How fun to complete the year with a day of Hodgepodge!
1. Did you make resolutions or set goals for the year we're waving goodbye? How did that work out for you? Will you set any goals for this new year, new season, or new month? Share one or two if you'd like to share.
I think my goal this time last year was to survive and I did just that! I feel like my goals for each year are very similar in theory. 2026 will be brought to you by the letter F...faith, family, friendships, finances, fitness. These are all areas where I want to improve in 2026. Oh, and have a lot of FUN!
2. When did you have the most fun this year?
Yesterday, I did my yearly recap of 2025. It was a great time to reflect personally on 2025. In terms of just having fun, I really think it was the night Jenn and I went to see Darius Rucker in concert. I loved everything about it.
The Truth by Megan Woods
This song speaks such truth and is so encouraging for any of us to hear. I heard it for the first time this year. Below is the chorus:
The truth is I am my Father's childI make Him proud and I make Him smileI was made in the image of a perfect KingHe looks at me and wouldn't change a thingThe truth is I am truly lovedBy a God who's good when I'm not good enoughI don't belong to the lies, I belong to YouAnd that's the truth
Another song that has given me such encouragement this year is I Knew You Were Waiting by Aretha Franklin and George Michael. This song makes me smile when I think there is someone out there waiting on me.
Like a warrior that fights and wins the battle
I know the taste of victory
Though I went through some nights consumed by the shadows
I was crippled emotionally
Somehow I made it through the heartache, yes, I did
Oh, I escaped, I found my way out of the darkness
I kept my faith (I know you did), kept my faith
When the river was deep, I didn't falter
When the mountain was high, I still believed
When the valley was low, it didn't stop me, no no
I knew you were waiting, I knew you were waiting for me
With an endless desire, I kept on searching
Sure in time our eyes would meet
And like a bridge that's on fire, the hurt is over
One touch and you set me free
No, I don't regret a single moment, no I don't
(I know you don't) Looking back
When I think of all those disappointments
I just laugh (I know you do), I just laugh
When the river was deep, I didn't falter
When the mountain was high, I still believed
When the valley was low, it didn't stop me, oh
I knew you were waiting, hey, I knew you were waiting for me
So we were drawn together through destiny.
I know this love we share was meant to be, oh
(Knew you were waiting) Ooh, yeah
(Knew you were waiting) I knew you were waiting
4. Best (or a favorite) bite of something delicious you tasted this year?
I had the best Key Lime Pie when Jenn and I went to the beach in July. We bought it at a local place on the way in Alabama. I heard about this recommendation from Sophie Hudson from The Big Boo Podcast and she was so right about this pie shop.
6. Insert your own random thought here.
I jumped onboard and played with Chat GPT with these pictures of my daughters with a Norman Rockwell painting vibe.
Beautiful photos of your daughters, and I really like how the "paintings" came out! What a good idea for enhancing a photo - I might have to try it. I haven't thought of that George and Aretha song in ages - I used to love it! Kudos to your positive focus going into the new year, and I pray you have lots and lots of those good things! Praying you have a great 2026!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kym! Enjoy your NYE as well!
DeleteGet you some new cute glasses! The Norman Rockwells are so cute! I will wish you luck at the party.
ReplyDeleteI really want you to apply at the airport! I could see that being such a fun environment for you!
Yes, I will see if i get some there or order from another place online. Thanks!
DeleteI love the Norman Rockwell pics. My hubs turned a family photo into one and it adds to the sweetness. I love key lime too and have a really delicious recipe for one I make a lot. I'm wishing you the very best in this new year. Have fun tonite and enjoy being your own sweet self! Here's to a new year filled with fun and happy memory making xo
ReplyDeleteThanks Joyce! I would love to hear your Key lime recipe if you can email it sometime. Happy NYE!
DeleteGreat pictures of your daughters! And I love your ¨F¨ words- those are great ones!! I am not familiar with the songs you referenced but the lyrics are good ones. I hope you have a great time tonight and that you get your voice back- you have the sweetest voice and I can´t imagine it different :). Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteAw, that is so kind! My voice and throat have been struggling the end of 2025.
DeleteI'm going to tuck that piece of information on the Key Lime Pie away for the next time I take a trip down that way! When we were in Key West a few years ago, I asked some locals where to get the best pie and they told me Publix! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
It is worth the stop! Someone told me the same thing and I did try the Publix pie, but the consistency of this one is different and still a little better to me. But, I haven't really met a key lime pie I didn't like/eat, ha! Happy New Year to you!
DeleteThe chat GPT photos are so fun - we had a great time playing around with it over the break. I love your "F" theme for the year. Gaslighting is the worst! Hope you have fun tonight. We will be staying home and keeping the dogs calm with all the fireworks going off in our neighborhood. :)
ReplyDeleteIt gets additcting kind of fast to play around with pictures! I always forget about the fireworks on NYE.
DeleteHappy New Year My Friend! Love seeing all of the joy you experienced this year- you only deserve the best!
ReplyDeleteThanks Holly!
DeleteThose AI images are frame worthy! I would seriously consider having one made into a canvas. They're beautiful! I loved all your answers, and the lyrics to the songs you chose. I'll never forget the first time you introduced me to The Truth; I burst into tears. There was one night when I laid in bed and listened to that song on repeat as I fell asleep on a particularly hard night. Thanks for telling me about it all those months ago! I will say a prayer for you tonight, but I don't think you have anything at all to be worried about, my friend. ;) I feel like I'm leaving you out on your own this year; I'm sorry! I love you and know you will look amazing and be your fabulous self. Happy NYE!
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful song! Prayers were answered on NYE :)
DeleteI LOVE your "f" words for the year! Aw, I hope that cough leaves you be soon and you're feeling back to your old self soon.
ReplyDeleteIt seemed liked that is my letter of the year, instead of a word! Thanks Joanne.
DeleteI love that picture of your daughters and I pray you get well soon. Have a blessed and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan and Happy New Year to you!
DeleteHope you have fun tonight! I like your letter F words!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dara!
DeleteHappy New Year Marilyn! Here's hoping and praying for a beautiful new year filled with an abundance of provision, security, peace and joy for you and your girls.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful prayer. Thanks Debbie!
DeleteI love all your F goals and the Darius Rucker concert did sound amazing!
ReplyDeleteThose are great choices for songs.
I hope the you are feeling better soon. Coughs are the worst. Fab photos!
Happy New Year! Wishing you all the best for 2026.
Yes, the coughs are the worst. Maybe I need another Darius concert? Also, did you know he lives in the London area part-time? Happy New Year to you!
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