Day 30- The End

Today, I'm thankful for who I am. I have an extremely blessed life and I wouldn't change anything about it. Even though being a mom, wife, employee, friend, sister, and daughter isn't always easy, it's who I am. I will always strive to be the best I can, love others, give more than I receive and focus on all that I have rather than what I don't.

I will always remember these last 30 days of Thanksgiving....

And I still have infinitely more to be thankful for.

Day 29- Transportation

Today, I'm thankful for my reliable car. I'm thankful that I don't have to drag my kids on the bus with all the gear. I'm thankful I can run to the store whenever I need to, and I'm thankful that I can blast my Christmas music as loud as I want to.

Day 28- Routines

Today, I'm thankful for routines. As I mentioned before, we had TONS of guests in the past week. 11 people to be exact. It was busy, crazy and loud and I loved it! But now I'm ready to get Gavin back in school, get Linc back into his nap schedule and have some serious down time.

Day 27- Quality Time

Today I'm thankful for quality time with Gavin. Joe stayed with Lincoln, and I was able to take Gavin to Disneyland (again!). It was awesome to take the busyness of wrestling a two year old all day, and just focus on what Gavin wanted to do. It was awesome!

Day 26- Christmas Season

I'm thankful that it's the Christmas Season! Definitely my second favorite time of the year (after summer, of course!). I'm getting out the Christmas decorations, and turning my house into a Winter Wonderland! WooHoo!

Now if it would only cool down. Today it's 80 degrees. I've got the windows open and the fans on. That doesn't exactly say Christmas...

Day 25- No Where to Go!

Today, I'm thankful that I don't have to be anywhere. That we can sleep in and I don't have to rush out the door and get Gavin to school. I'm also thankful NOT to be in the Black Friday madness.

Day 24- Thanksgiving

I'm so thankful for my Mom-in-law. I'm thankful for our close relationship and all the time we have spent together. Especially on this Thanksgiving, I'm thankful she taught me all her amazing recipes and that I was able to learn her techniques about hosting Thanksgiving. Our thanksgiving dinner wouldn't have turned out if it wasn't for her!

Day 23- Sisters

I'm thankful for the close relationship with my sisters. I treasure all our "inside" jokes, hassling our parents together, supporting each other and calling each other for completely random reasons.

Day 22- Disneyland

Sorry I've been MIA, we have had a ton of guests in and out of the house for the past week and a half, and things have been crazy!!

Back to my 30 days of Thanksgiving...

Day 22-I'm thankful to have the opportunity to take my kids to Disneyland. We have gotten free tickets randomly from a few different people and it has been such a blessing!

Day 21- Brothers

I'm so thankful that the boys have each other. The past few days I have really enjoyed listening to them laugh and play together, and it helps to have a few minutes to myself to get things done, too!

I'm thankful they will always have the bond of being brothers. They will share secrets, laugh together, and grow up together. I wouldn't have it any other way...

Day 20- Favor

I'm thankful for favor. I'm thankful for little surprises that show up out of nowhere. I'm thankful that during times of struggle, I have confidence that my God will provide my every need (and then some!)

Day 19- Cali

Today, I'm thankful that I live in sunny California. I'm thankful that I can head down to the beach any day I want, and I'm thankful that my kids are able to play and enjoy the outdoors.

Day 18- Random

I'm thankful for all the little things throughout my day that make me smile.

Lincoln happily calling me from his crib,
Hugs from my boys,
Laughing till my stomach hurts,
and peppermint mocha creamer.

Oh and crazy nap-time hair...

Day 17- Free Air

Today, I'm thankful for the man at the gas station that let me fill my tires up with air for free. Yes, it would have only cost me $1, but it totally made my day.

Day 16- Encouragement

I'm thankful for the people in my life that build me up. I'm thankful for those who challenge me to be a better person. There is so much hurt, struggle, disappointment and frustration everywhere you look, and sometimes it's hard to see through it. To all my friends and family- thank you for sticking by me, giving me support, encouraging words and a shoulder to cry on.

Day 15- Three Little Words

I'm thankful for words. Last night, when I was giving Lincoln a bath, I was recording a video to send to Gram (aka Joe's mom). Nothing fancy, just a "Hi- We miss you..." Toward the beginning of the video, Lincoln says "I love you." I'm not sure if he meant to say it, because he wasn't repeating after me, but it totally sounds like it.

Most of you know, Lincoln is delayed in his speech by about 60% (compared to other kids his age). He has been going to speech for about 4 months, and I've seen slight improvements, but not as much as I was hoping for. I know he will talk eventually, and he is probably just stubborn like his Daddy, but it was still very exciting to hear him talk and clearly put three words together.

I will never forgot that moment when I heard him say those three little words.

Day 14- Sunrises

I'm thankful the sunrise. Since the time change, I've been getting up awfully early this past week (due to the kids schedules, not mine!). As most of you know, I'm NOT a morning person! As I got up this morning, I was able to squeak in a few minutes of quiet before the kiddos woke up and the chaos began. Sunrises and sunsets are most definitely one of my favorite things. It is such a simple reminder that my Creator, so powerful and big, could create something so delicate and beautiful. It was His reminder to me today, that despite being up early (which I am always to quick to complain about) I should refocus on Him and the beauty he has created around me.

Day 13- Sundays

I'm thankful for Sundays. For lazy days on the couch, for spending time with my family, and eating a yummy meal. I'm ready for the week! Bring it on! :)

Day 12- Naps

I'm thankful for naps! Enough said.

Day 11- Freedom

I know I'm a day late on this...

Today, I'm thankful for my freedom. I'm thankful to all the Veterans who have served our country (especially my Grandpa and Grandma!)

I'm also thankful that my sis (and fam) are out visiting. I love spending time with her and my nieces, but I especially love that when the kids get up at 5:30, she was up too. I love having someone I can commiserate with.

Day 10- Gavin's Teacher

I'm thankful for Gavin's school and his teacher. I'm thankful I live in a country where my children will get a good education. I'm thankful that his teacher cares enough to challenge them, teach them and spend everyday pouring into him.

Day 9- Family

I'm so incredibly thankful for my family. I'm thankful to be back near them, to see them, laugh with them, and share meals together. I'm thankful for my Dad, who loves me unconditionally, will always support me in anything I do, and makes me laugh. I'm thankful for my Mom, who is compassionate, giving and has shaped who I am today. I'm so thankful for my two amazing sisters. I'm thankful for our friendships and for all the countless memories we have together.

I thank the Lord for knitting our family together. I couldn't imagine my life without them.

Day 8- Friendships

Today, I'm thankful for my friends. I'm thankful for those who have known me for what seems like forever, and have always been there for me. I'm thankful for new friendships I have made in the last few months. Transitioning back to CA has been difficult sometimes, but I'm so thankful to have met new people and finally feel a sense of community again.


Side note: My heart has been filled with prayer for the Garka family today. Their 3 year old son, Mason, was born with a heart defect and has his third and final open heart surgery today. I can't even fathom having to go through something like that. If you have a chance, say a prayer for him. You can read more about his story at www.masongarka.com.

Thanks!

Day 7- My work

7. Today, I'm thankful for my job. I have been blessed with the incredible opportunity to work from my home which allows me to help with our finances, and still commit to taking care of my kids. I have been working at Green Dog Enterprises for 4 1/2 years now, and I have learned more than I ever thought possible. It has opened my eyes to my own abilities and stretched me to grow in so many ways.

Thanks, Pam!

P.S. Check out our new website, if you haven't already! :)

Day 6- Jesus

Above anything else, I'm most thankful for Jesus. I'm so humbled by his unfailing love. I've been blessed with the incredible gift of freedom from my past, from shame, from sin, from death. I live everyday knowing that His love will never leave me. His loves goes beyond anything I could ever imagine. Thank you, Jesus, for loving me enough to die for me.

Day 5- My hubs

I'm thankful for my husband. I'm so thankful for his love for me and our children. I thankful that he gets up every morning to work hard to provide for us. That he sets aside time to play with our kids. I'm thankful for his humor and that he can ALWAYS make me laugh. Despite the hard times we have been through, no one could have supported me, loved me, and held me up better than him. Love you, babe!

Day 4- Seasons

4. Today, I'm thankful for the rain. Although it doesn't rain much here is sunny California, I'm so glad that the rain washes away the dirt and muck, and will nourish and bring forth new growth in the spring. I'm thankful for new seasons, and for change. I love knowing that even during the difficult seasons of life, a new season will come and bring new changes. Sometimes those changes are uncomfortable at first, but after learning to adapt and accept the change there are new lessons to be learned.

I'm thankful for my home, the roof over my head and protection from outside storms. I'm thankful I have a place to go when life gets tough, a place where I have open arms waiting to comfort me and support me.

Day 3- Laundry

I have been contemplating what to write today. Summing up everything I am thankful for in just 30 days made me realize how MUCH I have. While sitting on the floor, surrounded by piles of laundry (which had been put off for a while...), I realized I'm thankful for just that. The PILES of laundry. Seems silly, but while doing a chore I hate- I'm thankful that I have clothes. I'm thankful I can send Gavin to school in clean clothes that fit. I'm thankful that when Lincoln dumps his cereal on his head, he has something else to put on. It's definitely time to stop complaining and think. I could have nothing.

Perspective.

Day 2- My Children

2. Today I'm thankful for my two beautiful children. I'm thankful they are healthy. I'm thankful for their smiles. I'm thankful they fill my home with more laughter and love than I could ever imagine.

30 Days of Thanksgiving

Because there are way too many things in my life that I take for granted, and I want to be reminded how blessed I am...

1. I'm thankful for all my past experiences that have shaped me into the person I am.  I'm thankful for my current struggles because I know those will grow me into a better person.  And in the midst of the difficulties, His grace will always be enough.

My new fav

I stopped drinking coffee a about a month ago during my "re-boot" phase.  With Gavin starting school, and me having to get myself and two kids out the door before 7:30 AM, that plan wasn't working out so well.  One of my reasons for giving up coffee beside the caffeine factor, was creamer.  Coffee just tastes so much better with creamer, but I know it's full of stuff that is not that great for me.  Joe came home with this creamer and it's SO GOOD!  The only ingredients are milk, cream and sugar.  No weird stuff I can't pronounce.  Love it! (and I can drink coffee again, so I love it even more!)

Comfort

"Fear not, for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My victorious, right hand of rightness and justice." Isaiah 41:10

I'm so thankful for God's word. It never ceases to amaze me.

Happy Fall!

As much as I'm a summer girl at heart, I do love the fall.  I love crisp mornings, breezy afternoons, leaves changing colors, apple cider, pumpkin patches, boots and fall decorations.

Last weekend we got out the fall decorations, so my house is feeling a little more festive these days...

 

 To welcome in the new season, my sister roped me into making a fall bucket list.  So below are things I will attempt to finish before Thanksgiving (hopefully!)

1. Paint our fence sign (more on that later)

2. Go apple picking

3. Make homemade apple cider

4. Make caramel apples

5. Take the kiddos down to the beach in our sweats and watch the sunset

6. Make a new soup (maybe butternut squash)

7. Take the kids to the pumpkin patch

8. Collect leaves and make leaf art

9. Write a Halloween story with Gavin

10.  Make something with pumpkin in the ingredients

Happy Fall Everyone!

Our First "Pet"

I know many of you NEVER thought this day would come...especially my kids...but we officially have our first "pet"!

Alexa took Gavin to a free kids day at Home Depot. They have a project for them to build, games, and goldfish. So of course, he came home with a goldfish in hand.

After seeing the smile on his face, how could I NOT be excited for him?!? Having never owned a fish in my LIFE, I was quick to jump on the internet to find out how to take care of this little guy.

Auntie and Joe headed over to Petsmart and got Capt. Black Stripe some new digs...

He loves his new home! :)

Our God Is Love

I love this song...it's been stuck in my head for days now, so I'd thought I'd share and now it can be stuck in your head too. Ha! ;)



Every soul every beating heart
Every nation and every tongue
Come find hope in the love of the Father

All creation will bow as one
Lift their eyes to the risen Son
Jesus Savior forever and after

This is love
Jesus came and died and gave His life for us
Let our voices rise and sing for all He's done
Our fear is overcome
Our God is love
Our God is love

Every distant and broken heart
Every prayer every outstretched arm
Finding hope in the love of the Father

Age to age let His praises rise
All the glory for all of time
Jesus Savior forever and after

Age to age we will be singing
In the light of all He's done
All the earth everyone singing
In the wonder of His love

Veggie Pasta

8 oz whole wheat pasta
3 zucchini, sliced
1 cup grape tomatoes, cut in half
1 sm onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, diced
2 cups spinach
3/4 cup feta cheese

Boil water for pasta, and cook pasta. Brown onion and garlic in a little olive oil. Saute zucchini (for about 5 minutes) until slightly tender. Add grape tomatoes until warmed (another couple minutes). Add spinach until wilted. Sprinkle with feta cheese before serving.

I had some leftover chicken so I threw that in too. Super easy, super good.

Oh, and I'll work on a more creative name... :)

Cousins

I LOVE this face!

Lincoln loving on Sofia. :)

It's a camp out! Cowboy Gavin and "Pocahontas" have way too much fun!

The "ReBoot"

I have taken on a new health challenge. No coffee, no fast food, minimal processed foods, no sugary drinks and JUICING!

My inspiration: "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" A documentary about juicing and the many health benefits from "drinking" your fruits and veggies. Watch it! (It's available on Netflix or check out the website here)

My sis came out last weekend for our Disneyland trip, and she decided to stay an extra week to hang with me and the kiddos. We decided to watch the documentary one night and were hooked.
So the next day we went out to buy a juicer and the entire produce section from Stater Bros. It's been two weeks and I can totally feel a difference. I'm constantly on the go, chasing after the kids, driving to swim lessons, taking Lincoln to speech therapy, cleaning, working, cooking... the list goes on and on. I have so much more energy than I did before and am feeling great. Some of the drinks are a little "interesting", but not all that bad.

One of my favorites:
2 apples
4 celery stalks
1 kiwi
1 bell pepper
1 bunch of kale

In addition to juicing 2x a day, I have been eating really healthy and experimenting with different recipes. It's been fun!

More recipes and updates to come. :)

The Happiest Place On Earth

We finally made it to Disneyland! It was Gavin's first time, and he LOVED it! I hadn't been to Disneyland in probably 10 years and I totally felt like a kid again... we got there when it opened and stayed as late as the kids could handle. (Leaving the boys and kids to warm the park benches, while us girls tried to get in one last ride on Thunder Mountain)

The crew in line for Autopia

Brandon and Siena chasing us down

On our way to the next ride, Gavin passed by two Storm Troopers. He couldn't resist an opportunity to take them out with his double light saber!

Me and Court on the new Toy Story ride

Breaking out of jail in Toon Town

Waiting for Star Tours

How can you not LOVE these faces?!? They were so happy to be there together!

My Fam

Thanks Dad & Kathi for an amazing day full of great memories! We are so, so excited to be near family again and share these good times together! :)

A New "Adventure"

Life has been a little overwhelming lately. We are settled and into a semi "routine", with naps, working, Joe working from home, dinners and bedtimes. We love the southern California sunshine with lots of trips to the parks and beaches. Being away for almost 6 years has really allowed me to appreciate the beauty around me. Going to the park might entail 30 minutes of prep before I go, and taking the kids to the beach can be quite a work out, but it's SO worth it. I want them to appreciate being OUTSIDE in the SUNSHINE.

Despite all the wonderful things we have, it has still been an adjustment finding my place back at home. I have reconnected with a few old friends, but I really miss the ones I left behind. We are having to adjust to the cost of living back in Southern California, which can be pretty stressful at times. "Couponing" is my new hobby. :) I know this transition will take time, and as time passes this new life will feel normal.

Yesterday, we got hit with a new twist in our everyday life. When I took Lincoln for his 15 month well check up, the doctor recommended I take him for a speech evaluation since he isn't saying any words. With him being my second- I wasn't even sure what the milestones were for a 15 month old... Funny how we mellow out with the second. His evaluation was yesterday, and I was really anxious about going. She asked me a bunch of questions- mostly about his language development and some about his motor skills. The bottom line- he is delayed. In some areas more than six months. The clinician recommended him for 2x week speech therapy. My first reaction is sadness, discouragement and questioning. I KNOW he will be fine, and I'm so glad that I live in a place where I can get him the help that he needs. But I'm still human. I'm still a Mom and I want the best for my kids. I don't want them to struggle. But I also know that's part of life and I need to let it go. So on to a new chapter...

Lincoln Boy

Our "monkey"- Lincoln is officially walking and running everywhere, climbing on coffee tables, going up the stairs, eating random toys, getting into cupboards, opening doors, and sneaking outside.

It's a good thing he is so cute, otherwise I just might send him to the zoo!

Toothless

Gavin's front left tooth has been wiggling for about two months now. I'm not sure why, but loose teeth make me queasy, so Gavin thought it was hilarious to trick me into looking at him then wiggle his tooth to one side and the other. Bleh.

Finally, FINALLY, it came out!

Gavin tried giving it a tug, but he was a little nervous, so Daddy took over. One little pull and it was out.

Only a few tears (I think mostly out of shock) and then Gavin was super proud of the "hole" in his mouth. He couldn't wait to show all the kids in his class because he was sure they wouldn't recognize him.

And of course, the tooth fairy came to visit and left Gav $3.

April

April was a blur. Here's what I've been doing:

1. Unpacking. With lots of room, but not a lot of furniture, it poses for some challenges. Stacking things in the corners is working pretty well.

2. Cleaning. And lots of it. I have tons of wood floors now, so I'm training Lincoln to wear a mop on his belly and crawl around.

3. Painting. Three rooms down, two to go. Whew.

4. Working. I've officially mastered the talent of multi-tasking. We had some challenges getting the internet hooked up at the house, so I was a wondering nomad for the first two weeks of April. I've been putting in about 20 hours a week, and between dropping/ picking up Gavin from school, Lincoln's naps, breakfast, lunch, and playtime- you learn to get creative. I can now type and sleep at the same time.

5. Gavin started school. I was going to wait and put him in school in September, but I didn't have the time to devote to homeschooling him. He LOVES it, but we have to be up and out of the house by 7:20. Let's just say, I'm the disheveled mother who shows up in my pajamas everyday. Everyone else is way to put together for me.... I don't do mornings.

6. Soaking up the Sun! Since I haven't seen sun in the past four years, I have a lot of catching up to do. Time to break out the SPF 100.

7. Garage sailing. My new favorite hobby. Where else can you get a brand new rug, baby gate, and hardwood vacuum for $20? And the Craigslist free section can be very addicting. We got two leather couches (just a little beat up) for FREE! I may never pay full price for anything again.

8. And what I'm enjoying most: Spending time with my family. Weekly dinners at Dad's, having Mom over to hang and play with the kids, my sis stopping by in between work... Although moving was a lot of work, and cost money, and was pretty stressful, it was TOTALLY worth it. I'm so happy to be back 'home'. And I will never take another sunny day for granted. Ever.

We're Moving Again! :-D

I'm very excited to announce that we have a house to move into! We thought we were going to be staying at my Mom's house for a few months, but everything fell into place much quicker than we thought. Praise the Lord! Mom's house is great, but with kids and dogs, I'm more than excited to have our own space and get settled. Poor Lincoln is not adapting very well to all the changes lately, so I'm ready to have him feel comfortable and get back to his happy self again.

We are in the process of picking out carpet and paint and I'm daydreaming about decorating...Hooray! I'll post more pictures after we move in... Looks like the third weekend in April.

I'm in Heaven!!

Cause I get to snuggle her...

And Gavin and Siena are re-united...

I'm in love...

So after the trek from Washington to California, I spent a week unpacking and getting semi settled, then packed up and headed to Vegas! My life has been a little busy- to say the least!

I'm so happy to be here with my sis and snuggle my new little niece. Although having four kids has been a little stressful, the kids are all doing great and getting along very well. And by doing well, I mean no broken bones and we haven't felt the need the buy out the entire section of alcohol from the store. I'll be heading back to Cali at the end of the week, so more coming soon...

I'm still here

Just in case you were wondering, I'm still here. I'm just buried somewhere under here...


I think my house is slowly swallowing me whole. I never knew I could pack so much stuff in so little space. Don't worry, soon my life will be back to "normal." Whatever that means.

Kisses for YOU!

1/31/11
Lincoln sending "kisses" your way! :)

Happy Birthday, Gavin

My dear Gavin,

Today you are 6. I can hardly believe that you aren't a baby anymore. You have grown into a kind-hearted, sweet boy who is full of energy and passionate for life.

Looking back this past year:

You invited Jesus into your heart. What a joyous day, to know that you will be with me for eternity. You still have a lot to learn, but your questions always remind me of what a child-like faith is. I pray that you will experience Jesus' love in a real, tangible way. That you encounter his love like you couldn't imagine.

You started kindergarten. You have a passion for learning and you LOVE going to school. I hope that you keep this passion always. You will never be too old to learn something new.

You have grown into an amazing big brother. I knew you would be a great brother, but you have overly exceeded what I had imagined. You always help me with stinky diapers, feeding Linc, and cleaning up toys (and most of the time without complaining.) Watching you two play is so endearing, and I know you will have a bond that will last forever.

You have grown. A lot. I can hardly pick you up anymore. I knew this day would come, but it is here too soon. Pretty soon you will be bigger than me. But make no mistake- I'm still in charge. :)

Thank you for always making me and Daddy laugh. Your creative mind never stops working, and your facial expressions always make me smile. I love you so, so much.

Encouragement

I do not like to cook. I have never liked to cook. I don't know if it's the obligation of having to cook, or just not having a creative mind to come up with good recipes. I go through spurts of cooking a lot, and then just getting by with a few staple recipes. I don't think I'm a bad cook, it's just not something I would choose to do in my free time. I'd rather be sun bathing on a beach.

The other night, I made beef stroganoff in the Crock-Pot. It was pretty good, and super easy. I have been introducing Lincoln to new foods, and he LOVED it. When he had finished his portion, he started licking his highchair tray!!! How's that for some encouragement?

I guess I won't give up on cooking just yet. I have hungry boys who love my cooking. And I can't complain about that!

Lincoln in his favorite spot...the highchair.

A Little "Sunshine"

This is for all my Washingtonian friends out there:

1. Crank the heaters,
2. Turn on all the lights,
3. Enlarge the picture below REALLY BIG,
4. Pretend that you are here:

The past few weeks, I literally feel like I have been living under water. It has been raining non-stop and I always feel cold and wet. I'm very much looking forward to some nice, WARM weather...but until then... I'll be following the instructions above. ;)

Ready, Set, READ!

I'm reading through the Bible in one year. Yep, you read that right. :)

And I'm feeling overly optimistic about this "resolution" because I have someone doing it with me. So I can't secretly read the first chapter of each book and call it good. Not that I would REALLY do that.

But I have to admit, I have probably read Genesis, Exodus, and half of Leviticus more times than I can remember.

Starting tomorrow, my friend Amy and I will start a reading plan to read the entire Bible in chronological order. Not front to back, but the way the events actually happened. So excited!!

I'll be keeping you updated on my progress. Now I have two accountability partners. ;)

Happy Birthday, Lincoln

1.15.11

Today you are one. You are crawling, talking, waving, playing and wrestling with your brother.

This past year has been exhausting and exhilarating all at the same time. We have grown into a family of four, and I couldn't imagine it any other way. You are funny, playful, ticklish, and have a mind of your own. Watching you play with your brother have been some of my most treasured moments. I pray I won't ever forget them.

Today I celebrate your life. The life that a great God has given you. You are significant, you are a leader, you are going to do great things ahead. I will always support you and always love you, no matter what. NO MATTER WHAT.

I promise to let you make mistakes, for it is in these mistakes, you will learn something significant.

I promise to let go, for when I let go, God has the power to take over.

I promise to teach you all that has been passed on to me, for that is how a legacy begins.

I promise to never, ever let you forget my love for you. You will always be my little boy.

Happy Birthday, Lincoln Joseph.

Waiting

As most of you know, Joe and I have been talking about moving back to California for, oh I don't know...5 YEARS!

At last. I can see the end in sight. We are, indeed, coming home.

We started this journey 5 years ago, moving our family to Las Vegas. What we thought was a good "investment" quickly turned bad, leaving us in lots of debt and no way out. We had an opportunity to move to WA, hoping we would be able to save money, pay off our debt and get the heck out!

Our one year plan, quickly turned into two, three, four, five... Talk about learning patience. At first, I was angry. How did we get ourselves into this mess? Why did I have to be so far from my family? I felt like time was slipping away, that I was missing out and that my hands were completely tied. We had no way out. So we waited.

It was in this waiting period that I learned to listen. It took me a while, but I finally took the focus off me and my situation, and learned to obey. It is not about my timing and what I want. God has a plan for my life. A plan that is perfect. I just have to have faith.

I wouldn't change these past five years for anything. It was in this silence and prayer that I have changed into a different person. I'm by no means perfect, but I have changed. I have learned discipline, to trust in God's plan, and to pray.

And I have learned that He does listen. He comforts. He is faithful.

2011.

This year is going to be different.

I promise to smile more,
To laugh at the little things,
To take time to listen to my kids,
To watch them grow up,
To speak kind words over my children and husband,
To give more than I take,
To love Jesus more,
To cherish my relationships,
And tell those close to me that I love them.

Love this Toy

We didn't do a lot for Christmas this year. We have been working hard to save up our pennies, so we decided to re-gift one of Gavin's old toys for Lincoln.

I bought Gavin this for his second birthday, and he absolutely LOVED IT, so I was really excited to give it to Lincoln.

I cleaned it up and went online to buy replacement parts, so it was like new.

Laugh & Learn Home from Fisher Price

This was seriously the best $30 I ever spent (I got it off Craigslist). :) Not only does Lincoln love it, but Gavin has been playing with it too. Who would of thought?

December Re-Cap

December seemed like a blur to me. (as you can tell from me being MIA)

I love the holidays and Christmas time, but I felt myself constantly reminding myself to enjoy the moment. Remember the reason of Christmas.

It's so easy to get caught up in the baking, presents, wrapping, gifts, lights and before you know it- it's over. Even Gavin reminded me, "It's not about the stuff, Mom. It's all about Jesus." How true that is.

Here's is a brief "re-cap" on our December...

Me & the boys at the "Lights of Christmas" (Joe was there too, but he was the photographer.)

It was absolutely freeeeeeezing!! But we bundled up, and had a great time. There were millions of lights, Santa, and HOT COFFEE! :)

The boys & Santa

Our Tree

Gavin & Gram making the annual "Ice Box Cake" on Christmas Eve

We got home pretty late on Christmas Eve, but Gavin wanted to leave Santa a note. (Notice how nice his writing is...I'm so proud.) :)


Christmas morning!! Gavin was sooooo excited. Santa brought him a custom pair of Bat Wings, and his first skateboard.

And here is Linc, just hanging out. :)

This may have been my favorite Christmas ever. Passing down traditions from when I was a kid, and creating our own. Experiencing Christmas through my children's eyes was amazing. It brings me back to the innocence, the joy, and the true reason of why we celebrate Christmas.

Oh- and did I mention that our family was in a Christmas play at church?? Yes, that's right. Joe was Joseph, I was Mary and Lincoln was (yep you guessed it) Baby Jesus. And what a cute Jesus he was. :)