2012 in Review

No, it can't be time AGAIN! Really, another year has already flew by?! It seems it has.

Somehow, the older I get, the faster time wants to go. Why is that? When I was young & anxiously awaiting something, it took F O R E V E R, but now that I am trying to slow down, I can't!

2012 was filled with ups & downs, laughter & tears, triumphs & disappointments. G.R.A.C.E has reached out & encouraged more people than I could imagine.  Blessed Boutique is allowing me to do what I enjoy while still being home.

In a nutshell this year we have had 1 child stop believing in Santa & the tooth fairy, 1 child lost their first 2 teeth, 1 child to take their first steps. We have bought a dirt bike, a go cart, a 4 wheeler, a truck, a new engine for the Suburban, & a new washer & dryer. We have played football, soccer, baseball, & cheer leading. We have dealt with RSV - twice, ear infections - too many to count, a gash in a head, a leg almost sawed off, bumps, bruises, black eyes, & bloody noses. We have left one church in order to follow God's will for Justin to become a pastor.

Thankfully, through it all, I can still say that I am BLESSED! God is good!

Here are a few of my favorite posts from the past year -

Hey Can You Help these Old People

Is it Really That Important  

What Will You Leave Behind

If You Never Did Then You Should. These Things are Fun & Fun is Good.

Something More

Happy Birthday Austin

The End of an Era

My Sweet Logan is 1

When Did He Grow Up

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly - Part 1

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly - Part 2

A Higher Calling

Tales of a Homeschool Nothing ~ School Pictures

Reviving Your Marriage

The Marriage Project

20 More Years

Whose Dream is This

The Elf on the Shelf

Here's to the close of 2012 & the promise of 2013!

The Marriage Project - Major Project 3 - Group Date

I'm really not sure which "date" to count for this one. Thursday, we went haunting with friends. Friday, we had a HUGE cookout at our house. Saturday, we went to Lazy 5 Ranch with the church group. Today, we had dinner with friends. So, I think we have this one well covered.

The Marriage Project - Day 21

I LOVE getting text messages in the middle of a seemingly normal day just saying "I love you".

The Marriage Project - Day 20

I love my husband all the time. BUT, I don't always like him! I'm sure he feels the same way. Sometimes we need to be reminded just what we do like about each other.

The Marriage Project - Day 19

Our role models change many times through out our lives, but hopefully many of the things we look for in them do not!

The Marriage Project - Major Project 2 - Blast From the Past

I have enjoyed haunted houses since I was 13 and horror movies since way before that. Pre-children, Justin & I went to several spooky events every year. Post-kids, just like everything else, is a little harder. A little more planning is now neccessary. Tonight, we went to Woods of Terror in Greensboro with some friends. We even took Austin with us! It was AWESOME!!! Completely worth the extra drive out of town!

The Marriage Project - Day 18

One of my biggest pet peeves with my husband & my kids is their obliviousness as to where their shoes belong. For some reason, shoes tend to accummulate in my bathroom & other random places. I CANNOT stand this!!! Mainly, because I WILL trip over them!

The Marriage Project - Day 17

Ugh, do I REALLY have to watch hunting on TV? Maybe, I can get my head rubbed or something. Turn about is fair play. At least I get to snuggle.

The Marriage Project - Day 16

Can I just say that a fire builder I am not? I usually leave then fire to the fireman. But, practice makes perfect. After all, it was the little engine that always thought he could.

The Marriage Project - Day 15

Does my TV time count if we both want to watch the same thing???

The Marriage Project - Day 14

A good foot massage can erase a day's worth of drudgery. Justin & I have always enjoyed giving & receiving massages. After a particularly long day, we like to lay head to toe so we can both benefit from a foot massage at one time.

The Marriage Project - Day 13

The laundry monsters are always on the loose at my house. It seems that I can never get them under control, so I appreciate all the help I can get! :)

The Marriage Project - Day 12

There's just something about candlelight that makes a meal taste better. It also seems to bring about peace to an otherwise stressful day.

The Marriage Project - Day 11

S E X - Yes, I'm a married woman & I have children so I don't really have to spell it out for you.

You & your husband or you & your wife obviously have sex. That's the way it is. That's the way it should be. BUT, it is really the way you like it?

Talk to your spouse about what goes on in the bedroom, or living room, or kitchen ;) Really think this one through & actually have a meaningful conversation. You might discover that you both have the same fantasy but have been too shy to mention it.

The Marriage Project - Day 10

R E S P E C T - Find out just how much it means to your man! Tell him what he does that really makes you admire him!

The Marriage Project - Day 9

How many times have you seen a brightly wrapped present & found yourself say dreaming about what could possibly be inside? Do you find yourself thinking about the present wrapped up in a Walmart bag the same way?

Think about it ladies!! Dress it up!

The Marriage Project - Day 8

All the ways I love you...let me count the ways...

Men, have you told your wife all the things you love about he lately?

The Marriage Project - REDO

Well, it happened again. I always have really good ideas & REALLY big aspirations, but then life happens!

Justin & I did really well on our week 1 projects. But we had revival this past week so that consumed our nights. My days were spent getting ready for the Apple Festival.

So.....without further ado, let's resume The Marriage Project Week 2.

......if you aren't sure what The Marriage Project is, check it out here.....

The Marriage Project - Day 7



Does this count as "active"?



Our last project this week was to turn off the television & get active together. This one wasn't too hard. The only time we really watch TV is late at night. And we are always running here & there, but its rarely active "together". Just our luck, youth day at church consisted of a cook out & putt putt. BINGO!

The Marriage Project - Day 6

I woke up to words straight from the heart of my beloved. This is better than a card anyday.