Only ten days remain until the presents can be unwrapped, and we sing Happy Birthday Jesus.  So with Christmas music playing not so quietly in the background I type as the kids dance and play.  

Ethan (6) – Still sweet and reserved, with just a touch of “too-cool” attitude he brings us pride, and tests our consistency.  Water skiing was conquered, and many fish caught thanks to a summer spent at Memaw and Papa’s lake house.  Ethan is $7 dollars richer compliment of the tooth fairy, and he can truly sing “all I want for Christmas is my two-front-teeth!”  August brought us Kindergarten and tears, but by September Ethan had learned his new routine and has come to love his class and teacher.  I’m adjusting too!  Running is his newest passion, just like daddy, and he completed his first race on Thanksgiving Day.  While “how to treat a girl” is a learning process, Ethan’s a good big brother

Charlie (4) – Filled with passion and love for life this girl makes brings us joy, and tests us daily with her strong will.  January will bring us Charlie’s fifth birthday, and she still wants to be a princess when she grows up (and that’s okay for now!).  While too afraid to attempt water skiing this summer, many boat rides were thoroughly enjoyed and enhanced by Charlie’s enthusiasm.  August brought Charlie Preschool, and while there were no tears at drop off there was a long-face at pick up- alas her wish to stay longer will not be fulfilled this year.  She is our social butterfly and truly enjoys the 3-days she spends at Preschool.  Ballet gave Charlie an unneeded excuse to dance and dress up this fall – and it was wonderful watching her enjoy herself.  She’s a sweet yet tormenting little sister who loves her brother.  

Jacob – Continues teaching Biology at the High School, he loves his job.  He especially treasures the opportunity he gets to encourage his students through FCA and coaching.  In the dark of early morning Jacob consistently heads out to run.  All his training paid off in September as he completed the Sioux Falls marathon (that’s 26.2 miles) in 3:17.  The kids and I enjoyed the mini-vacation to cheer him on – and were so proud when he crossed the finish line.  He’s a good coach to Ethan and a sweet cheerleader to Charlie.  We’re enjoying year number 7 of marriage and I’m thankful everyday he’s mine.

Jamie – Continues to juggle the roles of mom, nurse and auditor – but as always the coveted favorite and priority is the role of mom.  Volunteering at House of Hope has been a blessing and I will, as I did last year coordinate a 5K fundraiser for the organization-so mark your calendars for June 16th.  I too caught the running bug and although my time’s nothing to brag about I completed a half-marathon through Shawnee Mission Park in November.

We’re blessed with each other, simplicity, and grace.   It’s been a good year!  Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with the same.  

Cousins 2011

The stair stepped cousins

Carefree and happy 

On an unusually warm November day

Scooters were shared

Bikes pedaled to their maximum speed

The sound of laughter seared in my mind

Memories captured in photo

Miles later

A friendship 29 years in the making.

Good times

Not so good times

Both Inseperable and Seperate

Yet, here we are...focused on one goal

Making it to heaven and raising our families to get there too

And in the mean time...

Staying healthy and thanking God for His provision in our lives until we get those unperishable and perfect bodies!

For the Love of being friends (again and forever!), and running 13.1 miles together,

Me

Samson, Gideon, Deborah etc.

I finished Judges.
It's filled with stories that literally made me nauseated.
The evening news doesn't hold a candle to Judges, and I don't really watch the news.
Some may consider that irresponsible, I consider it not filling my head with more filth, that dirties my heart and skews my view of people and taints the mercy I crave to have for others.
Judges -"Everyone did as they saw fit."
They didn't see very well.
I don't always either.

For the love of doing it God's way, even if I don't "see" it
Me

For Always

Sometimes ornery, sometimes forced your giggle is contagious, or the gut wrenching belly-laugh that echos through the house -beautiful sounds of joy

Tunes cranked, windows rolled down, doing a mean car-jig
Someday this will be very un-cool, but for now it's really fun
And, I'm not going to worry about someday

TAG - You're It, Keep Away, Red Rover, Duck-Duck-Goose, Hide and Seek
Are you ever too old?  Maybe too stiff or out of shape, but never too old

Holding hands, kisses on the cheeks, hugs that linger

Dinner simmering-Booty-shakin', arms flailing, fist pumping, feet jumping, body spinning, breath stealing dancing
It's the kitchen dance, at times conducted in the living room, but never for general public viewing (it's best enjoyed while dinner is simmering)

Sweet words of gratitude, gentle reminders, soft encouragement, I love yous

Time stolen away from the busyness of the world, and routines
Sipping hot chocolate with extra mini-marshmallows (or just eating the marshmallows), Enjoying a cinnamon roll the size of your face, Sipping a latte or frappachino, Watching you, listening to you, soaking up you being you and me being me - US

Huddled together, cozy on the couch, listening, reading, savoring

I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always

For the love of a beautiful season of life and savoring every second,
Me

Beautiful

So, September happened...

Jacob ran a marathon, and almost qualified for Boston
He's still hurting
I am calling a doctor tomorrow if he doesn't (he's been warned)
We cheered him and and were so proud!
26.2 miles in 3:17

Because of above marathon we got a mini-vacation to Sioux Falls SD
Beautiful time
Happy memories

I caught the running bug and started training for a half-marathon
Today I ran 8 miles
...and felt great
November 12th is race day
Ethan no longer cries at school
But I still get the BEST hugs when I pick him up
He turned 6!
Fall Fun Fest was fun, nothing like rides, games, fake tattoos, and Chick-Fil-A
So incredibly thankful for E's closest school-friend and his Christian family
"Mom, I kinda like Sunday School better than regular school because at regular school we don't talk about Jesus at all" - insert long talk about how He could and should talk about Jesus at school

Charlie still LOVES Ms. Janet's class, social butterfly that she is!
Ballet started and it's fun watching C practice her "new moves" as she calls them
Dad's and donuts was a success
It's a beautiful thing listening to a proud dad, and an excited in-love-with-her-daddy girl recount their time together at school
Life is good, God is greater.
For the Love of running without limits, birthday's, ballet and finding beauty in the everyday,
Me

Yesterday

I was proud to be your mom

You played ninjas
You made ninja masks from pipe cleaners
(I tied the rubber bands to hold them on your faces)
You rested peacefully
We read books
You did workbooks
You said "thank you mom" for lunch
You made me laugh
You made me smile
You filled me with joy, just by being you
And I love you - forever

Bonus

If you think you might die, it might change your life
You will die (deep down you know you're not invincible)
Maybe not today, but what if it was today?
What would you do - or do different...


Say I love you
Take time to walk with your kids at a kids pace
Smile
Tell your friends you care about them
Laugh
Hold on a little tighter with each hug
Breathe deeper
Say the words that have real meaning
Find joy
Tell God what you want and how thankful you are
Cry
Tell others why you're not afraid to die
Pray
Keep things in perspective

Two weeks ago I thought I was going to die- and from now on every thing's just a bonus

For the love of today, and the Maker who blesses me with the one's to come (or not)
Me

A pointed weekend edition

• Hoping J can break in his new shoes before marathon day
• All smiles this week at Kindergarten
• I've created a NO eating over night while at work rule for myself
• Running total this week = 6 miles, for me, of course that's an easy one-day work out for J
• C was the first one to complete her morning work and so proud of herself
• While most people will enjoy a reprieve from labor on Monday, I will be laboring
• Wish we were at the lake instead...sometimes weekend-nights stink
• Counting my blessings
• Which include the biggest ones like forgiveness and family all the way down to coffee to keep me awake on these long nights

For the love of bullet pointed memories, tear free drop-offs and running,
Me

Wish List

To the point

* The whole family is memorizing scripture through song thanks to The Rizers

* E loved Kindergarten for 4 days, now he just wants to be home
* My children are polar-opposites, except they both give amazingly good hugs

* C loves Pre-K, Miss Janet and all things school
* I committed to the Lord I would read daily, at least one chapter a day on Wednesday 7/20
* I've since read through Joshua, Leviticus, Exodus, Philemon, and Hebrews
* I did not read Friday and Saturday and I missed the Word
* I love supporting J and listening to him talk about his running
* 26.2 mi will be conquored in 13 days
* I am terrible at putting the laundry away, good thing J is good at it
* Working weekend-nights is a blessing, I feel balanced
* Trying to find to keep an internal and eternal mindset

Near Miss

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly...Lamentations 3:25-26

The pain is gone
I can walk and breathe at the same time
No human explanation or diagnosis
But there is an explanation -
I asked and you asked, He answered.
And so I thank Him for more time, for healing, for peace, for mercy, and for more grace.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you...Matthew 7:7

E

The shiny newness of Kindergarten wore off by day 5
Your soft brown eyes well up with tears, and lingering your arms hug me as you quietly recite your verse
A little piece of my heart breaks every morning that I say goodbye to your sweet sad face
I know it won't be forever
You are happiest surrounded by our family
Exploring, catching bugs and running with daddy (really anything with daddy) is your favorite
I am glad you still like to snuggle
Our summer was beautiful - and  I know the school year will be too
Eventually
 
For the love of YOU, sad-soft eyes, broken heart and all
Mom
 

C

I love this picture of you
You look so grown up, but it doesn't make me sad
Most days you can be found somewhere between reality and a day-dream
You serve the best imaginary ice-cream and cookies
You told daddy you wanted to be a "Princess" when you grew up
I don't wish for any other day than the one I have with you right now

For the Love of YOU, just as you are right now - nothing more nothing less
Mom

So it says

The pain pressed in harder, my mind raced
And the ominous feeling of the end settled in my heart
What if there is no tomorrow for me?
I tossed and turned, then finally I turned to HIM
With a pleading straight from my heart

Thank you for your provision
Thank you for being the great physician
Thank you for knowing my innermost being
Thank you for the blessing of my family
Father I want to be on this earth a little longer
I want to enjoy the blessing of my family
I want to see E and C grow
I want to watch them play
I want to tell them about You
This is what I want, but I am not afraid to die
To be with you, I know is greater, yet I can not imagine it
God may I glorify You with my life.

I penned love letters to last a lifetime if my time was spent
Signed with tears and the assignment to meet me in heaven
The pain didn't stop, but my eyes closed in faith that whether I awoke on this earth or in the glory of heaven they would open again.
- And that was Thursday -


Be anxious in nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication
With thanksgiving
Let your requests be made known to God
And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
Will guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus 
- Philippians 4:6-7

Go Iodoral

It's been ten days since I made the trek to see the wonderful M.B., ARNP
She sat patiently as I complained described symptoms
tired
irritable
acne (haven't been a teenager for sometime now)
weight (this truly was complaining, weight can't really be classified as a symptom)
hot flashes (I'm almost 30 not 50)
lack of motivation (every morning...just 5 more minutes kids, mom needs just 5 more minutes)
cyclic sadness
tired
tired
She reviewed my labs and wrote remedies by each
I have faithfully taken those remedies for the past ten days
And I'm happy to report I'm not perfect, but I have less to complain about

For the love of Progesterone, a balanced endocrine system, and the above mentioned ARNP
Me

Wants, Risks and What Ifs

I've been spurred to re-consider the objectives of this life I've become so complacent in living
America is easy, and comfortable, and filled with "good" people
It's goals are superficial
It's lifestyle is selfish
It's instant gratification and
Self glorifying

What am I really living for?

I want to be real.
I want to be consistent.
I want to live as a forgiven person not a good person
When someone asks me "how are you"
Can I, will I reply with something more transparent than "fine"?
I want to want God more than anything else
I want to make a difference and have everyone recognize God for it
NOT me (and be more than satisfied in that)
I want to be different at the risk of being weird, and in a way that makes people question why
And I want to have an answer for those who question the reason for my hope
For our children;
I want our kids to care about things that matter.
People
NOT stuff
I want to fill our time with serving and conversation
NOT with the busyness of activities that divide us
I want to protect our time together
I want to relish in and preserve the joys of childhood
- crayons, bubbles, water gun fights, mud pies, imaginary friends and reading time
I want to celebrate and bless my children for being exactly who God made them to be
I want to encourage them in everything to work as if working for the Lord NOT for men
I want them to want God more than anything
I want them to be different, and when people notice it's make them want to be different too

The risk is being weird;
What if we decide to live radically, maybe even uncomfortably?
What if we make eternal goals?
What if we serve others instead of ourselves?
What if our whole life is built around God and His will instead of adding in a little God to our own?
What if we're patient and persevere?
What if we seek to give God the glory?

Mountain Tops and Valleys

While pouring out my emotional mess
A wise friend asked me this question:
What grows on the mountain top?
Nothing I said
And tell me what grows in the valley?
Well...everything I replied

So while the mess of me has me wallowing in the valley of life
I will tell myself the truth
Whether it feels true or not
I will surround myself others who speak the truth into me
And I'll fill in the cracks with the Word

For the love of growth and finding my way back up the mountain,
Me

Balloon swords and snowcones

Storm clouds loom in the distance
The air hangs heavy and thick around us
Beams of sunshine break through the clouds
Heat rises from the concrete bellow us radiating our faces
A bright hue of pink decorates our cheeks
It's summer
And today, summer brought us a carnival
Face painting, popcorn, ice cream, root beer floats and bounce houses
A special hour spent with Nana, Papa, Aunt Em and cousin M too
Playing pirates with a balloon sword
Wearing uniquely twisted balloon crowns
Slurping up cherry and grape snow cones
And eating hot dogs with extra ketchup
It's summer, and I can't imagine spending it any other way than watching you enjoying being a child

For the love of humidity, hot dogs and You
Me

The art of feeling

Liquid; time flows
Disconnected and hazy I'm an emtionless participant
Praying a prayer for something, for anything
Eyes desperate to cry, but a heart unable to break
A smile painted on with shimmering gloss
Hands busy, going through the motions
Numb
Liquid; time flows
Holding hands, kisses to sweaty foreheads and hugs
Eyes filled with salty tears of joy as I watch you dream
Peace found in prayers made in faith
Laughter breaching the stillness of night as your arms surround me
Hands busy, as life requires them to be
Sensation

Run

Because it's good for you
And because someday your dad might ask to join you
You'll leave him on the hill
The humid air will torment your Mucinex dependant lungs
The hill will make you want to walk,
You'll stop and walk.
He'll catch up.
Between huffing and puffing you'll talk
You won't remember what about
But you'll remember you felt like holding his hand
You won't
But you'll write about it and then he'll know

I'd do it again

May 29th 2004

We said I do

...And 7 years later
I love you more than ever





For the Love of [possibly] the BEST decision I ever made, and knowing I'd do it again,
Me

Really?

Someone predicted the world, as we know it, would end yesterday
It didn't

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." - Matthew 24:36
"Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God instruction about baptism, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment." - Hebrews 6:1-2


For the love of trusting and hoping in a God who knows, and living everyday as if today is THE day
Me

Tied for last

This just in....I suck at put-put.

I successfully putted into one of the many water hazards, and by water hazard I mean a small pool of running water just off the mini-fairway.  But don't worry I saved my dimpled red ball from the rapids and finished the remaining holes.

There may have been a few mulligans.

Pretty sure, I balanced any successful par holes by taking the 5-stroke maximum on the rest.

The non-competitive, laid-back spouses tied for first with E (5-year old put-put enthusiast).  C was more interested in the rocks and dandelions growing off course - but managed to finishing 9 of our 18 hole game.

Leaving me and my golfing brother tied for last.

What a fun day

Up in smoke

A bed of green grass and a sand box the size of a volley-ball court
Swings, slides, bicycles, and scooters
The unwinding from a day full of the daily-grind
The chatter of children, and reminders of parents to eat
Easy conversation, laughter and food
The thick smell of wood smoke clung to the strands of my hair and clothes
My finger nails stained with chalky black residue
A day up in smoke spent tending a rusty black smoker
All worth it to share with friends

For the love of Smokin' Gunn BBQ and our life-group
Me

Dungeons, Kings and Spring-time

The chill of winter lingered in the breeze and startled with each encompassing swirl
Strands of light-brown sopped up the rays and deposited the heat against the nape of my neck
Pale shoe-less feet sunk into the coarse, cool sandy mix
And the show commenced :
The relentless evil king raced after the fleeing princess
Upon capture sandy-shackles and stocks held the princess captive enclosed in the dungeon of spring
As always; good triumphed over evil with the timely escape of the princess and the evil king soon found himself knee deep in the same sandy-stocks, with un-moving hands shackled.

For the love of Spring time in the park, make-believe and family,
Me

Jamie Rocket

My face rested against your chest, your arms encompassed me

And the tears rolled down my cheeks

But

The laughter echoes in my heart - I can picture the bedtime chaos and it makes me smile

Miles separate, conversations bridge the distance

A scene burned into my memory replays - and I miss you, again

For the love of a weekend set aside to come home, and nephew-coined nicknames,
Me

Dear Valentine

Everyday I get your love in works, the sweet fragrance of sacrifice exceeds even the sweetest rose
Everyday I get your love in supportive words, more beautiful than a blooming bud
Everyday...
A goodbye kiss to my sleepy lips before the sun has risen,
An empty dishwasher
A peaceful house prepped for a sleepy Saturday, and happy kids after an adventure with dad
Clean laundry neatly folded or inside closets hung
An empty trash can with fresh liner
Arms wrapped around me in a grip that says I'm yours
A text to say I miss you as I pull out of the driveway for work
A budget focused on being debt free with some wiggle room for fun
Your thoughts turned words penned on colleged ruled lines
A plate of pancakes with a side of french pressed coffee
Must see TV watched under covers with arms intertwined
A complimentary thank you for dinner even if it's PB&J

Now, a dozen red roses is never wrong,
But I'd trade them all to keep us just the way we are.
Because we don't need a "day" to say I love you
Happy everyday and forever
I  love us Valentine

This Just in - February blogging drought ends

Wednesday, February 9th I turned 29
My 30th year of life has begun
I don't feel "old," wonder when that's going to set it - 50?
I lost 20 # in 28 days (What?!)
I sabotaged my maintenance plan with wedding cake and cream cheese mints (BOO, but so delicious)
I can't remember the last time healthy looked this good on me
- self-confidence courtesy of the Lord's working in my life, my husband, and being almost 30 :)
I ran 3.9 miles on Friday in beautiful 50 degree weather (my legs are still sore today - maybe this is what "old" feels like?)

Blanc serves an amazing burger and bottle of cream soda
--shout out to Groupon for motivation and $ saved at the above mentioned amazing burger joint.

Happy "The Honeymoon's Over" to my brother and new sister-in-law
Watching your wedding was a true joy (just in case my tears confused you)
Your relationship is a beautiful testament to the grace and provision of God, may He be glorified in your marriage as you continue to grow in Him
And, PS: The thought "now everyone knows we had sex" is normal - it eventually goes away (are you blushing/laughing Megs?)
Plan for house guests x4 sometime in March.

Frosty is gone
His scarf was tossed haphazardly into the winter-accessories-basket
His snow shovels were put away in the garage
His hat now hangs from it's wooden peg in E's room
He didn't get a funeral, but we did sing Frosty the Snowman one last time
His life a fair trade for the warmer weather and sunshine

Making time for relationships makes the week full, in a count-my-blessings kind of way
Old friends and new babies make me smile
The smell of a newborn baby is sweet, but not sweet enough for me to miss having one in my house
I'm completely blessed by and content with our family; ear infections, runny noses, coughs, fevers and all.
In sickness and in health - with a little help from Ibuprofen and Benadryl.

Francis Chan's book Crazy Love is both challenging and inspiring...love it!
Consider "the Twinkie analogy"
"Imagine going for a run while eating a box of Twinkies.  Besides being self-defeating and side ache-inducing, it would also be near impossible - you would have to stop running in order to eat the Twinkies.
In the same way, you have to stop loving and pursing Christ in order to sin.  When you are pursuing love, running toward Christ you do not have opportunity to wonder, Am I doing this right? or Did I serve enough this week?
As we begin to focus more on Christ, loving Him and others becomes more natural.  As long as we are pursuing Him, we are satisfied in Him.  It is when we stop actively loving Him that we find ourselves restless and gravitating toward other means of fulfillment." - page 104 (Chapter 6 - When You're In Love)
*Put it on your must read in 2011 list (and if you don't have a "must read" list just resolve to read it)
Additionally, I love our life group.



For the love of; being almost 30, self-confidence, burgers and diets, marriage, the promise of Spring, relationships, contentment, and inspiration.
Me

Step Up

I didn't believe in being "called"
God changed my mind
And He laid the path before me
I wasn't sure I was fit for the job
He reassured me
I got involved
He walks beside me
I took on organizing a 5K
He directed my planning
He went before me
He is working it out
So the date is set
The site is reserved
There is a lot of tentative,
But I'm stepping up and trusting in Him

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint." - Isaiah 40:31

Mark you calendars:

Saturday, June 18th

And come take a step for Hope

Hope Challenge, healing the hearts of teens one step at a time

"...for he purified their hearts by faith." - Acts 15:9b

"Faith comes by hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ."

- Romans 10:17

A Heart's Prayer

All the pieces of me belong to Him.

Each role purpose filled opening my eyes to see;

Wife, Mom, Daughter, Sister, Friend

A little piece of who He is and what He requires of me.

Underneath there's a woman, who sometimes feels small

Insignificant, overwhelmed, not focused or prepared,

But His grace is sufficient and His blood covers all .

Take away the desire for selfishness and control,

There's no peace in this world when I seek my own way

Bring my heart to YOUR work and steady my soul.

Strip away this world and the temptations that snare,

Fill my mind with your word, grant me boldness to speak 

Use my words and my heart to reflect how you care

My walk, so short, each step you already know

Sometimes deliberate, sometimes filled with mistakes

With endurance and strength may I continually grow

Until you return may I run and not faint

My hope is in you, and I trust in your way.

50 Words

I tried to think of 50-things
To send in a box that you received
This birthday, you're not at home
You're working and serving, but far from alone
You're welcomed and surrounded by an eternal family
I'm so thankful for you dad
You are a blessing to me
So here are 50 words that remind me of you :
1. Dad
2. Daddy
3. Loving
4. Hard worker
5. Faithful husband
6. Papa
7. Fun
8. Fair
9. Talkative
10. Generous
11. Wise
12. Carpenter
13. Protective
14. Handy
15. Logical
16. Elder
17. Strict (but in the best way)
18. Loud
19. Smile
20. Growing
21. Man of God
22. Good with numbers
23. Boat driver
24. Giving
25. Joyful
26. Hugs
27. Too tight
28. Coach
29. Clean
30. Basketball
31. Lake
32. Competitive
33. Our cheerleader
34. Sound advice
35. Smart
36. Leader
37. Honorable
38. Encouraging
39. Forgiving
40. Proud
41. Referee
42. Smart
43. Tearful
44. Strong
45. Determined
46. Provider
47. Example
48. Honest
49. Convicted
50. Godly

Happy Birthday Dad - I love you

Shouting

There's a new trend developing at the G house
It's not one I'm fond of in the least
It's the tune-mom-out trend
It goes something like this...
Please go put on socks and shoes
Socks and shoes please
Put down the toy and put on your socks and shoes
Do you have your socks and shoes on?
No?
What did mommy ask you to do 3-times already
Put on your socks and shoes
Gradually with each request my tone is
Less patient
More irritated
Increasing in volume

Shouting doesn't work
Regrettably, I know - because I've tried.

I've found getting the kids undivided attention requires me giving them mine.
I can not ask, while rushing around completing my own task, or shout commands from downstairs to up
A request is best delivered on their level, while still, in a controlled tone

It's not a perfect world
I'm not perfect
And so sometimes
I shout
At least I already know the solution

For the love of self-control, heightened listening skills and short-lived trends,
Me

PS: I started a new diet, hoping it's going to be a lifestyle change not a diet.
PPS: I am hungry.

More than Pedicures

Your fingers and toes sparkled as you sipped the Sprite, patiently waiting on the stubborn callouses to be filed from my worn feet.
"Mom, I love you this day, right now."
The words jumped from your lips and your beautiful blue eyes danced with delight.
My lips upturned in a proud grin and back to you, my beautiful daughter I replied
"I love you too"
Most of our conversation was saturated with make believe
I enjoyed playing along
And you enjoyed the undivided attention

This day
Right now
And forever I will love you Charlie Grace
Happy 4th birthday (a few days late)
You are passionate, strong and beautiful
You challenge and encourage me with you strong and sweet spirit
And I am blessed to be your mom

Happy Blog-Year 2010

A Year in the life of blogged thoughts
AND
Just in case you have nothing better to do, than re-read my blog
My top 12, (one from each month) because the "Top 10 list" on New Years is over-rated

JANUARY - Charlie and Cupcakes
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2010/01/so-i-made-cupcakes.html

FEBRUARY - My how you grow, A little theology and Simple Honest Love
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2010/02/love-is.html

MARCH - Questions for mommy and some Truth
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2010/03/truth-is.html

APRIL - Jesus Loves Me, COOKIES ARE REAL DINOSAURS ARE EXTINCT, Super Dad, Candy Indulgence, Moment living, and Missing Josh & Abbey
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2010/04/messy-mortar.html

MAY - Worry, Expectations, Celebrating Mom, Diets, and A Do's & Don'ts post
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2010/05/25-dos-and-few-donts.html

JUNE - Vacation and an Overdue anniversary post
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2010/06/6-years-12-days.html

JULY - Eclipsed and Hypotheticals
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2010/07/hypothetically.html

AUGUST - Patients on my heart, A new Mission, Birthday of a baby never born, and Eggs
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2010/08/eggs-etc.html

SEPTEMBER - Ethan, Nephews, Littlest brother, Loving fall, and Kids quotes
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2010/09/kids-say.html

OCTOBER - No eating out, Joshua, Love letters, a new blog and a life lived simply
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2010/10/just-another-manic.html

NOVEMBER - Thankfulness, Fun with feathers, Santa disclaimer, and Still an empty A
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2009/11/a.html

DECEMBER - Fun quotes. Fisticuffs, and a Merry Update
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2010/12/merry-update.html


For the love of blessings in 2010, hope in 2011 and journaling via the internet,
Me