I'm coming up on my fourth anniversary of this blog. It's become tradition for me to do a New Year's Post.
So here goes....
I'm looking forward to 2013. As I've posted before 13 is a good number for our family. Jason and I were married on March 13. Jack was born October 13. Caroline was July 13. Sarah is July 26 (13 + 13). Caroline is my grandmother's 13th great grandchild.
Some shy away from 13 because it's unlucky. I see it as a number that, for our family, denotes life change.
I think how you choose to look at life change affects how you handle it.
Like having a baby. We can see it as an end to sleeping in for a while. An end to having any extra income. An end to our careers if we choose to stay home. An end to being a family of 2 (or 3 or 4...whatever). OR we can choose to see it as a new beginning. A chance to tackle a new challenge. To do things differently. We can choose to be excited about watching our families grow and change.
Admittedly, when it comes to babies, I've had days of embracing the challenge and days of crying on my floor, wondering how I was ever gonna survive. ;)
I'm excited about the new beginnings of 2013. The beginning of my grad school this summer. The beginning of Caroline's last year of preschool, Sarah's 3rd grade year, and Jack's entry into the 1st grade.
For things to begin, other things have to end, right? We can't freeze time and stay where we are.
Some transitions are harder than others, but I like moving forward. Clean slates. Reinventing myself or my situation.
I like every new year.
.............
Some blessings of 2012--
Safe travels-- Jason has been on the road more than he ever has since I've known him. For months he was traveling every weekend. And other than a speeding ticket, he's had no problems on the road. That is a blessing!
Health-- My little family of 5 battles seasonal allergies and tends to get our fair share of colds... but that's it. And that is something to be VERY thankful for.
Smooth transitions-- Sarah didn't get the teacher she thought she wanted this year. But we couldn't have handpicked a better fit for our daughter. I don't request teachers because I figure God knows best. This year has been an example of that exact point. I'd have requested Mrs. Smith. Good thing I didn't. God knew Sarah needed (and we needed) Ms. Rodriguez.
Jack loved his preschool teacher and was apprehensive about starting Kindergarten. But he has thrived this year and loves his class.
Caroline had never even done Mother's Day Out before this year. We had never been apart. Then I threw her into my school, not knowing anything about her teacher, and hoped for the best. She loves Ms. Katy, and she's a great sport about coming to work with me three days a week.
Jason and I are still learning how it's gonna work for me to be in school and working 3 days a week while also having all of the house/kid duties to juggle. It hasn't always been easy but we're still married... and alive-- neither of us has killed the other... yet-- so I'd say that's not too shabby. Sometimes just surviving IS a success.
Grad school and certification tests-- Considering I "randomly" decided during Vacation Bible School this year that I wanted to take the GRE, God has opened door after door for me. Things are falling into place. And my certification tests have gone well. I couldn't have hoped for a better or more productive Fall.
Fun distractions-- On the days that have been hard at work, my co-teacher, Robyn, has made me laugh. On the weekends that I had a lot of studying and cleaning to do, the Aggies would play a good game. I have friends that send me hilarious ecards or have facebook posts that make me smile. I think those are blessings too. When there's something about my day that puts a smile on my face amidst the stress and chaos, I appreciate the momentary escape. :)
..........
I hope y'all have a blessed 2013. I hope we can all see God's hand in whatever changes He has in store for us. And please keep writing funny emails, texts, and facebook posts. God's using you to put a smile on my face. :)
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Christmas in Meridian
Well, the snow was fun, but the ice messed up our plans to head to see the McGlamerys. We postponed our trip by a day, which meant we did a quick "down-and-back-in-a-day" trip. It was coooold, but we braved the outdoors because the kids can't pass up a chance to swing.
Jimpa had a new remote controlled pickup truck. The kids (and Jason) played with that for a while too.
When it was time to open presents, the kids were spoiled with so many fun things!!
Presents as big as they are...
They got art sets and dress up clothes. Toolbenches and crossbows. Magic sets and board games.
Last Christmas we couldn't all be together because Jack had that horrible stomach ache. Remember? He begged to go the doctor; I was nervous it could be appendicitis and rushed him to the hospital. And it was nothing. :/
It was so good to all be together this year!
Minus Uncle Brian. When you're in the FedEx business, Christmas is your busiest time. He only got Christmas Day off. So we missed him. :(
Being with family is the way Christmas should be spent. :)
Jimpa had a new remote controlled pickup truck. The kids (and Jason) played with that for a while too.
When it was time to open presents, the kids were spoiled with so many fun things!!
Presents as big as they are...
They got art sets and dress up clothes. Toolbenches and crossbows. Magic sets and board games.
Last Christmas we couldn't all be together because Jack had that horrible stomach ache. Remember? He begged to go the doctor; I was nervous it could be appendicitis and rushed him to the hospital. And it was nothing. :/
It was so good to all be together this year!
Minus Uncle Brian. When you're in the FedEx business, Christmas is your busiest time. He only got Christmas Day off. So we missed him. :(
Being with family is the way Christmas should be spent. :)
Thursday, December 27, 2012
I forgot to share one of the funniest moments of looking at Christmas lights.
We passed one house with a menorah lit up in the front yard. Jason said, "Hmm, a Jew."
Without missing a beat, Jack said, "Bless you, Daddy."
I looked back at him, and he was grinning from ear to ear. He knew he was making a joke...which made it even funnier.
We passed one house with a menorah lit up in the front yard. Jason said, "Hmm, a Jew."
Without missing a beat, Jack said, "Bless you, Daddy."
I looked back at him, and he was grinning from ear to ear. He knew he was making a joke...which made it even funnier.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Tuesday, Christmas
Santa came! But he was pretty low key. He gave the kids blankets, scarves, and winter hats. The "big" items were scooters for Sarah and Jack and a Bitty Baby for Caroline.
The kids got almost everything they asked for from Jason and me. :) I like it when Santa takes a backseat to good ol' Mom and Dad. ;)
The one thing that Jack told the mall Santa he REALLY wanted for Christmas was snow. Santa said he'd do what he could.
Well lookie here...
From short sleeves on Sunday to snow on Tuesday. Jack was SO excited.
But we made sure to remind Jack that Santa doesn't control the weather. God does. And He must have sent the snow to show Jack that He listens to him and that He loves him.
Thank you, God, for our white Christmas!!! :)
The kids got almost everything they asked for from Jason and me. :) I like it when Santa takes a backseat to good ol' Mom and Dad. ;)
The one thing that Jack told the mall Santa he REALLY wanted for Christmas was snow. Santa said he'd do what he could.
Well lookie here...
From short sleeves on Sunday to snow on Tuesday. Jack was SO excited.
But we made sure to remind Jack that Santa doesn't control the weather. God does. And He must have sent the snow to show Jack that He listens to him and that He loves him.
Thank you, God, for our white Christmas!!! :)
Monday
CHRISTMAS EVE.
On Christmas Eve we spent the morning and afternoon getting errands run. I needed to go to the grocery store. Jason made a run to Home Depot. I made a buttermilk pie, a chocolate flourless torte, and some chocolate chip cookies to take to Hilary's house for our Christmas Eve dinner. We cleaned the house a little and did some laundry.
Church started at 4:00. I always love the candlelight Christmas Eve service.
After church, the kids changed into PJs, and we headed over to my sister and brother-in-law's for our traditional Christmas Eve dinner... beef tenderloin. Mmmm.
Kids in the kitchen. Adults in the dining room.
We keep commenting on how it just gets easier every year having our kids together. They left us alone all night, and we enjoyed a leisurely dinner and were able to have conversations.
Miscellaneous pics... :)
We got home late last night... Well, 9:30... but that's late with small-ish kids.
Caroline begged to be put to bed. Sarah and Jack stayed up long enough to collect acorns for the reindeer. Jack wanted them in individually labeled bowls for each deer. We put out a cookie-- WITH sprinkles (Jack insisted that Santa wanted sprinkles.)-- and milk for Santa.
Another great Christmas Eve.
On Christmas Eve we spent the morning and afternoon getting errands run. I needed to go to the grocery store. Jason made a run to Home Depot. I made a buttermilk pie, a chocolate flourless torte, and some chocolate chip cookies to take to Hilary's house for our Christmas Eve dinner. We cleaned the house a little and did some laundry.
Church started at 4:00. I always love the candlelight Christmas Eve service.
After church, the kids changed into PJs, and we headed over to my sister and brother-in-law's for our traditional Christmas Eve dinner... beef tenderloin. Mmmm.
Kids in the kitchen. Adults in the dining room.
We keep commenting on how it just gets easier every year having our kids together. They left us alone all night, and we enjoyed a leisurely dinner and were able to have conversations.
Miscellaneous pics... :)
We got home late last night... Well, 9:30... but that's late with small-ish kids.
Caroline begged to be put to bed. Sarah and Jack stayed up long enough to collect acorns for the reindeer. Jack wanted them in individually labeled bowls for each deer. We put out a cookie-- WITH sprinkles (Jack insisted that Santa wanted sprinkles.)-- and milk for Santa.
Another great Christmas Eve.
Sunday evening
Every Christmas Eve Eve we go to Mom and Dad's and do a gift exchange between the cousins, Hil and Al, Mom and Dad, and Jason and me.
Every year it gets a little more fun and a little less chaotic. :)
The little girls, Kate and Caroline, got balance bikes from Mom and Dad. We finally got smart with the last kid. Skip training wheels and teach balance from the beginning. I predict Caroline will be riding a "real" bike before Sarah or Jack. ;)
(Please notice that Jason is in short sleeves and Caroline does not have a coat on. You'll see that will all change by Christmas.)
After this fun-filled time, we surprised the kids by taking them to a 7:00 PM showing of "Rise of the Guardians". Caroline got restless, but the big kids loved it! What's not to love about having popcorn for dinner??! It was Jason's idea to squeeze in a movie, and it was definitely a hit!
Every year it gets a little more fun and a little less chaotic. :)
The little girls, Kate and Caroline, got balance bikes from Mom and Dad. We finally got smart with the last kid. Skip training wheels and teach balance from the beginning. I predict Caroline will be riding a "real" bike before Sarah or Jack. ;)
(Please notice that Jason is in short sleeves and Caroline does not have a coat on. You'll see that will all change by Christmas.)
After this fun-filled time, we surprised the kids by taking them to a 7:00 PM showing of "Rise of the Guardians". Caroline got restless, but the big kids loved it! What's not to love about having popcorn for dinner??! It was Jason's idea to squeeze in a movie, and it was definitely a hit!
Sunday morning
I checked the Willow Bend Mall website to see when Santa would be arriving on Sunday morning. It said 8:00 AM.
Perfect!
We can get there right on time wearing our PJs, get a cute pic, head back to the house, change into our church clothes, and make it in time for Sunday School. I LOVE waking up and being productive.
Soooo... off we headed to the mall at 7:45 in our PJs.... only to find out-- after waiting for him for 30 minutes-- that Santa wouldn't be there til 10.
Really? That's not what the website said!! And I find it VERY hard to believe that I misread the site. ;) So I'm not sure what happened.
Attempt #2 to see Santa... ANOTHER FAIL.
We went home and changed into our church clothes. Forget Sunday School. There's still time to see Santa at 10 and get to church in time for the worship service.
We showed up early and the line was already long. Grr. By the time we made it to the front of the line it was already 10:30. Church starts right at 10:45. We were going to be late. :/
Normally that wouldn't be devastating but Sunday morning my niece, Rachel, was being baptized. There was no way I could look my family in the eye and tell them that we all missed her baptism because the Santa line was long. But this was our THIRD attempt in less than 24 hours to see the jolly fat guy, and I was not going to let this be another bust.
So we thought up a plan. I would leave the mall and head to church to film Rachel's baptism on my phone. Jason would stay with the kids and talk to Santa. As soon as the baptism was over, I would head back to the mall and pick up the family. We would then go back to church and finish the service.
It worked out well! I got to church right on time, sat on the front row, stood as a person who was there in honor of Rachel's baptism, and snuck out of the sanctuary while everyone was standing to sing the first hymn.
Whew.
This is not a well done video. I was slightly frazzled. But here's my sweet niece's baptism. So happy for you and proud of you, Rachel!
Perfect!
We can get there right on time wearing our PJs, get a cute pic, head back to the house, change into our church clothes, and make it in time for Sunday School. I LOVE waking up and being productive.
Soooo... off we headed to the mall at 7:45 in our PJs.... only to find out-- after waiting for him for 30 minutes-- that Santa wouldn't be there til 10.
Really? That's not what the website said!! And I find it VERY hard to believe that I misread the site. ;) So I'm not sure what happened.
Attempt #2 to see Santa... ANOTHER FAIL.
We went home and changed into our church clothes. Forget Sunday School. There's still time to see Santa at 10 and get to church in time for the worship service.
We showed up early and the line was already long. Grr. By the time we made it to the front of the line it was already 10:30. Church starts right at 10:45. We were going to be late. :/
Normally that wouldn't be devastating but Sunday morning my niece, Rachel, was being baptized. There was no way I could look my family in the eye and tell them that we all missed her baptism because the Santa line was long. But this was our THIRD attempt in less than 24 hours to see the jolly fat guy, and I was not going to let this be another bust.
So we thought up a plan. I would leave the mall and head to church to film Rachel's baptism on my phone. Jason would stay with the kids and talk to Santa. As soon as the baptism was over, I would head back to the mall and pick up the family. We would then go back to church and finish the service.
It worked out well! I got to church right on time, sat on the front row, stood as a person who was there in honor of Rachel's baptism, and snuck out of the sanctuary while everyone was standing to sing the first hymn.
Whew.
This is not a well done video. I was slightly frazzled. But here's my sweet niece's baptism. So happy for you and proud of you, Rachel!
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