joy, and you have handled it with grace and class.
Hugs dearie,
Cindy
January 3, 2013 at 5:04 PM
I loved this post! What a great recap!I did not know that you could bring summer blooms and have them all winter... you must have the perfect light!
Happy New Year!
January 3, 2013 at 6:42 PM
What a great post Jane! So fun seeing a little bit of everything and seeing the highlights of the year. Happy 2013, looking forward to another year of Blondie's Journal:>)
January 3, 2013 at 6:58 PM
wow...you've been busy! A fun busy, though!
love the boots...I have a gift card to shop for some soon! yay!
January 3, 2013 at 10:02 PM
I've enjoyed your highlights of 2012 posts. You had a great year, and I wish you Joy, Peace, and Health for 2013. (I really like your choice of word for 2013)....
xo,
RJ
January 4, 2013 at 12:59 PM
Happy New Year Jane. So glad Al is doing well. Love that last picture of you two. Hope this is a great year for you and look forward to seeing you in NC.
January 4, 2013 at 2:38 PM
Sounds like you've been busy! Being a shoe girl...I love the boots and the flats! Shoes get my attention everytime over home decor...lol
January 4, 2013 at 4:26 PM
Nice to meet you Jane! Here's to lake living!
Deb@LakeGirlPaints
January 4, 2013 at 9:40 PM
Jane, your tree was beautiful. I just took down my garland on the porch and wreaths on the windows yesterday and I miss them. The way you talk about your lakehouse sounds just how I feel about the porch. I can hear the sadness in your voice. Spring/Summer will be back soon! We'll just read the winter away and plan for those warm days that I know will soon return. I LOVE your new boots! Those are sharp! :) Happy New Year to you, dear friend! XO
January 4, 2013 at 11:18 PM
Janie, I enjoyed catching up with your year in review! How fun to have the word "joy" as your incentive and goal. I hope your days are filled with it! Happy New Year, my friend! xo Sue
January 5, 2013 at 5:34 PM
This was a great recap. Looks like I missed a lot. Looking forward to 2013! Should be fun! You have a beautiful family!
Karen
January 5, 2013 at 10:12 PM
Wow, you did so much in the Fall and for the holidays. You sure are a busy lady but it all looks like fun except for the surgery part.
Now sink into that chair and take it easy. Read, have some wine and relax. You deserve it!
January 5, 2013 at 10:22 PM
Posts like this are the reason I long to move back home. Your "year in review" was such a joy to read, Jane.
You have a lovely family, and beautiful home that you take such care to make it such a welcoming place to all who enter.
You are one special lady.
Happy joyous 2013, sweet friend.
xxoo
January 6, 2013 at 10:39 AM
O, Blondie, you have such a good heart and sweet spirit...and, yes, us moms FOREVER take good care of our kids...no matter how old they are. And, the great part is that THEY take good care of US, too.
We have all our decorations down and packed for moving...hoping the mover show up next week. Then we'll work oon getting our house up to par to put on the market.
O, we still have to take our icicle lights off the house...maybe tomorrow. :)) They look so pretty at night, we just hate to take them down.
January 6, 2013 at 5:34 PM
Wow, Jane, you had a crazy busy year. Thanks for keeping us updated on the journey. liz
January 6, 2013 at 7:43 PM
It is sometimes surprising when we look back over the year to see how much we have done when at times we feel like we haven't accomplished much.
I love that our blogs can be a storyline of our lives that we (and our families) will be able to look back at many years from now.
January 6, 2013 at 8:01 PM
Thank you for sharing your journey!
Christmas went by SO fast this year but we decided to deck the halls more than ever. It was the right time to celebrate how lucky we have been.
January 7, 2013 at 12:57 AM
Truly lovely post, Jane. It was so nice hearing your heartfelt love of your family in your writing. You are a dear, sweet lady and your family reflects that. I'm so glad that it was a good year, even with "blips," and I hope "2013" is even better!
Carol
January 7, 2013 at 2:49 PM
I'm finally home, company is gone and I'm trying to get back to some kind of routine. I'm actually ready to be a little bored (but just for a little while)! I need to read backwards to catch up with all your doings, but the parts of this post about your Christmas just made me feel joy. The warm and cozy came through in your words...I hope your husband is doing okay and that you have a Happy New Year!
January 7, 2013 at 6:50 PM
I sure enjoyed catching up on all your happenings. And you always have the cutest shoes! Love the boots! Hope you have much happiness in the new year.
January 7, 2013 at 8:48 PM
I think your "word" is perfect. Love that zinc stand your cupcakes were on!
January 7, 2013 at 9:20 PM
Jane, what a beautiful post! I truly enjoyed reading it. So nice to look back at everything you did last year. Love, love your word of the year!
January 8, 2013 at 7:39 AM
Enjoyed reading your recap of 2012...Have a wonderful happy and healthy 2013!!!
January 8, 2013 at 6:51 PM
What a grand post full of fun and possibility! That tip about furniture polish on pumpkins so the squirrels won't eat them is brilliant. You should pin that on interest! Your new boots are the bomb - I've been on a quest for some just like that for a year. I just don't want to pay $300! Thanks for telling your secret about looking at your post from Christmas last year to see how you decorated. I don't feel so bad now, as I did the same!
January 10, 2013 at 11:14 AM
Enjoyed your recap Jane!! Wishing you and your family a very happy 2013! Glad the hubby is doing well :)
ps Love the boots!!
January 10, 2013 at 2:41 PM