Wednesday With Words

If you were a fly on the wall around here, here are some things you might see.

Unfortunately, Rory didn't fit.

Our kids have a habit of getting their appendages stuck on things.  You might recall that Rory got her finger caught in a jump rope handle.  Logan got his finger caught in an ornament ball.  Luckily, this one didn't bring us to the Urgent Care like Rory's did.

This is how you can find Kevin and I most nights.  

This was KJ's birthday cake.  No, he is not 48 years old.  

Does this look familiar?

Say it with me, "Aaawwwwww!"

Word of the Year

Have you seen these blogs where people are picking their word for the year?  It's supposed to be ONE word that will encompass their focus for the year.  Naturally I am intrigued and am trying to pick a word.  Here are my thoughts and explanations.  Then, if you'd like, you can comment on which one you think I should go for.

1. Family

I really want to try and focus on my vocation this year.  This includes making family a priority in every way.  This entails what we eat, how we spend our time, making sure we're spending time together and so forth.  I feel like I started this way of passage late last year, and that I can pick it up full steam ahead for this coming year.

2. Present

I'm a planner.  It's no surprise.  Sometimes in my planning, I can be a week into the future rather than enjoying whatever might be going on at the moment.  For instance, sometimes while I'm snuggling with the kids before bed, I'm already thinking what I'm going to do once I get them in bed rather than loving my time with them.  It takes a lot of awareness to pull myself back to the present.  I feel like my word of the year for last year was aware.

3. Rest

I had a lot of rest over the holidays even though it took me a little bit to figure out what that was.  When we were first on break, I would tell the kids, "we have nothing to do tomorrow."  Then I would get up that morning with my to-do list which normally consisted of chores, cleaning, and errands.  I remember Logan whining, "But you said we didn't have anything to do today,"  then Kevin would tell him, "That's mommy's way of saying we don't have to be anywhere at any particular time."  I laughed it off but later it really bugged me.  It took me a couple of days, but I got over it.  Sure there were some things that I would do to make myself feel better, but I let the kids do what they wanted.  (Whispering) Sometimes I can be a little controlling.  Don't tell.  Instead of micromanaging my time and my guilt, I cut myself some slack.  Sure they've been on electronics more than my liking, but when do they ever have a chance to do that?  We have spent many nights by the fire putting puzzles together.  It has become my favorite new thing.  I didn't focus on the fact that I didn't finish deep cleaning my kitchen, or rearranging the toy shelves to fit our new treasures, and guess what?  The kids were right there putting the puzzle together with me and not on their electronics.  It was pure bliss.  PURE BLISS.  This is the rest that I think our family has been needing, deserving for years.  

So there you have them.  I suppose I could be a rule breaker and use all three words, but I like a challenge.  I'm planning on making a plaque of the word for the living room, so I can be reminded.  I'll need that a lot.  What are your thoughts?  Which word would you choose if you were me?

Happy New Year, friends.  May blessings chase you down!

Happy Birthday, Kevin!!!!!

There's only so many acrostics one can do for people.  I'm hanging up my birthday acrostic-ness.  Happy birthday to my beloved.  I knew from the moment I saw you that you were the one.  I remember hating people when they told me that I would "just know" when I met my soulmate.  They were right!  Thank you for being a wonderful husband and friend.  Thank you for doing the laundry, cooking, errands, dishes, and everything else you do on a daily basis around here to try and make things easier for me.  I hope you have a wonderful (however old you are) year and may only good times and blessings abound.  I love you, miss you, want you, and need you.

The Story of 2013...in Photos

I caught this from another blog and loved it, so I'm doing it.  I'm to pick ONE photo from each month and a bonus one at the end.  This is going to be difficult!

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

BONUS

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

20 Questions for 2013

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?

I would have to say Christmastime.  We actually relaxed.  Sure there were some chores and cleaning done, but mostly we just chilled and let the kids chill.

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?

Well, we were told that Marley's teeth are going to have to have the same fate as Logan's.  Before that could happen, we tried just pulling one.  Apparently, she's allergic to the sedative they gave her, and she turned into a demon child.  It was pretty un-fun.  Because of that, we are waiting for taxes to do her teeth all at once like Logan's.  :(

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?

I drove ten hours to Atlanta with a girl on my Thirty-One team, and we got along great!  Seriously, I wasn't expecting it, and it made the whole round trip really fun!

4. What was an unexpected obstacle?

More health problems and more financial problems.

5.Pick three words to describe this past year.

Recovering, Prioritizing, Progressing

6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your year.

Spiritual, Accomplished, Better

7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their year.

Better, Hard, Progress

8. What were the best books you read this year?

The Temperament God Gave You, The Temperament God Gave Your Spouse, The Temperament God Gave Your Kids by Art Bennett

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?

God

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December this past year?

I accidentally peeked at my answer last year.  It's the same.  I'm more aware.  I'm really trying to be more patient and kind and stop the judging.

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?

I think I've become more laid back.  I've let loose from my control grip a bit more.  I still want to have control of situations, but after the initial anxiety when I don't, I'm learning to let go.

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?

I took my first steps into becoming a Carmelite.  I received my brown scapular.  My favorite quote from my Carmelite book in explaining what a Carmelite is..."We seek the face of God so that others may seek Him."

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?

My hair.  I have embraced the curl, and my hair is EXTREMELY long.  

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?

I realized a lot through my friendships this year.  I noticed that some things needed changing.  I have a co-dependent personality, and this seeps into my friendships, and I can't have that.  It makes me too vulnerable.  I've learned that I need to rely on myself more and on others less.

15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work both professionally and at home?

Since part of my job is homeschooling the kids, I think I did an exceptional job at signing us up for our co-op.  It has been wonderful.  Thirty-One is falling by the wayside I'm sorry to say.  I wish I were more successful at it, but it seems like it's ran it's course.

16. What was the most challenging part of your work both professionally and at home?

The most challenging is always this house.  It's small, and we have a lot of stuff.  It's hard making sure something goes out when something comes in.  I am not a naturally organized person.  I think I just did my work challenge on the last question.

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?

Again, it's the computer.  If I wanted to be more specific, it's Pinterest.  I love that thing.  I cannot lie.

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?

I did my random acts of kindness for my birthday again this year.  I think it's going to become a tradition.  Other than that, praying...hands down.

19. What was the biggest thing you learned this past year?

I'm doing ok.  I tend to see all the negative things I'm not doing right instead of the things I might be doing ok.  I've been allowed to see some things that make me feel better about some things I'm doing.  For example, I worry that my kids aren't getting enough God.  Then I see them memorizing bible verses, offering to pray for someone who's having a hard time, or bringing their money to the poor box at church.  Instead I see that I'm not celebrating Saint feasts.  Hopefully this will continue to be my growth in the new year.

20. Create a phrase or statement that best describes 2013 for you.

I can't create one, so I'll borrow one.

"There but for the grace of God, go I."

Happy 2014!

Christmas Catches

Merry Christmas!!!

From our family to yours