I'm not one for resolutions...

2010. Hmmm, well that means I am now 10 years out of highschool, 6 years out of college, 4 years out from my wedding day (almost 5 in August), 1 year out of my first baby being born, and almost {GASP} 28 years old. When you put it in the perspective - Praise God, what a life! I've never been one for the traditional, "New Years Resolutions" for a few reasons. 1) I hate feeling like a failure 2) Life is too unpredictable to stick with most peoples resolutions 3) I can never decide on one good enough to persue. That being said, my friend Kristi over at Watch the Earth, etc. has a GREAT goal of reading through the bible in 90 days. Check her out! Her button is on my blog. Also, she and few other blogger ladies will be going through some highly worthwhile goals for the start of 2010 in their blog posts. Take a look for yourself and jump on board! I know she would love to have you!

Ahem, sorry... I got a little too excited about all of that. Back to the no resolutions thing...

For 2010 while I don't have specific, individual, written out goals - I do have one big plan. Welcome ORGANIZATION. This has been on my mind since approximately 3 seconds after Ava was born...., "wow, I need to get organized". For years now I have been teased by my inlaws about how I am so organized. I send cards for everyones b-days ON TIME, I know dates for events and buy my travel tickets well in advance. So in that respect...yes, applaud myself, I can send cards on time. But, really, for me, its not enough. In this past year I have been put to shame with how truly UN-organized I really am. My house, my personal life, my family... I have so far to go. And honestly I've been taking the easy/lazy way out more often then not.

So, here's my plan:
1) Create cleaning schedule for daily/weekly/monthly/annual things that need done and STICK with it!

2) Create menu for the first 2 months (More about this later)

3) FINISH this house. At least the "main used" rooms

4) Be creative (more on this later, too) at least once a month, if not once a week.

5) Get my self organized in the area of spiritual disciplines.... (you guessed it, more to come)

6) Actually care about and practice good health choices, including [eeek] exercise. [gulp]

You are probably thinking, "wow, take on much?", but really its an all in one kind of deal. You see, I'm a list maker. I enjoy making "to-do" lists, grocery lists, cleaning lists, packing lists...you name it. I enjoy using my planner and keep it with me at all times, almost like a second bible. Does that sound bad?! oops. Ava already likes to make lists too. I found her just this morning making her own.

For Christmas my MIL gave me this - It's the 2010 Vera Bradley day planner. Oh, she knows what I like. :) I love Vera stuff and a planner, too! Anyway, I have already gone through the entire year and plugged in birthdays, events already planned, important dates, etc. But this planner is great for other things too. It has two pockets to hold onto things like receipts, cards, etc. It came with a divider to put in the place of where you are currently in the year, and its a binder style so I can take out or add pages as needed. NICE! Not to mention that fab new design. (btw, Vera lovers, its the new "Symphony in Hue") Here's what the inside looks like. I love that it has a big calendar and breaks into days. You can see that I've already got some things plugged in. And if you are thinking, "what a nerd, she is way to excited about this planner." That's ok. I am.

This planner will help be prepared for everything (like last years did) and will cut down on embarresing missed dates, birthdays or just things to know. I'm finding especially now in full time ministry there is so much to remember...and being on the ball is important. So, yes. There is tool #1 that will help me be organized. And, I'm starting to plug in daily, "to-do's" for housework things so they actually get done. Things that maybe won't go on my cleaning schedule.

Second, the food portion of our lives. Since Brad and I got married I've been doing the same method of meal planning. I buy (or am given) a blank wall calendar and plug meals into it month by month. I try to keep track of how much of each type we are having and break it up that way. (not having pork chops 6 times a month, etc) I have been planning our menu by using whatever magazine or cookbook I recently had. For example, for January I am using the new BHG magazine and my new 2010 Gooseberry Patch cook book. Then I just go through from front to back and plug in meals. It's quick, easy and actually pretty enjoyable. Some have asked, "well, what if you don't like what you wrote down for that day when you get to it?" and our fix for that is - I shop for 2 weeks worth at a time and just switch up the days meals if I need. But I keep the grocery list set at JUST those two weeks worth of meals. Very few extras. This helps in cutting costs, junk food laying around and pointless extras. (**side note, I try and do inventory of the whole house's needs a few times a month and keep a running "always need" list on the fridge, for things like: TP, kleenex, diapers, wipes, foil, laundry det.) I also try to block out at least 1 special night that says, "out to eat". Here's this years calender... see anything you might wanna come over and enjoy with us?!

This method - if I stick with it - is such a blessing. Not only can Brad be confident he's coming home to a warm, home cooked meal. But, I can plan guests coming over on the meals that are bigger sized, or I can say - "this is what we are having this week, what night would you like to come over?". It also saves me time, brain power and energy by already having a battle plan and scavengering around at 4:33 wondering what to make in time for the hubby's arrival. Are you getting some ideas for yourself?

Creativity. Something I lack and want so badly. Over Christmas I just purposed in my heart to try, try, try harder to be creative. Even if its finding something we already own and repurposing it to look nice in our home. I want to bless my family with creativity and beauty. While it doesn't come naturally... finding ideas does. {its always the follow through, isn't it?} I've mentioned this before but BHG (Better homes and gardens) has a delightful newsletter they put out. It's free and jam packed with great ideas! I get their decorating newsletter as well as the craft newsletter. They have ideas such as how to create things out of your old jewelry (a studded decor pillow), monogram wall hangings using scrap material and old picture frames, etc. I just LOVE their ideas. And there are a bajillion other sites out there too, I just love BHG. So, this year I am putting in my planner at least one crafty type project to do each month. January will be "Terra Cotta snow men" as I have several terra cotta pots left over from another project. Whether I keep the finished project or use them as gifts...its just something I feel burdened to do. I have free time and up to this point I haven't been using it well. Why not bless someone with something beautiful if you have the time!? I have found that empty wasted time is not only dangerous but just plain un-healthy, and we see from scripture that we will give account with how we use our days.

Lastly, but most importantly... spiritual disciplines. I'm still mulling this over as to what will be the BEST plan for me. But I do know it will include getting up earlier then my family, keeping a more consistent journal and actually using some sort of devotional or bible study book. And I dont' know about you, but just that first thing will be a hurdle to cross already! Once I've had time to establish this thought more I will try to remember to share it. If you have ideas on what helps you I would love to hear it. I'm tying physical organization into the spiritual one - because for me it has just always gone together. Getting up early will also include some exercise and good breakfast prep. I'm learning that christmas cookies and half cold coffee do not lend to the energy I need by mid morning. duh. I have so far to go....

I hope these ideas have inspired you. And, I want to hear your ideas too. How do you keep your home? How do you plan your meals? Crafts? etc. Now its time for me to tackle item #1 of the day - putting away the Fall and Christmas decor. Did I say Fall? yep....see, I'm not as organized as I'd like to be, YET. :) God bless you in 2010!

Whose house is this?!

We flew in from balmy, wonderful, warm Florida lastnight...well, around 4. And we knew reality was back as we walked off the plane and that first whip of freezing cold wind caught our breath. Lovely.

We returned home to find our driveway completely coated in a nice ice/snow layer, and add to that the fact that we FORGOT to pull our cars into the garage prior to leaving... so two nicely coated cars, as well.

Upon entering the house it looked like a tornado had blown through... or a burglar had a great time going through EVERY drawer, cupboard and clothes pile. Then I rememberd, "Oh yea, I didn't have time to clean before we left". Hmmm. Christmas gifts are laying every where, the suitcase has now exploded open so we could find our "important items" for this morning, dishes that couldn't go in the dishwasher are lining the countertops...my list could go on....literally... on and on. I stepped back this morning and said, "WHOSE HOUSE IS THIS?!".

Fortunately for me, I have come home with gusto and motivation to get my life, my house, my everything in tip-top shape. I have ideas for decorating, I have ideas for menu planning, cleaning, etc. I also have - a 1 lb. bag of Barney's, "Santa's white Christmas" coffee. :) All...is...well. (curious? check out... http://www.barniescoffee.com/ )

**better posts once I get this place in shape!

Cousins at Christmas

We are still in Florida...and it's...wonderful. Lastnight I was actually "too hot" and had to uncover while we slept. ;) (don't be jealous) While it is weird to wake up with NO snow, but palm trees and a warm rain - it is wonderful to be here with Brad's family celebrating our Saviors birth.
I had to sneak in here for a minute and share just one pic and then I'm back to my "Christmas Vacation". We were able to drive up to south Georgia and visit my brother, his wife and their baby girl Kaci. Ava and Kaci hadn't seen each other since the summer and we were due for a visit. It was so fun to see them and hang out for awhile. Kaci and Ava, while they ignored each other the first night LOVED playing together the next day.
I so, so, so want them to be close cousins...the way Josh and I were with our cousins. It breaks my heart to be so far apart. But, while we were there it was so sweet. Kaci will be 2 in March and both girls are just walking around, babbling and simply adorable. :)

Merry Christmas!

And we're off...

Heading to FL this morning....

We are both really looking forward to a TRUE vacation, we've never had one in 4 years!!

Wishing you and your's a blessed, thoughtful, Christ centered Christmas!

Eden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGlLL_m4dWQ

when the first light brightened the dark
before the breaking of the human heart
there was YOU and there was me
innocence was all I knew
all I had to know was you
we were running underneath the trees
I want to see you face to face
where being in your arms is the permanent state
I want it like it was back then, I want to be in Eden

to be naked and unashamed
in a sweet downpour of innocent rain
I want it like it was back then, I want to be in Eden

I still remember how you'd call my name
and I would meet YOU at the garden gate
how the glory of Your love would shine
I still remember when the stars were young
You breathed life into my lungs,
oh I never felt so alive
where my eyes can see the colors of glory
my hands can reach the heaven before me
oh my God I want to be there with you
where our hearts will beat with joy together
and love will reign forever and ever
oh my God I want to be there with you

Phil Wickham - "Heaven & Earth"

A brand new adventure...

This morning we had Ava's 1 year well-child (not well-baby anymore {sigh} ) checkup. She LOVES her doctor and LOVES her nurse even more... so the Dr's office is always a pleasant experience. Which I am very thankful for, as I know many don't share that joy. Even after 3 shots she still gave the nurse an ornery grin....good baby...er, good girl. Ava is a TALL lady. She's in the 96th percentile for weight, but for height she is OFF THE CHARTS. The Dr reassured me that her height, weight, head, etc are all proportionate and everything looks great. What a blessing! This put my, "am I doing anything right?" question to rest, for now. We thank the Lord for such a healthy, happy girl. It was an extra special treat that Daddy got to come with us today. We love our Friday day off family day. :) Btw... I had to share these pics of Ava wearing this huge scarf. She is just all about wearing things around her neck lately and it's hilarious. I think she looks like a mini-rabbi in these.

Tonight we decided to spend family night finishing our Christmas shopping. First stop was at the Salvation Army to pick up some UGLY SWEATERS....more on that, later. {hee, hee} Let's just say - we had GREAT success! Then we headed over to the mall in WDM - Jordan Creek, to be more specific. I just love that place... can't figure out why, totally, but I do. Usually when we go shopping like this we remember to pack up the stroller. But, guess what we forgot to bring tonight?! Yep. So... that big healthy 25 pound baby got carried all night. (I should be MORE in shape after carrying her so much) I'm not a huge fan of those kids play spaces in the middle of the mall. You see, I taught preschool for 2 years prior to mommy-hood and I KNOW what kinds of things end up on children's play things... I won't go there. So when I see those play places I almost throw up just thinking about. Tonight though...as I was shopping in one store....Daddy introduced Ava to the play place. (stomach starting to flip) You gotta love dads. And I know this is a good thing that he was looking for some fun for our VERY heavy/slightly restless/squirmy 1 year old. But...the germs...the yuck...the....kids that are obviously TOO big to be in here, still.... So tonight I just bit my tongue and smiled as I watched Ava crawl around like a mad woman on the squishy tree trunks, mushrooms and slides. And after a few seconds I joined them in the fun and ended up just loving that time with Ave's. :) She LOVED it. She loved the big girl slide, she loved crawling through the hollowed out tree trunk. She especially LOVED the other kids - namely, the big girl who kept trying to carry Ava and take her down the slide with her. I felt all my uptightness melt away as I just sat back and realized... she's not my little tiny baby anymore. This is my...toddler. (tear, tear) I know, I need to get a grip, but I keep having this little emotional "mommy moments" that just break my heart. Being a mom is weird. Only a mom can sit back and feel so sad about not having her baby be so little, but feel so much joy at watching her play happily. So weird. Ahem...anyway... before I become a puddle of mush...

Tonight was great. The new adventure of the mall play place was great! I managed to grab a few pics while she toddled her way around the place. I think I could get the hang of playing with this new big girl I have.... maybe. ;) And...for those of you wondering... yes we did wash our hands asap following play time, with soap and water and then a little anti-bacterial just to be safe! :)

A year ago...

Exactly a year ago right now, today, my baby girl came into this world. I can't believe she's is 1...I just can't fathom it. It seems unreal to me that this tiny (well, not so tiny weighing in at 8lbs, 13oz) thing to left was so... such a... baby.

She was due Dec. 9 but decided she was very content to chill with momma another week. Of which I did not mind - I loved being pregnant!

The whole experience was amazing... labor was fairly easy (minus TWO epidurals) and after 20 minutes of pushing out she was. She was perfect! She was pink and round and just like the movies... I fell in love.

This year has been life changing. I'm not the same woman I was before Ava. In many ways she has helped me to become a better person and in many ways she just magnifies my sinful self... ouch. All in all - I am so thankful for her and this new life we have with her.

Today while she and I walked around Target I just couldn't stop looking at her little face. She's SO smart. She talks and jibbers away the entire shopping trip. She points to colors and smiles at people. She screams for fun so that people will look at her. And best of all...every couple of minutes she'll learn forward in her cart to hug me. It melts me every time. I couldn't help but be emotional several times this week - thinking of this milestone in Ava's life. I can't believe my little baby is a year old. I can't believe we made it through the sleepless nights, nursing ordeals, diaper explosions, rice cereal, first colds, first teeth, first kisses... it just seems surreal. Part of me is very sad and another part is rejoicing. I'm sure this will always be this way...

Another little part of me (I have many parts) wants to go back in time and relive this day a year ago. I want to hold her for the first time. I want to breath in that newborn smell. I want to hear that tiny curling newborn cry.

I know, tho, that good things are to come. I know that happy days and adventures lie ahead.

A friend of mine once said to me, "God is so good to allow us the opportunity to have babies." And, I couldn't agree more. I didn't understand at the time... but, now that I've had a year to think about it, I just...agree.

It reminds me of James 1:17 -

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above". (I totally just quoted that, may be wrong) Ava will always be my Christmas time baby, my special gift... what a blessing today's celebration is!