30 something

My 30's have been a time of awakening.  The older I get I realize how black and white life is NOT.  I realize as a growing believer the struggles that I have to fight evil and to do right.  We are not perfect, yet the standards we try to set for ourselves can never measure up to our expectations.  The older I get the more reflecting I do, alone in my thoughts.  When I say I am trying to find myself, that is exactly what I am doing.  Although I love my life, I have some regrets.  Things that I have or haven't said, quality time that I have or have not spent with people, career/school choices that I did or did not make.  The other day I heard something wise, which really resonated with me.  If we could only put a 50 year old head on our 20 year old bodies, we would have avoided a lot of mistakes, pain and heartache.  Of course part of growing older comes with learning from past mistakes to become a better person and mentor to those who may be walking in similiar shoes.  Life is short..embrace it, love it, learn from it, enjoy it.


Quote of the day:  When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.
- Helen Keller

Family Beach day

She loves the beach 

Evan 

Me and my Girlie 

Dancing Queen 

Paddle Ball

Where is Gracee?

Me and my boy

Last weekend we had a beautiful 70 degree day at the beach.  We are going to try to work on having more beach days this year.  The kids have way too much fun and the relaxing is great for all of us.

Some days are hard to take

Today is one of those days that you wish you never woke up.  I am saddened by the news of a cousin who has died tragically today and news of a friend from Bible study several years ago, who was diagnosed with colon and liver cancer.  When news like this comes your way, you always ask the question "why?"  God knows and we rarely find out why, which makes it even more difficult to deal with.  In both situations I am not really close to either person anymore.  I was affected today by the news of both.  Both people are close to my age, so it becomes very real.  My heart hurts for these families today and I pray for God's healing hand during these tough times.

another tooth

Another tooth bites the dust!  Way to go Gracee!

New Years Eve

Happy New Year!

Ryan and Kristen

David and Dorothy

Evan busting a move to Rock band!

David and Ryan Rockin...Rock band!

The poor dogs are just too tired to celebrate

We had a fabulous weekend with friends for the New Year, but ended the weekend a little sick...(colds). Over the weekend I was thinking of my goals for the new year. I am not saying resolution, since that seems to set people up for failure, but a goal gives you something to work toward when you have a set back.

My goals:

1. Enjoy my children more. They are a true joy to me. This year has been a year of change, and I need to focus more on our beautiful children.

2. Do something intentional everyday for the ones I love or for a stranger. Think outside the box and get out of my comfort zone to do so.

3. Volunteer more at church and at the kids schools.

4. Focus on my spiritual side...what does God intend for me?

5. Save more money and stay focused on short and long term goals.

6. Get back to healthy eating after 2 months of holidays and vanity weight gain.

7. Walk 3x a week again....goal 365 miles this year.

8. Enjoy music more....get back to what really made me happy as a young adult and find a group to sing with.

9. Find a way to make money from home by taking on small jobs.

10. Treasure my husband and the life I have with him. Never let distractions take away from my relationship with him.