Top 3 Pins of 2012

There is no doubt that one of my worst mistakes this year was finding Pinterest.  Even though most of my pins are just things I like...okay LOVE and want to try, it is always fun to see what my followers are liking and re-pinning.  It's silly, I know, but I feel kind of proud when I see that I was able to share something that others are enjoying enough to re-pin for themselves!

Here are my top 3 pins for this year.  {Not necessarily my favorites, but clearly your favorites!}

1. Elegant

Originally found here

I think this decor is simply elegant, whether for the holidays or a specific celebration (such as a wedding), and it has by far been my most re-pinned pin! (With over 200 pins)

I do have to admit it is beautiful!

2.  Punch

Originally found here

No offense, but this one kind of makes me laugh.  I pinned it randomly while trying to help my mom find ideas for my sister's graduation party.  I haven't read it too closely, but apparently people love it (although it is at a very distant 2nd).

3.  Framing Bathroom Mirrors

Originally found here

(This one may not be my official #3, but it sure seems to have filled my inbox the most lately.)

I personally love this one; it was the inspiration (and directions) for our master bath mirror frame, which has put us one step closer to finally being done with our master bath reno.  But alas, it seems we may NEVER be completely done with that project!  I love continually adding to it and making it more our own!

Now that I have begun to even find it possible to regulate my time on Pinterest, I seem to appreciate (and enjoy) it much more!

One Proud Sister

" ...faith [without] works, is dead...Yea, a man may say, thou hast faith, and I have works:
shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works."
James 2:17-18

Today I get to brag about my little brother.  He chose to serve the Lord through a 2-year proselytizing mission, and left December 18th for the Missionary Training Center in Salt Lake City.  In our church, young men  used to be able to leave on a mission at 19 years old.  When Mason turned 19, he didn't jump up and down ecstatically and leave right away...he just wasn't ready.  Then, almost a year later, he started talking about going on a mission, and slowly but surely began completely the paperwork, doctor's appointments, and other processes in preparation for his mission.  Now, almost 2 years after his 19th birthday, Mason has begun an amazing journey.  He waited until he was ready, and I know that because of that, he will be able to serve humbly and selflessly.

I'm a little envious.  I believe this is an incredibly faith building opportunity, not to mention the spiritual rewards that must come from choosing to serve the Lord and His children, rather than oneself, for TWO years.  Today I hold my brother, and all other missionaries in our church, in high regard as Christmas came and went without the typical family celebration.  These young men and women know about sacrifice, about love, and about dedication.

Thank you, Mason, for your example to me and to our family.  I love you big, little brother! Great job!

Go here to find out more about LDS Missionaries and what they do.