...And That's a Wrap!

So long Twenty Sixteen.

It's been real (real, as in not-so-great-can't-wait-until-it's-over).

So there were good moments.
Our family survived "Flumageddon", Winter weather was super kind to us, Summer was slow and amazing, end-of-summer-vacation was relaxing and refreshing (which included the kiddos' first plane ride!) and Fall was on point with all her beauty and charm. We got to know our church family better, my husband was offered supervisor (though that turned out to be a thorn in our year), my husband survived knee surgery and being out of work for over a month, my dad did amazing in yet another back surgery, the boys and I are doing very well with homeschooling, we voted, survived post-election, most of our chickens are still alive, we made some new friends, my grandma is still with us (she just turned 96!), my baby turned five, and right now, we are all healthy and thriving.

So, there is still and always something(s) to be thankful for. Yes.

There have been hard lessons surrounding all these good moments. Moments that have brought us to our knees. Moments that have bent us near breaking. Moments that have caused tears and provoked hard mercy, forgiveness.

The cool thing about being in this wild deep valley? God.

He is here friends. He is good. ALL THE TIME.

Sure, He's around when we're on top too, but, He is most active when we are in the pits. WE GET TO SEE HIM in the depths of our struggling and suffering. We get to see Him move and work. And it's awesome. While I don't want to stay in the valley, I truly want to climb this mountain, I really want to stay fixed. I want my eyes fixed on Jesus. And I know that I know that I know, it doesn't just happen. We must purposefully make this an effort each and every day. And that's hard friends. Life happens and throws us off and messes us up.
But Jesus. Jesus meets us right where we need Him. And, we usually need Him in the midst of our mess.

So, I'm thankful for this hard year. I am.
I'm also glad to be moving on. With so much grace, with Him.

So, arrivederci Twenty Sixteen. Let's run into Twenty Seventeen with arms and heart wide open!

Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

A Prayer for the New Year.

O Lord,
Length of days does not profit me
except the days are passed in Thy presence,
in Thy service, to Thy glory.
Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides,
sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour,
that I may not be one moment apart from Thee,
but may rely on Thy Spirit
to supply every thought,
speak in every word,
direct every step,
prosper every work,
build up every mote of faith,
and give me a desire
to show forth Thy praise,
testify Thy love,
advance Thy kingdom.

I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year,
with Thee, O Father as my harbor,
Thee, O Son, at my helm,
Thee O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.
Guide me to heaven with my loins girt,
my lamp burning,
my ear open to Thy calls,
my heart full of love,
my soul free.

Give me Thy grace to sanctify me,
Thy comforts to cheer,
Thy wisdom to teach,
Thy right hand to guide,
Thy counsel to instruct,
Thy law to judge,
Thy presence to stabilize.
May Thy fear by my awe,
Thy triumphs my joy.

Amen.

From the The Valley of Vision.

Word.

 

It's a new year, a new blog and a new word.
I'm not a fan of big change. Never have been. I prefer subtle, quiet change. I hate the idea of crashing into a new year with all these new and improved ideas and changes.
I like what I read this morning on a blog:
"I’m not a planner. Not like that. Nor am I really a budgeter. And perhaps that’s a problem to some of you. I don’t look at January and say, “Wow! What a blank slate! Let’s plan out the year!”
I simply move gently from December and the holidays into a new month with hope and anticipation that this year will be a little bit better than the year before. I do it quietly, without fanfare, and without a ton of planning.
I guess I’m more of a “today” type of girl." 
(you can read the entire post from Sarah Markley for (In)Courage Me, here.)

That being said, I am (once again) not making "resolutions" nor am I preparing a list of goals set for the year. Instead, I have chosen one word for the year, in hopes that I can live up to it.

Reflection.

I want to be a reflection of Christ. To reflect His love, His mercy, His grace, His goodness.

This year, I will strive to be a reflection of the One who redeemed me. But, doing so one day at a time.

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come.

We have only today. Let us begin.”

— Mother Teresa

So, here's to a new day and a new word.

2013; a Review.

My baby boy turned one at the end of last year. My twin boys turned three one week later.

And then, all hell broke loose. 

 Baby boy suddenly took on a "preschooler" personality. Just seeming to skip the toddler phase all together. And the twins, my sweet little boys, well, I still cannot figure that one out. For awhile, it was just all crazy town and we prayed we could just survive.
Somewhere in that mess, the twins moved into big boy beds and started talking like big kids and became (scheming) best pals.

Spring came early and we got to be outside again (for more than 10 minutes) and we regained some of our sanity.

Then, we went on vacation and everyone was really happy. It was a week of sleeping-in-being-lazy-ocean-time bliss. 

With Gramps and Grammy. Can't beat that. 

 

Through the summer, we spent every possible moment outdoors. Usually swimming, running through the sprinkler, picnicking, and/or swinging. When we weren't doing those things, we were traveling to the zoo or our local science center, which has an AMAZING indoor (and an outdoor) Kid Space. I still don't travel to places like that with all three kiddos, so Grammy either goes or keeps one of the kids. I have THREE preschoolers, no shame here.

                         

Daddy had a birthday too. We celebrated with sparklers and lots of dancing. Then, we celebrated America's birthday. It was a fun time.

                                                          

The twins got to go bowling for the first time! They cannot wait to go again!

The twins got to experience the movie theater for the first time. We took them to see Planes. They loved it! (though I think they were more fascinated with the theater than anything else!)

 

 

Great-Grandma Hook came over to hang out with us this summer. I think she enjoyed watching the kiddos in all their wild ways. She giggled, a lot. I loved it.

We got to celebrate my mom's birthday with her. We adore this angel. She has been such a blessing to us and our kiddos. So glad to have her in our life!

....

Then, summer came to what seemed an abrupt halt. (super sad face)


By then, I was ready to be whisked away to some exotic island. And guess what?! I WAS!!

That's right, my man put me on an airplane and we flew to the breathtakingly beautiful country of Dominican Republic to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary. We thoroughly enjoyed seven oh-so-amazing days there, just us.
 And then we missed our kids and our home, so we came back to a wonderful, joyous reunion with our sons. It was a beautiful moment in our life that I will forever remember. Right up there with our wedding and childbirth.

Fall is my most favorite time of year. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to last as long as Summer or Winter. Boo. 

We still enjoyed long days outdoors. This time, (in between moments dodging yellow jackets or nursing stings from the said pesky mean devils!) more swinging, nature hiking, throwing rocks in the pond, racing up and down the driveway, hanging out in the porch swing playing "I spy", rolling down the hills, enjoying the crisp air and adventuring around the pumpkin patch.

We started a new year of home school with the boys. PreK. I'm still feeling my way through with having a toddler/preschooler who isn't quite ready for big boy stuff. But, the boys and I enjoy learning together. And on our own terms, which is even better. Some days, it just Bible stories and play. Other days, the twins do some worksheet activities and more hands-on learning. We learn about letters, self-care, helping out, Bible verses and we make stuff. Some days are more crafty than others.
Some days, I just come up blank with how to balance a toddler and schooling the twins. Some days, I am more creative than others. Baby boy loves to glue, so if I need to, I pull out a big sheet of paper and let him glue scraps of paper to it. This allows me to work with the twins a little closer.
Not every day is "productive". Not every is "ideal".
Some days, I clean and they play. Some days, we all play and make messes and nothing else gets done.

And, I'm just over here trying not to panic.


In October, we quietly celebrated my thirty-fifth birthday. Yep, 35. I'm cool with that, other than I'm still wondering what happened to 32 and 33....

November brought weird weather and a great time of Thanksgiving. I so enjoy this time of year. I love hosting our family in our home.

Even Captain America didn't stand a chance against that bird!

[December and Christmas have their own little post over here]

We love snow! For about 15 minutes.

Baby boy turned two!

Christmas was peaceful, beautiful and will live in our hearts into and throughout the new year.

In the midst of the craziness and chaos, I tend to forget that this life is made up of seasons and seasons change, seasons end. And life goes on. Time stands still for no one. (darn you, time!)

I struggle with anger, guilt, exhaustion, missing my husband, missing me-time, missing rocking babies and bottles, and occasionally want to bang my head against the wall.
BUT, I am so glad to be their mommy. I am so glad to have these healthy babies (really, they'll always be our babies, right mommas?)
At the end of each day, I give thanks to God that we had today. And I focus on the good. I write down the good. There is always something good.

These guys are...AMAZING!

I hold tight these memories of me and my babies. Thank goodness for pictures, blogs, Face Book, Instagram, and Picasa Movie Maker for allowing us to store up some of these sweet memories and good (and crazy) times.

Thank goodness for times of change, growth, and lots and LOTS of grace.

While I am a bit sad to see another year end so quickly, I look forward to a New Year and all the good things to come.

...We're all over here counting down the days until summer vacation. Ha!

HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS! 

May 2014 bring you great happiness, new blessings and most of all, the peace of Christ.

Prayer, Plans and Life.

 

IT.IS.COLD.

Like, 1degree cold. (windchill making it more like -13degrees!). I felt so bad for my husband who had to leave this morning. I wanted him to stay here in the warmth with me. Boooo. And I am thanking God again and again (and again) for the emergency heat part of our furnace because yesterday, the other part quit. Another boooo. But, we are warm, still. And I am just praising God for taking care of us. Praise God!
...

I've been up and at 'em since 5:45am. For those of you who are like, "so what, I do that everyday!"...this, my friends, is HUGE for me. :)
And this is just a part of the changes being made around here.
Yes, this momma is putting together a plan.  And, it's been somewhat painful. Thankfully, "management" (ahh, that would me!...) gave me until the end of this month. With all the changes we have experienced in the past 4 years (you know, finally getting pregnant, then proceeding to have three babies in three years!), I'm feeling a bit dizzy. ...I would like to stand still for a minute.

But, God is good and life is blessed and precious and we must keep on keeping on.
So, for the first time in a few years, I am not pregnant or nursing (an) infant(s). I feel like a woman ready to conquer the world! ....well, at least conquer my home and all my duties...((wink))

So my first "goal" has been to go to bed earlier and get up earlier (i.e, 10:45pm - 5:30). No more staying up late and getting up with the kiddos (which lucky for me is 9-ish!). I'm doing okay with that. I get up with my husband now, which encourages us both.

That is the "foundation" for my 2013 goals. Because "Highest Management meetings" (aka time with God) and preparing for each day will happen in the window of time I have before the kids get up.

The next step (and first on my "list") includes (a) "Utilizing my time wisely". I am a "schedule person". I like schedules (as long as I am making them (ha!)). I like lists and calendars and organization. Sometimes, though, that's as far as I get. Boo. As mommas, we MUST be flexible right?.
[this "step" is probably another part of the "foundation", but I call it (a)]

The remainder of my 2013 goals include:
(b) Budgeting finances. We kind of lost control when baby three came into the picture and with the chaos that became us, we just went with it. Of course, now I regret that (the budget fail, not baby three!)...this change could be the most painful!
(c) Improving our bodies (i.e., exercise and eating). This will include meal planning and incorporating healthier alternatives and LOTS more water. And, incorporating my own exercise regimen and making sure there is lots of active play for the kids (even in winter time) (thus hopefully inspiring the man to join in!)
and finally;
(d) A new (home)school year. We kind of dove into home schooling last year and it was more of a trial period. We pretty much had school time when we felt like it. Now that I know a little more about myself (as a mom to three) and more about the twins' learning styles, this year, the boys and I will be schooling daily (I use this term loosely, because, well...because I can.).

Thankfully, I have found some really great resources to inspire me (see below). And some really great (free) planning tools. The reason I have until the end of January? ...putting it all together takes time! And doing it around "life" can be difficult. So "planning" an entire household's "changes" into one month [the most boring month! haha.]? Not a bad idea if you ask me.

Inspired to Action
Motherhood on a Dime (I visit this site often. She has TONS of resources, from deals to fitness and even home organization.)
Emily Jones Design Company (A beautiful gal. She simply inspires me. And occasionally, she posts some neat free prints!)
Momheart
Proverbs31 Ministries (inspiring me to be more like the woman described in Proverbs 31)
Women Living Well (inspiring and a great FREE resource that I am using currently; Proverbs31 E-Book)
and of course,
Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience (encouraging, inspiring and just wonderful to read!)

Along with these sites (and others I cannot think of right now), I am also (once again) working on my list of 1000 Gifts. I have read the book One Thousand Gifts; A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, written beautifully by Ann Voskamp. I am now reading the One Thousand Gifts Devotional; Reflections on Finding Everyday Graces and working on my second list of 1000 Gifts.

I am also using the YouVersion app on my phone for a great One Year Bible Reading Plan and a few daily devotionals. This app is GREAT! They lay it all out for you and with a few clicks, you are reading AND keeping up! For anyone with a smartphone, I HIGHLY recommend this App! :)

 Until next time, be blessed my friends!

New.

 

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
therefore, I will hope in him!”

Lamentations 3:22-24

Happy New Year friends!

Don't you just love new things?! I do! I love that verse! "his mercies begin afresh (new) each morning"!
EVERY SINGLE DAY His love and mercy and grace are BRAND NEW. For each and every one of us! Imagine waking up every morning and grasping that! All we have to do is accept it! That's it! Wake up and say "YES LORD, I receive it!". Wow!

And now, it's a new year! A time of BIG renewal and refreshment. Grab on! Join in! It's going to be AHHH-MAZING! Thanks to Jesus!

....
My loftiest goal for 2013?

 

To be better.

...a better wife

...a better mom

...a better friend


I'm going to start by praying. And receiving. And praising Him.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. ~Proverbs 19:21

Then by reflecting here: 20 Questions for Reflecting on 2012

Then set some new personal goals here: New Year, new goals (posted by Simple Mom)

then follow by reading The Do What You Can Plan: 21 Days to Making Any Area of Your Life Better.
God-sized Dream = a desire in your heart for more of what God has for you.

“But one thing I do:
forgetting what lies behind
and straining forward to what lies ahead…
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
~Phil. 3:13-14


Then, I'm going to do it. MOVE FORWARD; growing, enjoying this life...
and all THROUGH HIM. THE ONE so graciously gave me this life.

that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
Lord my God, I will praise you forever. Psalm 30:12

 
Here's to our best year yet!!