2010

here is what I would like to see take place this year...

I would like to learn to paint.... and become good at it.
I hope to take drum lessons.. and get a set of drums.. suppose I should get the set of drums first, then lessons.
I want my butt to be smaller... ugh... always on my list.
I would like to trade in my van.. she is getting grumpier in her old age.... but what would I get? not a van!
I would like to make it to New York and Chicago... just for fun. Why not?
I would like to work towards running a 5K with Joel... hahahahaha.. seriously, we would like to ... we shall see if that actually happens.
I hope to make it through my big blue theology book...... I love theology.. need to make more time for it.
I am looking forward to a year of teaching my girls more important life lessons... Nevaeh has such a kind and big heart.... I am looking forward to seeing how much that grows in the year.... as for Jesslyn, she has a ways to go still.... she still thinks the world revolves around her. :)

I am not much of a "goal" oriented person... but love to reflect and look back and am always looking for ways that I can be better as a wife and mother. Hopefully my blog this next year will not have to be full of ranting and raving over stupid people... although sometimes it is the only way I can get out some frustration.

All that to say... HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009

Just taking a little time to look back over this past year.... it was awful in many ways, but in many ways it was a great year.

*My sister and her family are home for the year from Africa~ got to visit a few times, go to Sunriver with them, and they came here for the 4th of July. Many memories made. Precious cousin time that will stay with my kids for many years.
*Joel is working hard at Trader Joes~ we are so thankful for his position and for such a great job.
*My kids are happy and healthy... not one sickness (other than a puke here or two and snotty noses)... not one trip to the doctor.
*Joel and I are loving each other more every day... never perfect, but so great to love each other and to have a marriage that continues to get stronger.
*Nevaeh's reading has grown by leaps and bounds... it has been a struggle for her.... but she is now enjoying it even more than ever... patience has truly paid off for the both of us.

I know there are several other things I can add to the list.... and as of a few days ago, I was not really looking forward to a new year.. but for some reason, this morning I feel as though I am ready. I am looking forward to another great year of focusing on what truly matters in life.. valuing those I love more than the material things around me, teaching my children those valuable life lessons that will help them to love themselves, each other, others, and God all the days of their lives. Many of my friends have lost loved ones in the past two weeks, which is never easy .. especially during this season..... but it is a reminder of what is truly important in life. I do not want to live a life wasted... it could be gone from me at any second. I hope and pray that I can focus on the good in this new year.

My heart is sad... and there is nothing I can do about it. I hate injustice... especially towards innocent children.

I do not like when Christmas comes to an end. I still want to watch Christmas movies and listen to Carpenter's Christmas. I am not a fan of January. It is too long, with nothing to look forward to.

Christmas Morning

Pictures will come in the next few days.... but presents have just been opened, the house is a mess of wrapping and bows, and the kids are going to be content with their toys... at least until lunch.
Yesterday, I took the girls to a church in Cincinnati to watch their Christmas presentation. It was amazing and totally creative and entertaining with a great message. Then, the girls and I headed to ihop for lunch, then to Target for a few last minute things. Then Joel got home from a busy day at work and Uncle Jesse arrived.... we ate Mexican steak and then headed to a local church's Christmas Eve service... then followed by looking at lights.
The girls woke up pretty early this morning... all excited! A bike, a scooter, a thousand DS games, snuggies, and more! Lots of fun... and we were able to do it while ichatting with Joel's parents in Canada... so they could feel as though they were here. Gotta love technology! Well, off to more fun with the family, an amazing Trader Joe's ham... and lots of desserts. MMM.... Merry Christmas everyone. Enjoy those you love today!

While making cookies with the girls this morning, a random thought ran through my head. When I was old enough to drive, or leave the house with friends, my mom would always say to me "remember who you are and who you represent"... I am sure there were times I did not pay much attention to that or even may have rolled my eyes (shame on me).... but this statement is powerful to me. Many people go around life, doing things and making choices without caring one bit about how it makes them look, or how it may ruin their integrity. I know we need to be confident to a certain extent....... that we should not care what people think, but there is also a way that we should deeply care what others think. It amazes me that some people think they have the right to treat others like crap.
I am so glad my parents taught me to respect myself enough to put others first.

I am sitting here, watching it snow a little.... while drinking my coffee. Perfect morning. Now time to read in Luke. Time to really think about why this season is so special.

Aren't you glad I didn't rant and rave over maddening things today?! :)