The Beginning of a New Year

Happy New Years Eve Eve! In the spirit of the New Year, I've been collecting my thoughts and trying to plan my hopes and dreams for 2012. Besides having a backspace key installed for my mouth, and no longer allowing “I don’t feel like it” to be an acceptable, no-questions-asked excuse for my laziness, I’m looking at my list of ways to shape up this next year and feeling a little overwhelmed by all the personal changes I'd like to see.

So, instead of making all sorts of grandiose attempts at trying to fool myself into being that “perfect” person He knows I’ll never be, God led me to some wonderful scriptures to reflect on during my planning for the new year. I love what G. K. Chesterton says - “The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul”.

So for now, I feel less overwhelmed in my preparations and planning for the New Year and much more assured in knowing God is going to provide me every tool I need to be everything He created me to be.

I hope you find these scriptures helpful in your planning. And may the giver of every good and perfect gift bless you with heaven's blessings this upcoming Year!

Looking for Hope in the Future
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

A New Creation
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

New Heart
Ezekiel 36:25-27
"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. And I will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony heart of sin and give you a new, obedient heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so you will obey my laws and do whatever I command.

Forgetting the Past
Philippians 3:13-14
No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.

Learning from Past Mistakes
Hebrews 12:10-11
Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Wait on the Lord
Psalm 37:7
Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

Isaiah 40:31
Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.

God's Timing is Perfect
Ecclesiastes 3:11
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Each New Day is Special
Lamentations 3:22-24
The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!"

Isaiah 40:31
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”

Philippians 3:13-14
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Once Upon a Time

His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'" Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."

So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."

After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead."

So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene."

--Matthew 1:18 - 2:23

Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29

For your steadfast love was established for ever, your faithfulness is firm as the heavens.
You have said, "I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant:
`I will establish your descendants for ever, and build your throne for all generations.'" [Selah]
Let the heavens praise your wonders, O LORD, your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!
And I will make him the first-born, the highest of the kings of the earth.
My steadfast love I will keep for him for ever, and my covenant will stand firm for him.
I will establish his line for ever and his throne as the days of the heavens.

Glory be to God.

1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Style

I thought I'd share this devotion a friend of mine sent to me last year.  It's a special reminder during this busy time of year to remember what's most important.  I hope I can contiune to increase this skill in my daily life.

1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Style

If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny glass balls, but do not show love to my family - I’m just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family - I’m just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family - It profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn’t envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way.

Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Love never fails. Video games will break; pearl necklaces will be lost; golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.

1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Style

Tis the season!

Jolly old St. Nicholas was a pretty fun experience this year!  Kinley told him she wanted a pillow pet, Bailey was talked into a baby doll and Colson, well... he could care less.

Advent Calander I made from Colson's baby food jars.  Thanks Pintrest!

 Kinley thought this was the perfect ornament for our family.  I couldn't agree more!

A Thankful Heart

I can’t believe another year has come and gone! Last year, I started a personal quest to write down and reflect on my thankful list for the month of November. It became a great opportunity for me to reflect on God’s goodness in my life despite this chaos of a life. This year especially shined some much needed insight, wisdom and hope in my life. So here is my thankful list.

1. I'm thankful for friends in my life that will lay down whatever they are doing to help out where-ever they are needed. I'm realizing that some of the most wonderful moments in a friendship happen in the unforeseen, unplanned moments of life. These kinds of friends are truly a gift that can't be measured.
2. I'm thankful for my three beautiful children. Each of them have helped me see God in a new and wonderful way. It hasn't been easy - that's not how change works-but it's been worth it! Being their mom is one of the highest God-given privileges and honors of my life.
3. I'm thankful for hearts that never harden, tempers that never tire and patience that never wavers. I can sure learn a lot from them.
4. Today I'm thankful I have at least one child that doesn't talk back and throw tantrums. (I won't be able to say this next year:)
5. I’m thankful for God and for His grace in always finding me when I least deserve it.
6.  Thankful for my precious two year old who tells me I'm "cute" in the clothes I wear on laundry day that really make me look like an alien in a movie when kids dress it to look like a human. God Bless her sweet sweet heart.
7. Today I'm thankful for the amazing skill and talent it takes to trip over a flat surface. I'm sure a few are still getting a good chuckle out of it. (In Target right before Checkout)
8. I'm thankful for a sound mind and for God’s help when I fall short.
9. Thankful for a new day of life and my understanding that this is my temporary home and I'm really meant to live eternally in heaven:)
10. I'm thankful God continues to add to my life every day. He continues to build on what he has already taught and built in me. little by little.
11. Today I'm especially thankful for the simple blessings in my life. It's the simple, thoughtful, and caring acts of those in my life that make it that much sweeter.
12. Today I am thankful for having enough...
13. Tonight, I'm thankful for a ‘lived in' home. I’ve got an endless string of toys all over my living room floor and crumbs under the kitchen table but for some reason it's ok today...
14. I'm thankful for an amazing steering team of women who put their heart talent and time into making MOPS so wonderful! By far the best year I've been privileged to serve.
15. I'm thankful that I am a child of God and that I belong to Him. Above all others, He is the one I need to please.
16. Today and everyday I'm thankful for Russell. I often take for granted everything he does for our family. How did I ever get so lucky?
17. I am thankful for quiet moments when all three of my kiddos are sleeping.
18. I'm thankful for giggles and slobbery kisses!
19. I'm thankful for my early morning quiet time when the kiddos are still sleeping.
20. Thankful for Starbucks green tea and passion tea and a great phone chat with my wonderful friend Kirsten. I always enjoy our time catching up.
21. Today and everyday I am thankful for Kinley's loving and giving heart. She is so eager to take care of her brother and sister. Her love for them makes me smile.
21. My sweet friend Holli who came over today to take pictures of my family. She is such a blessing in my life.
22. Thankful that God loves every part of me despite ALL of my shortcomings.
24. Thankful for a wonderful day celebrating thanksgiving. It wasn’t the free range turkey, the stuffing, or the table settings, that made it a wonderful day. It was who was around the table that mattered most. We truly enjoyed each other’s company.

A Few Favorites

Introduced to pintrest last week...I'm so addicted!!!

Five years in Frisco

This month marks 5 years since our move to Frisco.  Moving and starting over has been by far the hardest mountain I've ever climed.  After several repeated life lesson experiences, here are a few I've jotted down to share.

1. Living in one of the fastest growing city in the nation has taught me that even though everything around me changes, one thing stays the same... His Word, His Truth and His Light. God never changes.
2. There is nothing worse than having no friends, a six month old baby and no place to go. God definitely created us to have friendships!
3. I've learned to lay down my pride and ask for help. We all need support from time to time.
4. Parenting is way harder than I thought.
5. I can’t change my husband into my image. But I can expect him to work for the good of our family
6. My own family traditions are important. Every day and every week my family needs rituals and traditions of our own. Like movie night, game night and prayers before bed.
7. Facing my fears has helped me build strength and dependence on God.
8. Sometimes no matter how much I care, some people are just jerks.
9. I can't take everything so personally… it's not all about me.
10. Don't get buried in the details and miss the big picture.
11. We all deserve to be judged on more than just our lowest moments. That a moment of lost temper or regrettable word or action doesn’t negate everything else.
12. I will NEVER be perfect this side of heaven. No matter how hard I try.
13. Wishing things were different is a great way to torture myself.
14. Comparing my inside to everyone else’s outside is another great way to torture myself.
15. I can’t make everyone happy all the time.
16. There is always someone else who has it worse. 
17. Yelling always makes things worse. I’ve got to stay calm, if I'm freaking out my kids will too.
18. Nothing — ever — happens exactly like I pictured it. The daily struggle to throw out my own script is hard at times.
19. If I'm talking to someone I don’t know well, I may be talking to someone who knows way more about whatever were talking about than I do.
20. Hurt people hurt others. Cliché but true.
21. There are people who love me dearly but just don't know how to show it.
22. Laugh often, have fun and give only from my heart.  My sense of humor has kept me above water in many difficult situations.
23. No matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
24. Be grateful and recognize God in everything He has given me. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
25. I still have a lot to learn, no one knows everything.

50 Rules for Dads of Daughters {by Michael Mitchell}

I came across this on a blog that I follow and it brought me to tears. Fathers really do have a special bond with their daddy's. I can see this first hand with Russell and the girls. They absolutely adore him!

1. Love her mom. Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public displays of affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good.
2. Always be there. Quality time doesn’t happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she add years to her… add life to her years.
3. Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.
4. Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.
5. Pray for her. Regularly. Passionately. Continually.
6. Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl with a wicked slider.
7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.
8. Go ahead. Buy her those pearls.
9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.
10. Enjoy the wonder of bath time.
11. There will come a day when she asks for a puppy. Don’t over think it. At least one time in her life, just say, “Yes.”
12. It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.
13. Make pancakes in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.
14. Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching shoes with her old man.
15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til her wedding day.
16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.
17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.
18. Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.
19. Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.
20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.
21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive.
22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.
23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.
24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.
25. Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she’s still tiny.
26. It is in her nature to make music. It’s up to you to introduce her to the joy of socks on a wooden floor.
27. If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck to a puddle.
28. She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.
29. If her mom enrolls her in swim lessons, make sure you get in the pool too. Don’t be intimidated if there are no other dads there. It’s their loss.
30. Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there.
31. Teach her to roller skate. Watch her confidence soar.
32. Let her roll around in the grass. It’s good for her soul. It’s not bad for yours either.
33. Take her swimsuit shopping. Don’t be afraid to veto some of her choices, but resist the urge to buy her full-body beach pajamas.
34. Somewhere between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.
35. She’ll probably want to crawl in bed with you after a nightmare. This is a good thing.
36. Few things in life are more comforting to a crying little girl than her father’s hand. Never forget this.
37. Introduce her to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as yours. Keep that in mind.
38. When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.
39. Holding her upside down by the legs while she giggles and screams uncontrollably is great for your biceps. WARNING: She has no concept of muscle fatigue.
40. She might ask you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.
41. Take it easy on the presents for her birthday and Christmas. Instead, give her the gift of experiences you can share together.
42. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what.
43. Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.
44. Write her a handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them most.
45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.
46. When in doubt, trust your heart. She already does.
47. When your teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
48. Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.
49. This day is coming soon. There’s nothing you can do to be ready for it. The sooner you accept this fact, the easier it will be.
50. Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink

Spiritual Directory Assistance

Sharing life with my little boy

I’ve been meaning to add these pictures for awhile! My friend Holli took these shots at the Frisco Heritage Park a couple of weeks ago.  We had a wonderful time capturing some truly precious moments!  I'm so thankful to have a friend who shares her talent and love for photography on my family. Thank you so much Holli!!!

In the middle of the trenches

Lately I've been facing a lot of battles with the little people in my life. School has been a huge adjustment for Kinley and it's taking a toll on her emotionally and she is ALWAYS tired. And Bailey has decided reading books during nap time is so much more exciting. So when three o'clock rolls around, every one in the house has melt downs, including me.

I'm tired of feeling easily provoked and defeated.  There are days like today, that I get so tired of the whining, fussing and complaining I wish I could hit the fast forward button to bed time.  Overcoming my temperament isn’t always easy in these circumstances but I know it’s inevitable to be a parent without facing these daily trials. Oh how I remember fondly, the days when I was a perfect parent, with perfect children. Back before I actually had any kids...


Tonight I’m casting my cares on the Lord and praying He will sustain me.

Just for grins!

 Friday night brownie!

 Play Date! 

 Hike for Life 2011

She makes me laugh

He should be in a commercial for cute;)

Some day I will look back and say "These were the best days of my life".

Good Times...

We had a wonderful time with some great friends in Vegas this weekend!  I can’t put into words how much Russell and I needed this get away… It was so nice.  Our amazing friends Burt and Kirsten made the trip even more enjoyable.  A good long weekend with these two people cures almost anything!  We laughed together, shared stories about our kiddos and spent a lot of time walking and catching up.  One of the wonderful blessings of having old friends is that you can afford to be stupid with them and they still love you.   

I’m so thankful for my mother who came in to hold down our zoo. I know she was extremely tired after the third day but words cannot express how much this meant to us both. We love you mom! 

 Our hotel.  The Excalibur

 Russell is not much of a dare devil but he humored my crazy side by riding the rides off of the stratosphere.  I secretly think he ended up having a good time.

Captured some amazing views

 If you look closely, you can see the scared look on his face right before lift off...

Friendship

Sirach 6:5-17

5 A kindly turn of speech attracts new friends; a courteous tongue invites many a friendly response.
6 Let your acquaintances be many, but for advisers choose one out of a thousand.
7 If you want to make a friend, take him on trial, and do not be in a hurry to trust him;
8 for one kind of friend is so only when it suits him but will not stand by you in your day of trouble.
9 Another kind of friend will fall out with you and to your dismay make your quarrel public,
10 and a third kind of friend will share your table, but not stand by you in your day of trouble:
11 when you are doing well he will be your second self, ordering your servants about;
12 but, if disaster befalls you, he will recoil from you and keep out of your way.
13 Keep well clear of your enemies, and be wary of your friends.
14 A loyal friend is a powerful defense: whoever finds one has indeed found a treasure.
15 A loyal friend is something beyond price; there is no measuring his worth.
16 A loyal friend is the elixir of life, and those who fear the Lord will find one.
17 Whoever fears the Lord makes true friends, for as a person is, so is his friend too.

Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

Bailey

Bailey climbed out of her crib for the first time today. She had a mischievous look on her face and laughed when she opened her door to her room. Tonight she decided she was ready for her big girl bed. Sniff, sniff...

My heart can see what my camera could not capture. You fill a space in my heart I never knew existed two and a half years ago. I know, someday you will read this post and laugh at my sentimental sillyness. 

Wimsy Candy and Gifts!

We had a great MOPS meeting on Friday!  My favorite part was the beautiful candy table the MOPS table leaders gave to our group. You girls made the meeting more special and sweet! Thanks to Wimsy Candy and Gifts for making this perfect arrangement!  By the way, if you are interested in getting a customized gift for just about any occasion check out Kim's website!  wimsycandy.com




 

Life's Burdens...

We were driving down the highway headed to dinner the other night and this is what we saw. (it's not the best picture but it definitely captured a funny moment).  It reminds me of all those times I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take two trips to bring my groceries in.

It also reminds me that when I am frustrated over circumstances beyond my control and my problems seem unbearably heavy and weighing me down...Jesus.  Or, in those moments when I feel alone in the struggle...Jesus. In the middle of conflict...Jesus. When I am absolutely, undeniably afraid...Jesus. If healing for a relationship is needed...Jesus. If it is time to make a hard decision...Jesus. In times when I just need to let go...Jesus. For peace and rest on sleepless nights...Jesus.

Oh how I need to remember these truths when I walk through trials and hardships. If I dwell on Him a little bit longer, His sweetness gives me strength to help me continue to carry my cross. Thank you, Jesus for your unending goodness!

Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Fabulous Fall

We finally got a much needed break in the temperatures!!! Lately it's been so hot that when I flip my pillow over it's not even cool on the other side. So, this weekend we took full advantage of the out doors and had a wonderful time together.

Here are a few shots of my favorite flowers. 

Hibiscus plants are everywhere at the arboretum and they come in so many beautiful colors. 

Delicious fall, I am so excited to see you!



80th Birthday Celebration

Here are a few pictures of my grandmother's surprise birthday party we had in July.  My family from all over came to celebrate an amazing woman.  It  was a beautiful day. 

Susan her daughter, picked Mama Mac up and told her they were going to a fundraising event. She had no clue what was in store for her. This was a shot taken by the photographer.  She looked shocked.

The cake shows picutres of all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

I just thought this was a great random picture. 

Isn't she beautiful!

 This was the table at the entrance. I loved reading the notes written in the sign in book. The kiddos had their own special book that was precious.

Here is a picture of her children and their spouses. She had 4 boys and 4 girls!

Her grandchildren and thier spouses. 18 grandchildren total...

 Her great grandkids!  38 and counting...

  Happy Birthday to a beautiful woman and inspiration in my life. You have created an amazing legacy! 

A new chapter

We took Kinley to her first day of kindergarten yesterday. All of us were a little nervous but only one of us cried. Sniff, Sniff.

Bailey, Colson and I had a quiet morning and met a friend for a play date. It was a strange and quiet afternoon. After pick up, we headed for ice cream to celebrate. It wasn't until we hit the parking lot and she threw up that I realized how bad her first day had been. Her nerves finally got the best of her. Fortunately she seemed to have a much better day today.

I spoke to a friend this morning who sent her son off to college. (I can only imagine how hard that must be). She was having a difficult time as we both shed a few tears together. I was humbled to see that no matter what age or stage in life we may be, change is inevitable for everyone.

It seems that here lately, I’ve been going through a lot of changes. Sometimes I find myself gripping my current situation with white knuckles and resisting change with every breath I take. The more I try to resist, the more depressed and anxious I become.

I know Kindergarten is a good change and even though it has a promise of good things to come, it’s still hard to say good bye to the things that I was enjoying. In many ways, part of me doesn’t want them to end. I know she needs to have a chance to start this ride, and learn to work her problems out on her own; but it still gives me a heavy heart. 

I don't want to just survive these changes in my life; I want to make the best of them.  So, starting tomorrow, I’m going to thank God for this wonderful season in my life and enjoy what He has in store for the both of us.  Deep breath...Change is a good thing.

CHERISH is the word...

 Building Memories together Kinley and Clara

Peaceful morning!

So tired after her first day... Dream on, little dreamer.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28