Thankful...

This year I am not going to have any new years resolutions. Rather I am going to stop and enjoy the blessings in front of me. To make sure that I don't miss what God is gifting me at this very moment. To be the mother and wife that God calls me to be, not this world. I am going to speak words that make souls stronger and I am going to be more organized.

I have a daily to do list  that I have created, a weekly and monthly checklist to hold myself accountable. There is a binder to hold all of the kids forms, activities, schedules, school info. If I don't get to something or even do a list for the day, oh well. I will do what I can and let go of what I can't.

 I am ready to get rid of all the "clutter". The clutter in our home (room by room) the clutter of our schedules (what do we REALLY need to focus on) and the clutter of my soul. Yes, Jesus fill up my heart, be in each word I speak so others can see and hear you through me, take the place of the "clutter".

Let me give myself the grace God bestows on me each day and start fresh each day.

So today (already a day late) I will join Ann VosKamp at A HOLY EXPERIENCE and post my blessings each Monday. I will write them down each day, to notice and delight in the small wonderful gifts God is constantly giving me. Oh how I love him!

Blessings 1-10

1. a warm bed to nap in

2. giggles when bellies are blown on

3. cookie sticks and chocolate mustaches

4. Away in a Manger sung by a 2 year old

5. Beckham sharing his cars

6. Moments of silence

7. Soaking in a warm bath

8. Yellow buses that bring big giggles

9. open mouthed kisses on the cheek

10. a clean mudd room

For Ann Voskamp this is the year of "here" which I love and in addition for me this will also be the year of grace. May I feel God's grace shower each of my days. May I give grace to others around me (yes, with a 2 year old this may be a challenge) and may I see the grace others extend to me.

2011  - The year of HERE, ENCOURAGEMENT & GRACE...I can't wait!

What will 2011 be for you?

Mary

Every Christmas since I have been pregnant Mary fills my mind. I can so relate to this young woman, wondering why God chose her. Scared of just what the future holds for her, Joseph, her baby and her family. Not knowing the details of God's plan but just trusting he is good and faithful. I can almost feel her doubt, did the angel really appear in front of me. I can feel her fear, what will I tell Jospeh, my parents, EVERYONE!!! I can feel her pain, pregnant and riding across the country on a donkey (OK, I haven't really had that experience). I can feel her faith, love, patience, surrender, wonder, excitement, amazement.

Do you think she doubted at times? Do you think she was fearful? Do you think she was ever mad at God? Did she wonder if he had forgotten about her as she had to give birth in an old, cold dark cave? Do you think she had feeling of inadequacy?

I LOVE Mary and I love what she teaches me about being a woman, being chosen and being faithful. May this Christmas remind you that the simple became sacred and it can continue to today.

STOP, LISTEN, WAIT...HE IS COMING.

Birthday Suit & Hairbows

Evalyn is now 6 and a half months old and I took some fun pictures of her today. The light coming in her bedroom window was reflecting off her amazing blue eyes and perfect skin (yes, I am jealous of it). She was having a ton of fun with Mama's attention and making silly faces.

Peek-a-Boo with Beckham & Christmas Preview

One of Beckham's favorite games is to play hide and seek in our curtains. He giggles so loud and melts my heart.

And here is a little preview of one of Evalyn's 3 Christmas outfits. I LOVE having a little girl!

Just a few...

I really need to update on all the changes that the kids have been going through. It really has been amazing me everything they are learning. But for now a few adorable pictures will have to do...

Christmas Cards

It is that time of the year again, CHRISTMAS! My dear friend Sarah has already been celebrating in her decorated house for a month and is making me feel behind! I haven't decorated my house or gotten a tree but I am starting to plan my Christmas cards! I LOVE everything about Christmas Cards. I love picking out and editing my pictures. I love spending hours finding the perfect card. I love thinking of and praying for each family as I address them. The only thing I don' t love about them is licking the envelope. Anyone want to take over that role?

This year I am planning on using Shutterfly for our family card. They have so many options, you can pick their cardstock option for a custom feel and they are so affordable! There are so many adorable ones I am not sure which one to choose. Here is a preview of some of my favorites.

Card #1 - http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/charming-gift-wrap-christmas-5x7-folded-card?sortType=2&fa=2&storeNode=93496&fb=1&fc=2

Card #2 - http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/full-of-love-christmas-5x7-folded-card?sortType=2&fa=2&storeNode=93496&fb=1&fc=2

Card #3 - http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/good-blessings-religious-christmas-5x7-folded-card?sortType=2&fa=12&storeNode=93496&fb=1&fc=2

Aren't they amazing?!?!? Now, which one will I choose? You 'll have to look in the mail to find out!

Halloween 2010

This year was so fun! It was Evalyn's first Halloween and she was all smiles. Beckham LOVED going to trick or treat at our neighbor's house. He said "or treat" at each house, admired and hugged their pumpkins and tried to go into their houses. We went to a few houses and he said more and giggled. We came home and he ran to the door and said hi to each trick or treater while he ate his suckers. It was such a great day and the kids looked adorable!

One of my favorite things about being a mom is that I get to see things through the eyes of my kids. I believe that this is the way God wants us to view life. Beckham feels everything so much... excitement, joy, frustration, love. At the slightest bit of attention Evalyn smiles. She loves when Beckham looks at her and showers her with kisses. God created little girls to be that way. To want to be delighted in with love and attention, what a blessing I get to be the one who does it!

What are your kids teaching you about God today?