2010 at a glance

I always like looking back at the photos from the past year.  There are always photos I forgot I'd taken, or things I'd forgotten we'd done.  Ah, nostalgia.

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you know I like to put up posts with pictures.

That means I take LOTS of photos.  So naturally, they don't all make it on the blog.

But today some of those unposted-but-still-blog-worthy photos are making it to the blog...

So if you're up for a picture viewing challenge, grab your cup of tea (or coffee) and get settled in.  Here we go!

Oh 2010, you were so many things.  Transition. Challenge. House. Joy. Happiness. Paperwork. Moving. Tears. Laughter. Smiles. Jesus. Thankfulness. Basement. Family. Church. Change. Growth. Enjoyment. Love.

But, mostly, 2010 was a just plain good year, and one we're thankful for.

Now, bring on 2011...and SLOVAKIA! :)

Shots of Winter

Just a few shots from the past few days of blustery, wintery goodness...

One Rockin' Gift

I have an awesome sis-in-law.

So awesome, in fact, that for Christmas this is part of the gift Jas and I received:

Yep, that's not just a photo book.  That's a rockin' photo COOKBOOK filled with memories.  She worked for some weeks (I think) to collect recipes from both of our families.  Not only are some of our favorite recipes included, but picture memories of us with our families are sprinkled throughout the book.  I (we) LOVE IT!!

Jas and his grandparents with a brownie recipe next to it.

My bro and I (check out those glasses...puh-lease!) and another recipe.

The last few pages are just pictures of us and with our families.

You can guarantee I will be putting this cookbook to good use in Slovakia and smiling the whole time while using it.

Thanks, Marianne, for such a special present.  One that we will use for many, many years.  And one that will remind us every time we use it of the people back home who love us :)

TWO YEARS!

Today we celebrate two years of marriage.

Two years of:  LOVE, growth, strength, tears, smiles, happiness, frowns, laughs, prayers, lots of learning, hugs and kisses, did I mention growth?

We've loved a lot, we've learned a lot, and we've grown a lot.  I can't wait to see how we grow in our next years together!

I am thankful for you, best friend, and I LOVE YOU tons!  Thanks for being a wonderful example of Christ.  You're a blessing...

 Proposal.

 Engagement.

Wedding

Honeymoon.

This year.

Love you, babe!

Christmas Numero Dos

I feel like keeping it simple today.  They say pictures are worth 1,000 words...

So here are many words in play-by-play form of Palmer Christmas:

A very good Christmas spent with family and close friends!

And while we LOVE the snow, I'll just say, it has stinkin' messed up about every travel plan Jas, Mia, and I have had!  Farewell, Boston...we'll miss being snowed in up there, but at least we'll be snowed in together down here...oh the patience being learned.

In other news, it's looking like Mia will get home (we hope for her sake!) on the 29th.  Pray, pray, pray!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Veselé Vianoce!
Feliz Navidad!

Christmas Numero Uno

The past few days we spent in Hickory with my family.  It was a really sweet time.

Not only was it sweet, but we got to spend it with my brother AND with a Slovak...awesome!

The boys dominated at Wii...though the girls undoubtedly gave a valiant effort.

My grandmother really liked these candlesticks!

Even though Mia was supposed to be with her family on Christmas, we were glad to have her celebrate with us!

We're not exactly sure what Christmas will look like next year, but we do know two things.  1) Christmas (and every day) is and always will be about Christ.  2)  We'll love our families wherever we are!

And as they say in Slovak, "Veselé Vianoce" (translation: Merry Christmas :)

Hittin' The Road...

Today we are hitting the road to celebrate Christmas with my side of the family.

We'll be in Hickory with these people...

And for the very first time ever for Christmas, we will be celebrating with this awesome lady...

Sadly she is stuck here in America due to crazy weather conditions (and inconvenient airlines refusing help, etc...) in London.  She would LOVE to be home in Slovakia, but won't be able to make it for a few days at best.  Pray for her to be able to make her flight as soon as possible so she can at least spend some time at home!!!  In the meantime, we're glad to  keep her here...because she rocks!

Hope everyone has a merry next few days!