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!

Just Another Job?

As I was getting breakfast at a local drive thru this morning, I couldn't help but notice a young man who worked there. He stood with his back to me most of the time but it was still obvious that he had no desire to be there this morning or even possibly ever. He leaned his head against the window frame appearing to be exhausted, he twirled drink trays as if he was bored to tears, and as he shoved my food out the window,which turned my pancakes upside down, he mumbled "have a nice day".

I immediately thought that he must hate his job and pondered over why people choose to continue on in something when they are obviously miserable. (I know sometimes there isn't another choice.) We have all been there - stuck doing something that we don't want to do. Or maybe performing a job where we don't get the credit we think we deserve.

God showed me right then that I have been behaving the same way with my job. Only my job isn't only a job, it is my passion, it is my life. Motherhood is my career, it is my calling, it is my ministry.

Far too often, I have treated it as merely a job. Something to bear through another day. Finding any way to survive with my sanity somewhat in tact.

Its time I we all start embracing our own callings with open arms - that's the best position to be in for lots of hugs!

1 Corinthians 10:31 "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

Colossians 3:17 "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."

Elf on the Shelf ~ Goodbye Twinkle

Goodbye Twinkle. See you again soon.

Christmas Isn't Always Merry

For the 2nd morning in a row, I have woke up around 4am. Yesterday, I tried my best to ignore it. I laid in the bed tossing & turning. I even managed to doze off a few times. But I sure was in a bad mood when I finally got up. I don't take kindly to lack of sleep.

Then again this morning. I laid in bed for a little while, but this time, my mind was running wide open. All of a sudden, I had 2 or 3 people that I just could not get out of my head. God was wanting my attention & my prayers.

I planned on getting up early anyway so I could be ready for Christmas before the kids woke up. I just hadn't planned on that early.

While I was praying for these people, more & more names & faces came to mind. An overwhelming sadness drifted across my heart at the empty places that will be in homes this morning - children, parents, brother, sisters, grandparents, friends. No doubt far too many of those missing loved ones have presents wrapped under a tree.

Each & every one of us have experienced grief in our lives & no doubt will suffer through more before our time on earth is over.

While you take extra time to embrace your kids, spouses, & loved ones, please continue to pray for those staring at empty places. Those holes left in our hearts have a hard time being repaired.

God bless you & yours on this blessed Christmas morning!

Elf on the Shelf ~ Waiting on Santa

Oh Twinkle, Santa hasn't come yet.

Elf on the Shelf ~ High Flyer

Just hanging around.....

The Theory of the Little Gold Band

Last night, while getting ready for bed, my wonderful hubby looked at me & said "You're the most beautiful woman in the world" (again). I laughed & said "You're crazy" (again).

Now, before you start throwing tomatoes at me - let me assure you that this is a funny story!! I know that many women are saying "I wish my husband thought I was the most beautiful woman in the world" & some are probably saying "I wish my husband just told me I looked pretty once in a while" & some are no doubt even saying "You're his wife, he's supposed to think you are beautiful".

I know all of this - bare with me & my humor. I promise you will at least chuckle at it!

So I looked at him & said "I've got it! I know what the problem is! Your wedding band is too tight & its cutting off all the circulation to your brain. It's making you delusional."

He laughed & said "Nope, you forgot that I haven't had it on lately thanks to this job." (He can't wear it to work for safety reasons.)

I said "Well then, you're not used to it being off, so therefore now all the oxygen rich blood is rushing to your head & making you delusional."

Wait a minute - If you think this theory doesn't apply just because your wedding ring isn't gold, think again buddy! This proven scientific theory transcends ALL shape, size, color, material, & symbolism. It's even certifiable!

HAHAHAHA - I'm just full of smarticles!

Now, smile, you know it was funny!