All In

Looking back at this past year, it's been full to the brim. Not just with good or bad, easy or hard, struggles or joy, but with some of each. I know this probably sounds like anyone else's year, also. I'm not special or different in my struggles...while they may sometimes make me feel singled out and the object of the world's wrath. :) Each day can probably be described just the same way...some parts a little harder than the others.

There have been hard times this year...ever tighter budgets, stressful work situations, losses of loved ones, silly accidents, and sad stays in the hospital for one tiny little girl.

This same year, however, brought that precious little girl into my arms and my heart. I know it sounds cliche, but I did wonder how on earth I would love this little dainty girl as much as I loved my firstborn wild animal. But no worries there...she is queen of our hearts. They were simply doubled to make room for her.

My kids are forever teaching me lessons that I didn't even realize I needed to know. This year, if nothing else, has been all about the lessons. Those things that hurt like nobody's business, but make you more real, make you take a good look at yourself, and realize you're better off having finally been honest and admitted a change needed to take place. My kids have taught me so much about God's love, simply because they've taught me how it feels to love someone more than yourself and want what is best for them. They've also taught me to go on little or zero sleep. ;)

I can't wait to see what this year will bring, but at the same time it's scary to think about. I know there are countless numbers of wonderful and terrifying things that can happen. I know, also, that I want to do my best to give it everything I've got, throw myself into life and love and trust God with the rest.

There's no telling where this year might take us. But stay tuned...because the Guy in charge around here says its gonna be good...:)

"...I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." / John 10:10

This week at You Capture the theme was "your year in photos". Check out the link for more great photos and blogs!

Rock

There are lots of things in life that keep my in my place. God being the first, and most important, obviously. I can't get out of the bed without messing something up without for Him. A few other things include my mother, (of course...I'm sure everyone can relate to mom keeping them straight) my oldest (who is only 2) seems to think he knows exactly how I should handle things, and my husband, Billy.

This guy has been chasing after me since he was literally 14...and I was 17. My mother did not approve. But she has since come to her senses and realized just how perfect he is for me...and she also does not complain about the 2 wild grand kids she's gotten out of the deal. :) Well, except when they do things like eat all her M&M's...but that's another story.


When God brought him into my life, he knew I'd need the logic in his brain to counteract my sometimes over-emotional sensitivity, I'd need his patience and calmness when the kids are just too much, I'd need his hard-working attitude to get us through the tight budget and long hours, his willingness to listen to the deepest secrets and ideas in my cautious head and impulsive heart, he knew I'd need this rock of a guy to lean on to help get me through the crazy days ahead.

I am so glad that I have this guy in my life...he's my bug-killer, toe-warmer, late night ice cream runner, weird sense of humor getter, best friend forever. I'd really be a mess, well, a much bigger mess, without him.

No Snowsuits Needed

Today...after several weeks of holiday craziness, a minor blizzard, a new year, and not enough sleep, but plenty of good memories and family time...I am happy to announce that I am in a place where this snowsuit is not necessary.

Right now, I am relaxing in sunny Florida...well if you call a vacation with 2 hooligans relaxing. At least I have handy babysitters staying in the same house with me...since we are vacationing with my family *that comes with built in babysitters*. This trip was our Christmas present from my parents...and on top of just how cool getting a tropical trip for Christmas is, I'm planning on getting a tan and some extra sleep out of it while I'm at it. I haven't had a tan since, well the summer before I had Merrick. Hopefully that little detail won't mean I just come home with a sunburn. ;)



“I am submitting this photo into the I Heart Faces logo photo contest. By entering, I am granting I Heart Faces LLC permission to consider my photo for use in the marketing and promotion of their website.”

This week at i ♥ faces the theme was just that..."i ♥ faces". This picture is definitely of a face that I love...and I always love the chance to work at my photography. Check out their site for more great shots!

Twenty Ten

I have to be honest here. I've rung in the last several New Years'...asleep. I am just not the type of girl to stay up past my bedtime...which is as early as I can get away with. Especially when sleep is such an in-demand item around here. I get it when I can...even if that's New Years Eve.

Usually my hubby is off partying the night away with some of the crazy students we work with, or at least trying to keep them semi-contained. But with 2 hooligans I usually just ended up staying home and calling it a night.

This year, though, we got the night "off". We took the students to a concert on the 30th, since taking them on New Years Eve never would quite work out for everyone. So we got the chance to hang out with some friends of mine, from way back. I mean, way back...as in I wasn't even driving yet. And they are still the best friends a girl could ask for.

I was so excited to be able to catch up, hang out, reminisce, and ring in the New Year in some way other than asleep like an old lady. We took the kids, which was probably a crazy idea, but so many of my girlfriends hadn't ever even had a chance to meet the infamous hooligans, and I hadn't had a chance to meet their new babies or husbands/boyfriends, etc. There were lots of new people to meet, but over a game of Apples to Apples, you don't stay strangers very long. :)

It was a great way to start off the New Year...other than waking up the next morning with Merrick's diapered behind on my head. I think my resolution for this year will be to find a babysitter well in advance for next New Years...now that I know I can handle staying up past my bedtime. :)

Bad Habits

Happy New Year everyone! We all know how it goes on January 1st. Everyone is all about breaking bad habits for new years, and starting the year right with some new and improved habits.

Well...speaking of habits, Merrick has picked up a few, well, interesting ones from my siblings and their various boyfriends, crushes, girlfriends, fiances, etc. There are so many people in my family...and when you add one "significant other" for at least 4 out of the 6 siblings, it's enough people for a football team. Merrick has learned to say several things I'd rather him not say from my younger sisters, he's been exposed to rock climbing and other various stunts thanks to the guys in our family, he's learned to appreciate chocolate and soda *a little sooner than I'd like* from my sisters and my mom, and he's learned a little Italian from my dad *who is learning Italian himself*, and apparently he's learned a cool new way to pick his nose from Cam, my sister's boyfriend:

Around here we are resolving to find something else to do at the lunch table besides stick our fingers up our nose...like maybe eat for a change? How 'bout you? ;)