I'm pretty sure I just blinked and 2015 came to an end!  Life seems to be flying by lately (with not many blog posts happening very often either!), so I'm pausing, and as I have done in previous years I'm taking stock of this year (mainly for my sake) and remembering some of the great things that have been, and looking forward to many great things to come.

Here's to an amazing 2016!!

2015...

Although I didn't blog too much this past year, there were still some great adventures had, creations made and delicious things consumed throughout this year!

Adventures

Makings

There hasn't been as much crafting or renovations this year as I had hoped, but thanks to my hubby surprising me with a new sewing machine, here's to a super crafty 2016!

We were able to renovate our laundry before we moved, and so far have renovated one of our girls rooms in our new house!  

Crafting wise, there hasn't been too much crochet happening lately, but a few softies (Pink Bunny, Blue Bunny, Bear Softies, a Skunk Ape softie among some) as well as an Amigurumi Cupcake and some last minute Christmas stockings.

Baking...

There were a few yummy food creations and recipes shared in 2015 (click here to see them all) but here are a few of my most favourite ones...

My daughter's Penguin Birthday Cake, PB&J Cupcakes, the most delicious Gluten Free Chocolate Cake, and my favourite Lemon Loaf recipe!

  

Lessons Learned...

.

This past year has not been without it's challenges.  There has been tears, sheer exhaustion and many moments where my faith in the Lord has been the main thing that has pulled me through - but there has also been a few lessons that I've shared along the way, lessons like Choosing Joy no matter what, Celebrating the Season of your life, and taking the time to have a Family Health Check.

My family is so precious, and throughout the year the moments I have loved are gathering to celebrate birthdays and other occasions.  One of the highlights of 2015 was one of my boys deciding to be water baptised - a powerful declaration to everyone of his personal faith decision.

2015 has been great!  Happy New Year people!!

.

To check out past Year in Review posts, click here.

.

I was in the mood for a super quick crochet project today and decided to make one of my favourites - a cupcake!  I've made these quite a few times in the past (like here) and love doing different icing colours.  The pattern is easy to follow and can be found here on Nimoe's blog.

A perfect little gift for young and old alike (in other words, there's nothing wrong with an adult like me keeping it for myself aye?!)...

For more crafty makings click here.

For the last 3 years I have traditionally done a "Year in Review" post, looking at all of the things that have happened during the year etc.  I love reminiscing and I love being reminded of the good stuff that has happened each year.

To be totally honest, I didn't really want to do a year in review post for 2012...  this year has been difficult and to put it frankly, one of my hardest years ever.  I won't go into details, but I've cried a lot, and my heart has ached and ached.

But you know what, I've decided that looking back is probably the best thing I can do, to help me change my perspective and find the good stuff that has happened in 2012.  This is probably the most important year for me to review my year and dig through the stink stuff and find the gold and diamonds... cause we all know that pressure makes diamonds.

So here we go, digging for the diamonds in 2012...

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

So there you have it - that was so worth it!  Indeed there was a tonne of light and laughter shining through a year that at times was rather dark.

It's amazing what a change in perspective will do.

To see all Year in Review posts, click here.

Hubby wasn't too impressed by it, until I mentioned that it was a Twinkie Chan design - well, then it was totally awesome in his books (nice to know that he's aware of crochet celebrities and respects their work - haha).

Loving it and looking forward to making a few more.

Thanks Twinkie Chan for being so awesome.  

Check out the free pattern here and Twinkie Chan's site here!

For more crafty makings, go here. 

He reminds me of the Mario mushroom (hence my Mario obsessed son got to pose for the blog pic).

p.s. isn't he growing up so fast!?!?!

For more crafty makings, go here.   

Joining in with Our Creative Spaces