2010

What we have learned in 2010

1. Pursue God

This year started off with us reading, Don't waste your life by John Piper. What an inspiring book to live up to. Its impossible not to waste every moments of every day, but overall, this year in the life of our family has not been wasted. There have been so many lessons along the way, but I keep coming back to the most rudimentary, Pursue GOD!. Nothing else matters.

2. Obey God

Obedience is not easy, just ask my kids. God has proven Himself faithful. Who am I to ever tell Him no.

3. Read to learn

last year's New Years Resolution was read one book a month for 2010. I read 14. The best resolution I have every made and kept. The books were challenging, enlightening, inspiring, encouraging, and educating. However, not so sure that I can pick a favorite, they were all so good in their own way.

4. Security isn't everything

Our family left every secure thing in our life, and have shed many tears over it. Fear is a powerfully defeating thing! If your faith is in anything other Christ the Rock, failure is imminent. Over and over God shows us how he Never Fails! We are overwhelmed with His goodness.

5. California food rocks

It is the FRESHEST. I am hooked.

6. Eat Organic

Omnivore's Dilemna opened my eyes to the world of Organic living. I am thankful that Organic food is so accessible and relatively afforabdle in our new town.

7. God provides

Over and Over and Over again.

8. Living in community can't be forced

I cried in all 3 church services that we attended in our home church during Christmas vacation. How I miss our home community of believers and I wish that I never took it for granted before. It's only been 6 months, but we are not connected out here yet and it hurts.

9. Life is hard

Nothing about this year has been easy. But I would not change the lessons we have learned. We are closer as a family because we are living life's struggles together, helping each other grow, and learning to love through it all.

10. My new year's resolution for 2011..........Plant a Vegetable Garden

Happy New Year

Bah Humbug

When in a clothing store by myself, my kids can be hard to handle. They get bored and want to hide in the clothes and run around. It gets stressful at times. However today, in Banana Republic, my kids were doing well. I prepped them before we went in and reminded them that we were entering a store and not a playground. So when the grinch herself walked by and told me to get my kids under control, I was so shocked and felt like decking her. The boys happened to be standing where she wanted to walk and the store was crowded. But they weren't jumping off the furniture or running around or causing ruckus, just happened to be in her way.

I said "excuse me? rather loudly and told her that was really rude." She never turned around to look at me. UGH it still fires me up, how people can be so rude!

Just had to get that off my chest.

What calmed me down, was finding my new coat in the store for over $200 off the original price and even getting cash back from my return!

We tried to get a serious family picture on Christmas Eve, but the kids had other plans, so Mike and I followed along with what they were doing. When you can't beat 'em...join 'em kind of thing!

Merry Christmas to all!

well, except, Bah humbug to the rude lady!

Elf yourself

Merry Christmas

CLick Here for our Elf video

Long Day

I picked up some PT work this week. Today was especially long 8:30 to 6:00 with only a half hour lunch.

But when I got home, aaaahhh, super big hugs from my kids.

and what brought tears to my eyes was when C told me how we forgot that he was supposed to bring something for share day at school today. It was "M" day.

So se said that when it was his turn, he stood up and said "M is for Mommy."

Oh how I wish I could have been there to jump out and surprise him.

I love how my kids love me!

Unconditional!

Respite

Monterey Bay/Carmel was our respite, our short interval of rest or relief. This is the 2nd year in a row that we have taken a mini-vacation on Thanksgiving day. I would love for this to become our holiday tradition. Forget the enormous amounts of cooking, and endless hours of football. Give me time away with my family. Time to reflect on why we are thankful.

The minute we smelled the ocean air, took in the gorgeous view and had our feet touch the white sand of Carmel, this was my response! Jumping for pure Joy.

It has been 6 months since we have lived near the ocean. Besides college, my whole life has been spent near the Ocean. I never realized my deep connection with the coast and it's renewing sense of peace and calm in my life. I guess you could say, I really like long walks on the beach.

Since the water and air were too chilly for a swim, we walked and explored, and jumped.

It was the perfect day.

I must not forget to mention breakfast that day. Katy's in Carmel served the most breakfasty breakfast. Imagine what the perfect french toast should taste like, and that's just how it was. MMM saucy goodness is their slogan. Need I say more?!

By the way, I am thankful for this beautiful man.

Later, we drove the "17 mile drive" along the coast. Absolutely Gorgeous!

I am also thankful how nature reminds us of the vastness, goodness, and beauty of our GOD.

In this season of life, may God be my eternal respite!