Resolutions...resolved

I can hardly believe that 2011 has come to a close. It's been a whirlwind of a year with so many highlights for our family. Of course, our greatest blessing is the addition of our perfect baby boy and our Haley has transformed from adorable toddler to sweet little girl. My cup runneth over.

I'm usually not one to make resolutions with the new year, but I've been dwelling on this today. I guess I did have a goal to learn to sew this year. After thinking more about it, I think it's really been a desire to be more crafty all around. I'm excited to say, that I think I've achieved this! As I've told you before, I'm a CPA by trade and embody every one of the stereotypes that go along with that profession...I love lists, folders, order, and Excel, and often have a hard time thinking outside the box. Well, until this year. Jesus has been teaching me that I can do all things and that I'm not destined to be defined as left brained. So I put my mind to it, took some great inspiration from Pinterest and here's some of the things I've come up with...

Jake's nursery including framing Toby's rugby jerseys, painting and
recovering the toy box, and sewing the window treatments

Haley's Wilma Flintstone halloween costume

blue jean quilt

Painting - will hang over our TV to guide our entertainment choices

kids' footprint flower pots for Christmas presents

fingerprint dragonfly flower pot for Christmas present

Thank you, Jesus, for teaching me that I can be creative. I've loved the journey and look forward to another year of creative projects.

Not long after Jake was born I started focusing on another "resolution"...a prayer, really. I was having a really hard time working my day around Jesus and managing all of the day to day responsibilities that fell on my shoulders. My prayer became for Jesus to show me how to give Him an uninterrupted chunk of time when I was sleep deprived, tending the needs of a newborn and educating and entertaining a non-napping three year old. And because He's so good and loves me so much, of course He showed me the way. There are still plenty of days that slip by, filled to the brim with activity, but I've been able to work in sweet time with my Jesus on most days. I long for afternoon nap time. After Jake goes down for his snooze, Haley has about an hour of "quiet time" in her room, leaving me free to get lost with my Jesus. It's not perfect, and sometimes I miss it, but slowly He's guiding my day. I've found that on the days when I'm faithful to use my hour window to focus on Jesus, rather than the waiting dishwasher and piles of laundry, not only is He faithful to meet me there, but He is teaching me with greater revelation and clarity. He is reminding me that if I will make the effort to draw near to Him, He will always draw closer to me. (James 4:8)

So there's a glimpse at my year. My goals for 2012 are still up in the air, but here's what I have so far: to continue to pursue Jesus...to become even closer, to hear His voice more clearly, to memorize more of His words, to focus on Him more easily, and to teach my precious Haley the same. As a wife, I will pray for Toby more consistently and more earnestly...for protection over our marriage, for favor in his career, for wisdom, strength and guidance as he leads our family. As a mom, I will strive to devote my undivided attention to my children on a daily basis and to keep my household responsibilities in perspective. As a friend, I will work to put others first and to keep my schedule free to spend time encouraging and investing in others.

I pray that you have had a full and wonderful year in 2011 and may 2012 be full of incredible blessings!

I am in love

So first, many apologies for my near six month absence, but I can tell you that God is still good and I have lots to share with you.

We have been enjoying our little man and our new family dynamic of four. I must admit, the adjustment into a mom of two little ones took longer than I expected. Now that Jake is pushing 6 months, I think we've finally found our rhythm.


My little man has been such a sweet gift. I am blown a way, and a bit sad, that so many milestones have already come and gone. Jake has the sweetest spirit. He is content with nearly any situation and rarely fusses. He is finally entertaining the idea of food and today his first tooth broke the surface. He's working hard on sitting up and squirming and rolling desperately across the floor. It won't be long before he's off and running. He adores his big sister and could watch her endless singing and dancing for hours. The bond they share amazes me...it started before he was even born. He would often shift in the womb at the sound of Haley entering the room. I know their bond will always be tight. Before he arrived, I didn't know what it would be like to share my love, attention and affections between two little ones. I have been amazed in these last six months that I haven't had to split my love at all, Jake simply opened a new corner of my heart...a corner reserved just for him. I had forgotten how easy it is to fall hopelessly in love with such a small, helpless little person. I am honored to be his mommy and am loving our days of watching him grow and learn.

One of my prayers for Haley before Jake was born was for her to be excited about her little brother and to not be jealous of him. So far, so good. She is enamored with her "baby." She loves to help with him, entertain him and teach him how to play with his toys. She has never expressed any envy or ill will against him. From the day he entered our lives, she has been nothing but excited about him. She has taken on her new role of big sister like a pro, and I couldn't have asked for anything more. Like the rest of us, she is anxious to teach him about life, although I'm sure her perspective will be special indeed.

My sweet Toby has been such a rock...my hero. I am thrilled for him to have a son, and as a bonus Jake is Toby's little clone. When sitting in his daddy's lap, the resemblance is uncanny. But when you look at Toby's baby pictures, you can barely tell them apart. Toby is so proud of his son, and so helpful in every way. There is nothing I love more than watching my sweet babies adore their daddy. I am truly one blessed woman. The gifts God has given me in these three people are beyond what I ever imagined.

Stick with me over the next few days as I hope to update you on the last six months. I pray you each had a wonderful Christmas celebration and have been able to enjoy priceless family time throughout this holiday season.