BeautyRevealed | The Blog of Melissa J. Dillon

“There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.”

- Jane Austen

“Winter came down to our home one night…

and we were children once again.”

- Bill Morgan, Jr.

*All photos by Benjamin Braff 2009

I’m so proud of my hubby. He was voted Employee of the Year for 2008 at Gemini Sport Marketing! No one is more deserving of this honor than Mark. He has worked so hard this year, putting in many overtime hours and determining to bring his very best each day to his job. Over the course of the year he has found many ways to save money for the company, establish faster and more efficient ways of doing things, and has worked like mad to keep up with this growing business! 

Mark has been the Lead Graphic Designer for Gemini and is now being promoted to Art Director. He designs jerseys for Professional Fishermen and also for the PBA (Professional Bowlers Association). It’s so much fun to watch ESPN and to see all the shirts he’s designed. Each Wednesday they send out hundreds of jersey designs to production, often being a very stressful and “down to the wire” day. Wednesdays have now officially been dubbed “Massage Day Wednesday” in our home, working out the tension from his neck, shoulders and hands. But no one I know handles the pressure more beautifully than Mark… part of his laid-back personality that everyone loves about him.

Mark accepting Employee of the Year from CEO Todd Hammill (Photo above). He received a $500.00 gift card to the Home Depot as a prize. We were thrilled (considering how many home projects we have left to do!) 

Mark with Marty and Scott Glorvigen, owners of Gemini Sport Marketing. He couldn’t have asked for better guys to work for. Both are professional fisherman as well as business men and have won many awards. 

Sweetie, I’m soooo proud of you! Thank you for all the hard work you do to provide for your family. I’m so glad that others have recognized your talent and diligence… you deserve this!

“Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better person.” – Benjamin Franklin

My parents came for New Year’s this year. We made way more food than we needed… thus, eating more than we should have. We went to see the Fireworks and then watched movies until we rang in the New Year… a little late (we weren’t watching the clock)… so our Celebration happened at about 5 minutes after midnight. We blew our noise-makers to wake up dad (we knew he wouldn’t make it till midnight) and scared the daylights out of the cats. It’s a rare thing for us to be up until midnight anymore… I guess we’re getting old. We had a fun night though… It was such a nice way to ring in the New Year. 

On Friday evening we had the pitter-patter of little feet running through our home. What a wonderful sound! Our friends, Jon and Shannah, came with their adorable little boys for an evening of fellowship and Christmas goodies. Braiden is 4 and Carson is 1½… they made my heart ache for a little boy of our own someday soon.

I have known Shannah for many years and it is such a joy to see her now with such a beautiful family and so many blessings. I love to live in a small town where we bump into each other at the grocery store and the flower shop every now and then. Shannah is one of those women whose spirit just glows with the kindness of the Lord. We are so blessed to have their friendship. They are such a sweet family. 

On Saturday night we had our friends (and neighbors), Jim and Jessa, over for Cocoa and Games. Unfortunately, the guys beat the girls (but not by much!) so we’ll have to have a rematch soon. We played 5 games of Sequence… I think it’s my new favorite game. 

Jim and Jessa live 2 houses away from us, toward the lake. They have an adorable white house with dormers and an incredible view of the lake. When we first came to look at our house to see if we wanted to buy it, I fell in love with their house and told Mark that I wished I could see the inside of it. We soon found out that Jessa actually worked with Mark at his new job! Small world! She also had been praying for a Christian friend to move into our house (it had been empty for almost a year after it was remodeled) and I had been praying for God to reserve this house for us when I discovered it online. God answered both of our prayers and we are so grateful to have such wonderful friends two doors down. Not only did we get the tour of their adorable home, now we have friendship with the couple inside! God is good! 

Jodie also came over Thursday for snacks and a Movie Night, so we had a full week of family, friendship and fun! New Years Resolutions start Monday! I’m so excited for 2009. I have a great anticipation for this year for some reason… I just have a hunch it’s going to be a good one!