Lately: December 2017 Edition

Lately: December 2017 Edition

When I started blogging four years ago, it was my intention to share a little bit of what's going on in my day-to-day life with whoever cared to read about it. As most of you know, our lives took a drastic turn in 2014 in the best possible way. That was the year  I wrote a book. That was the year I created a planner. The year our life went in a completely different direction than I ever would have dreamed but we are oh so thankful it did!

Since then, our lives have revolved around "the planner" and running a business we knew absolutely nothing about. This meant that some of my passions fell to the wayside even though my heart's desire was to continue on that original path.

So here I am. Almost exactly three years later with the same dream in my heart. To help YOU find your purpose. To inspire YOU to live your dreams. And to equip YOU to live those out. I'll be bringing you monthly updates on what goes on around here in hopes to show you that I'm just a normal girl who dared to dream. I'll be bringing you more tactical content to give you exactly what you need to take the next steps in following your dreams and living on purpose.

Thank you for loving me and supporting me and sharing this journey with me. I am truly thankful that you are here!

Onto the lately.

November was a HUGE month. Between birthdays, travel, holidays, and shipping planners, I'm just about spent. Thank God I decided to simplify my life and create some margin a few years ago or I don't know how I would have survived!

Hillsong Conference

We kicked off the month with the Hillsong Conference in Los Angeles. Since all of my family but one was serving at the conference we chose to stay at the Hotel Indigo near LA Live. It was a gorgeous hotel and saved us about 3-4 hours of driving each day. Hallelujah!

Hillsong conference was amazing to say the least. We had the honor and privilege of hearing from Carl Lentz, Judah Smith, Jentzen Franklin, and more. Of course, Brian and Bobbie Houston spoke as well. Worship was a touch of heaven. On top of all of that, I got to watch my daughter dance on the Microsoft Theater stage. I mean, I really just can't put it all into words so I'll just stop now.

Happy 40th Corie!

Next up, my family came into town to celebrate my 40th birthday! Woohoo! Our house is very tiny so we rented an Airbnb close by and it was perfect to host not only my out of town family but to have my party as well. I invited my closest friends and we ate yummy food, drank yummy drinks, and finished it off with delicious dessert made by some of my favorite people. My daughter made my grammy's famous cheesecake, my friend Karen made a delicious Pavlova, and my friend Natalie made a tasty lemon cake topped with Lemonheads (my fav!).

Also. How amazing are all of these goodies up above from Hearth and Hand with Magnolia?? Dyyyying! My kids know me too well. This was my birthday present from them :)

Thanksgiving

A few days after our company left, we packed up to head to Nor Cal. Our time there was kicked off with my sister's 30th birthday and then we stayed for the Thanksgiving week. 2017 was potentially our last year celebrating Thanksgiving at my parents house. For the last 24 years, we've spent every other Thanksgiving there with about 60 people!! Yes, you read that right. 60 PEOPLE! These guests don't just show up for the Turkey, they stay the whole week! Some bring motorhomes, while the rest pile into my parent's house or my brother's house which is also on the property. What an incredible time we all have!!

Home again, home again

Now, we're back to the daily grind. Amidst a week full of work, school, church events, and decorating, we wound up the month with a quick trip to Disneyland to see the Christmas fun. It truly is a magical place and Christmastime is hands-down my favorite time to be there. We always end our Christmas evenings there with peppermint ice cream in a waffle cone dipped in chocolate and crushed candy canes. YUMMMMM! We watch the fireworks light up the sky and snow fall on main street as we enjoy our tasty treat. And just for a moment, all is right in the world.

I pray the end of this year is wonderful for you and that 2018 is the best year ever!!

xox