Ways of the McKays: Winding Down in 2014

Hi everyone! I took a blog hiatus as we've been very busy traveling for the holidays and entertaining some friends and family for the new year. It's always a rewarding time when we spend time with our close friends and family. We try to never take those times for granted.

Among all the traveling and entertaining comes lots of yummy food, but not necessarily along our usual healthy eating regimen. Tomorrow, January 6th, marks the official "new year" for us as we go back to our homecooked meals, healthy choices and fitness routines. The fitness only applies to Heath. I've just gotta be real with y'all. We haven't really made any resolutions, although those tend to get lost in the dust by Spring Break. We have a lot of new and exciting things beginning in our lives within the next month, and we just can't wait!

My first official day at The Beryl Institute is tomorrow. I was already asked to work from home for my first day. Score.
We went to the Discover Compass class after church this morning, and are looking forward to the Group Connect class next week. This couldn't be more perfect of a time for us to join a church. With it being a new year, there are a lot of new community groups too.
Heath is still working on his new adventure, so I look forward to writing more about that once his plans are finalized. It's so great to see him excited about stuff.
We move in to our new apartment February 1st. We've been looking at a lot of different home stores to get ideas for decorations. I can't wait to show the new place once it's all finalized. We are most looking forward to calling this place our home.

As I'm writing this, we're both also thinking of our one last place to go out to eat before we start our month-long attempt to only eat at home. Monthly resolutions seem to work better for the both of us. So naturally, all I can think about is fried chicken, carbs and soda right now.

Here is a collection of pictures from the last few weeks. The message at church this morning focused on joy, and how Christians ought to have the most joy. As I reflect on the holiday season and see the faces in these pictures, I can truly say I am filled with joy. Despite the obstacles and stress that have brought me to where I am today, I am forever thankful for God's gift of comfort and the many blessings that come in many forms-- such as our friends, family and each other.

My prayer for Heath and I is that we use the next few weeks to wind down before we get busy again with the move in. We've just been on-the-go lately that I hope we find time to catch our breath this month, and to simply enjoy the quietness.