New ....

I can’t believe that 2011 is already here. Not only is it already here, but January is quickly coming to a close. February already?

I guess it’s time to make my ‘resolutions’ for the new year, especially since 1/12 of it has already passed. Some of them are the same every year: exercise more, eat less, save more, spend less …you know how it goes.

There are so many things I could write as my goals for the year, but the easy way to sum them all up is with one word: intentional. I want to be intentional.

I want to be intentional in seeking the Lord.

I want to be intentional in loving my husband.

I want to be intentional in teaching my children (in school and in the Word).

I want to be intentional in serving my home.

I want to be intentional in my relationships.

I want to be intentional in being healthy.

I want to be intentional …

Christmas Traditions... Advent Devotions

I just love Christmas ... it is probably my favorite holiday. It is such a special time to celebrate the birth of Christ and to make memories with our family. The past few years, we have intentionally tried to do special things each year ... making traditions and special times with one another. We pray that our children will remember these times, holding a special place in their hearts.

One of my favorite traditions is the advent devotions we do each night as a family. We have a special calendar and book that we read. The kids really like doing this together. The little ones are excited about participating this year and our bigger ones are taking more of a leadership role as they are reading the passages to their siblings. Love this time with them!

Thanksgiving Week...

We spent the week of Thanksgiving in Georgia. It was fun to visit with all of the girl cousins from Macon, GA. The weather was warm, actually hot a few days. It was such a relaxing week spending time together with family. We are thankful for that time away and to make memories with friends and family.

Still Thankful...

I am still thankful even though I haven't been posting...

I am thankful for this week away with my family. It is good to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and have an entire week of 'down' time. Brian gets to spend each day with us and we are loving every minute of it. We wake up a little late and snuggle in the bed with Carter (since he wakes up first). We get to eat breakfast, lunch and supper together - it's been so nice being together all day!

I am thankful for less laundry this week. There is a limited amount to wash and that is so great. I think maybe I should just get rid of the rest of our clothes when I get home! ;)

I am thankful for the warm weather this week. The kids have been able to play outside. I love sitting on the porch watching them laugh and play.

I am thankful for the tradition of our Thanksgiving dinner - especially the same dishes we have each year. I love the broccoli casserole, the carrot casserole, and the cornbread dressing. Mmmmm - can't wait until tomorrow.

I am thankful .... for this month of being thankful. It has been a blessing each day to remember how much I have to be thankful for.

Thankful... playing catch-up again...

The end!! Time was 2:22...

Afterwards with my people - they were so excited to see me and I was excited to see them. That thought carried me the last mile! :)

So today I am thankful that the half marathon is over!! :) It was fun (in a different way). Not 'woo-hoo' fun but fun like an exciting, nerve-wracking, adrenaline-pumping sort of way. I actually felt good the entire time and enjoyed running the route around Richmond. I never thought I could do it and am proud that I did. Looking back, 3 out of the last 4 weekends, I ran double digits runs so needless to say, my legs are tired!

I am also thankful that my husband got all 5 kids up and dressed and to the CRAZY race site downtown. He's such a trooper! I am thankful he didn't have to hurt the big tall man who tried to step in front of the kids after they had waited patiently for a spot to 'open up' so they could see me! ;)

I am thankful that he let me take a nap yesterday and basically do nothing the rest of the day!

I am thankful that he rewarded me with a Chick-fil-A peppermint chocolate chip milkshake last night.

I am thankful that he let me sleep in until 9:00 this morning while he got up and fed the kids.

Yes, I am blessed!!

Thankful...

Thankful today for ... our sweet homeschooling friends and the fun Thanksgiving feast we shared together today. Priceless memories of 20 or so little Pilgrims and Indians ... thankful for the blessing of sharing school times together with these friends!

Also thankful for the opportunity to go to our fellowship group Bible study tonight. Love studying the Word with other believers - and the best part is that I got to go with my best friend - and we were able to spend 45 minutes in the car talking on the way there and back! It's been a blessed day.

Thankful...

This afternoon, I sat for just a few minutes...and it was great. I find myself rushing from thing to thing ... always thinking of the next task that needs to be done, the next thing that I can check off my list. It makes life seem overwhelming at times - and I know that I'm not cherishing time with my children.

One of those sweet things just came up to me and sat by me so ... I just sat with him. And I cuddled with him and kissed his sweet head, knowing that it wouldn't be long before he ran off to play some more. What a gift - to love on him ... even if just for a minute.

I know I need to find more minutes in each day to do just that. If there's one thing I've learned recently, it's that the list never gets done, there's always more to do ... so why rush so hard and so fast to complete it all and miss the most important things right in front of me?

Thankful ...

Thankful that I read this quote today:

The cross must be my only story. I meditate today on what it looks like at each turn of my day to rest in its shadow.

Go read this blog for more truths like this ... prepare to be wowed!!