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Saying goodbye to 2018

12.31.18

I find it so hard to believe that 2018 is headed out and we are facing a New Year.  Time doesn’t stand still my friend.  As we are saying goodbye to 2018…

Saying goodbye to 2018-gullycreekcottage-main

Allow me to take a moment and tell you what 2018 was like for me.  I’ll mention that it was one of the best years I’ve had in a very long time.  Actually, I’m blessed and humbly thankful.  I have a wonderful family, husband, life, health, friends and an understanding of what’s really important in life.  Because of all of it, I feel that I have no wants, no complaints, and no regrets.  2018 was full of wonderment, excitement, growth and unexpected dreams coming true.

Saying goodbye to 2018-gullycreekcottage-setting

Dreams…

I never expected that my dream of being a Bed & Breakfast owner would ever come to life…but here we are.  This lady never expected to be living in Iowa, but here I am.  Of course, I miss many things about my home-Texas, but it’s mainly my son.  But I’m comforted in knowing that he too has seen many dreams come true in his musical journey this year. Hard work pays off- always.

saying goodbye to 2018-gullycreekcottage-clocksAfter moving here to be closer to our daughter, son-in-law, and the two cutest little boys ever…we soon realized the magnitude and importance of that move.  Now we get to see our daughter daily and be a part of her world.  We get to see our little boys grow up and be a part of those experiences.  Teaching them some things along the way, seeing life through their young – curious eyes. Getting hugs and kisses whenever we want and just having fun with them—what a blessing with unending benefits that is!!!  We get to pitch in and help the kids whenever they have too many activities or responsibilities on their agenda. Can’t put a price on any of this.

In July we were able to find a beautiful 100 year old home (another dream), and make it our own. It has been a place to welcome so many.  Some have entered our doors to visit, to tour, or to stay the night, but have left as dear friends.  Friends are one of those beautiful – surprise bonuses in life. Something I cherish and am so thankful for.  One can never have too many friends.

Saying goodbye to 2018-gullycreekcottage-time

Learning…

I learned some things about what it really means to grow old with someone.  My Boo and I have spent more time (daily) than we have ever spent in our 38 years together. While it can be challenging at times and we get impatient with one another, it’s beautiful to see what surprises there are in someone you thought you knew everything about.  No one has been more surprised than Boo on what an awesome innkeeper he is.  Something I know he never expected! (I knew he would be awesome at it!) It’s meant the world to me that he was willing to share and support me in this dream and work alongside me.

The other thing that I loved about 2018 was seeing the faith our kids had in us.  When we approached them about our intent on running a B&B they were never hesitant, they supported and encouraged us to do this.  Again, I can’t explain what it meant to me, that they believed in us.

Saying goodbye to 2018

My approach to a New Year (life) is simple.  It’s not what I expect but rather what I expect to “give”.  Whether it be of my time to help a friend, visit someone who needs a visit.  Prepare a meal for a friend, encouraging & supporting someone in need. Unconditional love for others and helping when it’s needed. Do, try, experience and encourage. Life is trial and error.  You won’t always get it right, and that’s okay.   But when you do it’s pleasantly rewarding.  This year was beyond rewarding and I plan to approach 2019 with the same zest for life. Do, try, experience & encourage.

God bless you this coming year and may all your dreams come true.  Thank you for following along and being a part of GCC❤️

in Design, Family, Home # Holiday

About GCC

Gully Creek Cottage is a lifestyle blog authored by Belle Jaeger. Sharing DIY's, Cooking, Fashion, Woodworking and life in general! Belle writes about her latest projects, shares some of her favorite recipes, and influences via fashion and DIY's!

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Belle

A Texas girl who likes her sweet tea, power tools, & cooking.

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Texas girl living in the Midwest! 🥣Cooking 🔧DIYs-Updating a 138 yr old home & some FARMHOUSE country living!

Belle | GCC
My little 3 year old grandson was upset with me ye My little 3 year old grandson was upset with me yesterday. 
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All because he decided to take his blankie home 2 days before and when we layed down to take a nap yesterday he was upset.  Upset he didn’t have his blankie and upset at Mimzy for not getting it for him. I hate to see children unhappy and that little face of his with tears rolling down made me sadder than he was.  I gave him 3 other blankets that didn’t replace his #1 blankie.  When he woke up he was still mad at me! 
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It was the 1st and hopefully last time he’s ever mad at me, cause I sure didn’t like that and I didn’t even cause the problem to begin with. All I know is that we got that blankie back over here to avoid this happening again. The clock may be ticking and he’s growing full speed ahead but I don’t want to see that little man mad at his Mimzy if I can help it!
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#growingpains #time #kids #thewonderyears #childhoodwoes #grandparenting
Been doing some special baking all while running i Been doing some special baking all while running in and out just to grab a bit of the perfect weather we’ve been having.
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#baking #winter #iowaweather #home #food #lifestyle #makeitpersonal
It’s moments like these and when he lets me cudd It’s moments like these and when he lets me cuddle him that I wish time would stand still. So very thankful to be blessed with precious grands!
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He likes working outdoors in the cold for a bit so he can come inside and have a “hot cocoa tea party” as he calls it!💋 He loves this tea set and so do I ❣️
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#grands #life #livingthedream #kids #celebratelife #blessed #grandparenting #lifestyle #amor #teaparty @iowa_amish_country_store #melissaanddoug
Cloudy Friday and 28 degrees. . And I’ll take it Cloudy Friday and 28 degrees.
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And I’ll take it! Yes, I could’ve easily stayed curled up in bed for a few more hours but it’s my favorite day of the week and there’s playing with the grands to be done!
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Definitely more important than sleeping in! Or is it? 🤣😂
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#life #live #love #familytime #sleeplater #countryliving #lifestyleblogger #imagine #grandchildren
Thursday oh Thursday! . Doing something I haven’ Thursday oh Thursday!
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Doing something I haven’t done in 5 years and channeling my inner “momma”! 
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Boo and I were shopping in DesMoines and we stopped in at a local tortilleria as I had ordered some masa. However they informed me they only sell in 10 pounds or more... so out the window went my “I’ll just get 5 pounds of masa for tamales” plan. Ten pounds of masa later, I immediately called my sister for backup help! Lol
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So today is the day for tamales!  First time I’ll make ‘em since my mommas been gone.  So I’m hoping she’s watching and guiding me along. 
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On a good note... the masa texture looks amazing so I’m hoping it’s a good sign!!! Wish me luck!
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#tamales #homemade #cooking #mexicanfood #icandothis #familyrecipe #desmoines #iowa
Know what a scullery is? . Well, it’s a differen Know what a scullery is?
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Well, it’s a different word for a Butler’s pantry. We’ve been updating ours and I find that I’m not a Butler’s pantry kinda girl. I replaced the original door with this beauty of a door I snatched for $12! I repaired the broken panes and  took a piece of plywood to make a new center panel. I then added these details on it. 
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Our home was built for the David Dancer family in 1883. I added the wash, fold, etc. as the space also houses our laundry room. One of these days I can show you the REST of the space but until now, you get a peek at the lovely old door leading into our scullery!
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#scullery #butlerspantry #makeover #olddoors #vintage #circa1883 #thisoldhouse #victorian #madetolast #projects #farmhousestyle #diys #woodwork #powertools #housedesign  #interiors #country #cottage #chic #rustic #old #influencer #decor
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