It has been a busy few weeks here at the Staalsen home and I've had a wonderful vacation. I'm back to work, but thought I'd give you a little glimpse of what life has looked like over the past month.

We had a special Christmas together with our family! We hosted 18 for dinner on Christmas Day, which was a ton of work but so much fun. Getting all the food on the table hot was a chaotic challenge, but we did it.

Because there were so many of us, I opted to use paper plates which made all the teen dishwashers happy. I found these gorgeous paper gold chargers. I used clear plastic plates for the food and it looked amazing.

My favorite part of hosting is setting up the main table and the buffet tables. This year I used one of my sari's from India on the dessert table.

For bringing in the New Year, we took 20 college kids camping. We were the cooks! I was glad to be in our "home away from home " with my heater, Keurig and shower.

The kids were brave and slept in their hammocks. Brrrrrrrr

Thanks to Kennedy with Perspectives Photography for the pictures below.https://www.facebook.com/perspectivepics/

We brought the New Year in around the fire with sparklers and lots of loud fun.

We made memories and continued our tradition from last year.

Life is about these moments! Community with those we love, even the crazy ones.

There is something about being around a roaring fire that makes us bring life back to the basics. It is the imple things in life that makes it so rich.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EACH AND EVERY OF YOU.

My 2 words for this year are BE PRESENT.

Life is too short to not be in the moment with those we love. I challenge you to think on these words as you continue with your goals for the year.

Be present and be connected!

I have lots of fun things to announce in the next few weeks so stay tuned!

I'm excited to be spending time with close friends on New Years Eve that live close to home.

We are going to sit and chat and enjoy some wine and cheese. We are making it easy too by ordering dinner from PF Changs, one of my favorites!

My favorite dishes from PF Changs are their lettuce wraps & Crispy Honey Chicken.

So heavenly!

If you haven't tried their melon, shrimp and toasted walnuts you are missing out. It's to die for!

Time has flown by this year like it does every year, I'm sure you agree.

I'm not one for making New Years Resolutions but this year, my goal is to invest in my family and friends. I want to be a more loving wife (love on my husband more and appreciate him daily), more patient mom (do things with them that interest them and listen to their dreams) and a dedicated friend (stop to relish in the blessing of having friendships that encourage me and spend time with those friends).

Time ticks by....

This is SO SO true. Every time I feel fearful and then actually do that one thing, it usually turns out to be a good thing. It stretches me!

It scares me to think that time could go by and I haven't spent time with those that mean the most to me. It scares me to think that I have teenage girls that need a mother to be their role model. It scares me to think that my husband needs me to be his love and support.

It scares me because I don't want to fail them. However, I will do it with dedication knowing that it will make me have no regrets. I want to live life to the fullest! It's scary to put expectations out there for yourself but rewarding when you see the fruit it brings to all those that you touch.