This time of year is fraught with whimsy, reflection, hopefulness, and often a tinge of regret or good riddance. In the spirit of reflection, I'd like to recap the year that was 2014.. In this instance, the sum of the parts is indeed greater than the whole. 

Overall, 2014 treated us pretty well (I still have a soft spot for 2013, but alas...). Here are the milestones that became memories and the moments that defined some part of our stories, in no particular order:

Before we blast into the New Year, please enjoy this Flipagram of #MrandMrsBorn and company throughout 2014. (Make your own on a mobile device / find out more here.) I might have watched this a half of dozen times already, but I can't believe this year has flown. Time is fleeting--live, laugh, prosper, and take lots of photos!

Excuse me while I dust the cobwebs off the blog... yikes. Sorry about that folks. I've been in a writing slump--not generating much content that seems worthy of your time though I have been cooking A LOT. So expect delicious posts soon. I'll do better. Here's a link to the BEST fudge you'll make this year--I promise. Caramel, chocolate, nuts...turtely goodness rich enough for the occasion and simple enough to make tonight (yes, on Christmas Eve!). 

In the meantime, I wanted to take a quick minute to share season's greetings with you! It means so much to me to share this space with you. It wouldn't be right not to celebrate this magical time of the year with you too. 

Nick will tell you I'm a little nutty about the holidays. We actually argued about the Christmas tree decorations of all things. I admit (ahem) that I was a bit incorrect and ridiculous--and making due was fine. Our tree is non-traditional but it's up, it's merry, and it brings me joy. (The puppies have helped make the tree more our own by un-decorating and dining on some of the ornaments too...ugh.) But, that aside, it's been a successful season thus far:
Tree- Check
Made my own glass ornament (I blew glass!)- Check
Baking lots of sweets and treats- Check
Family Christmas photo- Check
Holiday Cards mailed- Check
Presents purchased and wrapped before Christmas Eve- Check
Some time off for the holidays- Check
White Christmas- Wait a minute, who's job was that? (I want some snow...)

Here are a few sights and sounds from our season:

Wishing you and yours the merriest and jolliest holidays! May your days be filled with the ones who matter most, too much food, plentiful laughter, and sincere gratitude. Cheers to the most wonderful time of the year!