Catch-Up

So Its been too long, I'll blame it on the really slow internet at my parents house, and well a much needed break from everyday life lol... hopefully when I get back to ND (the middle of March-ish) I can be more diligent... but anyways! I thought I would post just a little bit of whats been going on during our adventure out west... I guess I can start with the journey out here....

We left very very early in the AM like O dark thirty as my father would say or as us kids would call it the butt-crack of dawn... and I should say... should have listened to the parents on that one... Montana roads at 6 am during winter= Jesus Take the Wheel even at 30 mph... but we made it through in one piece (not only in body but in spirit) to SLC on the first day 18 hrs of driving later! I can tell you the kiddos were amazing... Denny was just so sweet, and Layla and I had a fabulous time singing all the songs on our road-trip playlist! We Checked in to TLF at Hill AFB in UT and got to sleep at around 2am, and left the later that morning 9ish maybe... My BFF Jackie, kept me lots of company on the phone... thank goodness, its always wonderful to have someones ear to take your mind off the tingly feeling in your bum from driving for the vast majority of two days... I was bummed when we hit California though... what state only allows you to drive 65! Oh how I longed to be back on the road going 80 like the rest of the states allow... but we all know CA doesn't get much right... We got in at around 7pm that evening, and got all the oohs and ahhs, and Gamma and Gampas out of the way! Layla was so happy to be here, and well Denny was content as always, and melted Grandpas heart with big smiles... We spent the next few days resting, and adjusting to West Coast time... 

We had lots of play dates planned, meeting with friends who we hadn't seen since our wedding, and during V-day my parents treated me to a trip to the desert, which was wonderful! I got to play 18 holes of golf with my dad... and I will for certain be purchasing my all access playing card to the course on/off base this spring... its such a relaxing sport... We got back home, and my mom treated us to passes to Sea World... and boy have we been using them... I can say its not the same without Chris... Layla loves and misses her papa... but she loves the sharks, and Shamu, and OMG we fed the Bat Rays... one of which is quite feisty and enjoys flapping his wings, and splashing everyone around... We've been to Nati's numerous times and while sitting on the patio you can count on the flyby of the planes from the airport... and Layla without fail: "Hi daddy... my daddy flyin... bye bye daddy, I miss you" its heart breaking, but he'll be  home soon... 

Last weekend was the Auction for SCI and that was a blast... My dad always does such an amazing job! I'm sure they are sad to see him go... but I think my mom strategically planned her b-day trip to Tahiti so that dad could be relieved of the stress! I think they were on track to raise at least 200k... which is just amazing... Denny went dressed as a baby reindeer, and helped me sell a few thousand dollars in BINGO cards for this gorgeous Kimber handgun...! I was one of the final five people too for the drawing... but... no new handgun for mama!  

We're wrapping up our trip here... next Thursday my sister will escort me up to Sacramento, and then I think I'll head down to Merced, and then Chris' mom has offered to help with the drive back... I'm hoping were back sometime around the 15th, but we'll see how the weather pans out... 

This trip overall has been remarkably wonderful... but a few friend have been through some just terribly trying times, I've been praying a lot, and thinking a lot about the things that are truly important, and about how fragile and fleeting life is... I have always loved this reflection, and have been contemplating a time to share it, but here is something that I've been trying to read and live every day :) Love you all and goodnight:

The Choice 

by Max Lucado

IT’S QUIET. It’s early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.

In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.

For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.

I choose love . . .

No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.

I choose joy . . .

I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical . . . the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I choose peace . . .

I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I choose patience . . .

I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I choose kindness . . .

I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I choose goodness . . .

I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.

I choose faithfulness . . .

 Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.

I choose gentleness . . .

 Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I choose self-control . . .

I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.

From When God Whispers Your Name
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1999) Max Lucado

EPIC New Years Resolution Fail

Seriously right, well a brief update, I will go into more detail in the very near future, with pics and everything... but before leaving Minot, we had some amazing house guests, who have turned into house sitters, while they lok for a place/decide on a place in the Great North... lol, so I was kept super busy and entertained with the Doucettes and their three fabulous kiddos and cute pets... but we lost both of ours ed-bird and bird-bird both died within 3 days of eachother, Chris and my Mom both think it was the new food I switched them to, it was made in China... anyways, I left Minot Jan 29th, and got to San Diego the 30th in the early evening... whew what a drive, more details and pics to come on that as well... we have arrived safely and we're all adjusting well... Layla Grace is loving all the attention and Denny had hit some big milestones... more to come I'll make up for my hiatus in the coming days!

Love Always,

Brige

Some Scripture for the Day

Psalm 126: 3 "The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."

Soooo Tired

Big Sister Layla giving some love ons to Baby Denny

Well tonight is going to be a very short post, as I am exhausted... And really don't have too much to say, except for that in the past week I have developed an even more profound appreciation for single parents, how they do it I have no clue... Layla had been sleeping soooo well! But one nap ruined that... 230am and 3am sleep times are killer... Esp. When trying to keep the house up after she's asleep.... I feel like a horrible mother, I raised my voice at her, over her un-plugging the Garmin that I was updating, (which is usually reserved for life and limb moments) and she started to cry, I felt like I had smashed her flowers, she looked up at me so dejected and my heart broke... I let my frustration get the best of me, and that poor little one, tomorrow is a new day though, and hopefully I will be able to be more patient :/ My goal for manana is to get all of our clothes sorted, take the kids clothes that are too small for them and put them in storage, and go through my closet and pull out the clothes that I never wear :/... If I get that done, I will be almost done getting the house ready for our company later this week! Happy MLK day everyone! Goodnight

Something to ponder and one of my favorite reflections:

Forgive us if this day we have done or said anything to increase the pain of the world. Pardon the unkind word, the impatient gesture, the hard and selfish deed, the failure to show sympathy and kindly help where we had the opportunity, but missed it; and enable us so to live that we may daily do something to lessen the tide of human sorrow, and add to the sum of human happiness.-F.B. Meyer

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Friday Night Lights...

An amazing movie right... but no I had a wonderful day today... LGG and DCEG and I all headed into town to do some shopping at Target... putting together a Birthday/V-Day box for the hubsters, getting BIRD FOOD (the main purpose of the trip, realized there was none in my basket while we were in the checkout line LOL), and just trying to get out... 

We had another 3-5" of snow last night, I keep meaning to take pictures and post them, but you know me... I plowed the driveways, and headed into town, I'm always super nervous as we very rarely have ventured out without Chris... but LGG did amazing, no huge tantrums, and stayed with me, I think she gets distracted by all the "stuff" everywhere, but what little one doesn't... Denny of course rode along in his papoose which is always fun I love having him so close, and I can also schlep both kids while he's in it... 

We came back home... (made a detour to Taco Johns which has Churros... super yummy, make a bad day wonderful 3 weight watcher point churros, I joked with Chris once that I should just go on a churro diet, 10 of them a day, and I would be withing my points values... lol pardon the sidetracking)... and went straight over to the Duff's for the most delicious homemade pizza OMG so delicious... Lisa almost has me convinced that I need a bread machine, but I will stick with my "old fashioned" methods for now, its so wonderful to have neighbors, friends and sisters who are just so hospitable, and willing to open their homes and share time, it was welcome company!... 

The house was trashed... I let the New Years resolution go yesterday, Layla was up til 5am Friday morning, and I just did not have the energy or will power to keep up with her, so I let that one slide... but... I am sitting here now in a clean house... so I don't feel too bad... I called my mom griping about my true un-desire to clean at that moment, and her advice was to hire a maid... and that it is much easier to pick up one thing at a time, than 500... which I agree... I'm just not too good at the cleaning up as you go thing yet... one day (I hope) I will master it... but until then... I keep telling myself one room at a time... its just difficult... when the kids are finally asleep... I get to spend my leisure time cleaning... yay... insert sarcasm here... well anyways... I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed so if I'm sounding super whiny I'm sorry...  

Last night was fun though, Chris signed up for a pogo.com account and we played a few games of scrabble against each other, and Skyped for a few hours... it was great to see my husband, I feel like a part of my heart is missing, and seeing him and talking to him makes the distance feel just a little shorter. Layla enjoyed making drawings for her DADDDDYYY, she was drawing Christmas Trees, one for mommy, daddy, baby broder, and Layla... she just has the sweetest little heart to her... We are so blessed... anyways I hope yall had a wonderful Friday, and don't forget the PLAYOFFS tomorrow! Go Steelers and Go Pack...

Some Scripture for Today...

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Domestic Engineer

Today we got the car ready for the Trek out west... I'm getting super excited! Transmission Fluid Drained and Changed, along with the power steering, balanced and rotated tires... we're all set... now just to finish up the packing and wait for the weather to let up! Yesterday was lots of fun, we went to the bowling ally with Lisa and Alex and then had a dinner date with the Guests our neighbors across the way! I love our little neighborhood!

So... With the better half away, I thought this description of what moms/wives do was very accurate... I refer to myself as a Domestic Engineer... 

The Domestic Engineer is responsible for all household and childcare duties. Additionally, the domestic engineer is responsible for ensuring that harmony exists between all individuals living in the home. Love, care, and kindness are all attributes that must be exhibited by the domestic engineer. Caring for the husband is crucial, and it is expected that the domestic engineer will provide for his emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. A domestic engineer should also maintain personal hygiene and take care of her physical body through proper eating and regular exercise. While there is not a strict dress code, it is expected that between the hours of 7 am and 10 pm, the domestic engineer will have makeup applied and will not be wearing pajamas or other elastic clothing. The domestic engineer is expected to cry no more than 1 time per month, for a maximum of 5 minutes.

Duties

Household:

Sweeping/mopping – at least once per day

Dusting – at least twice per week

Vacuuming – at least once per week

Straightening up – at least once per day, preferably before 5pm

Doing the dishes – as often as needed so that dishes do not extend over the corners of the sink

Scrubbing bathrooms – at least once every two weeks or weekly if any potty-trained children reside in the home

Doing the laundry – as often as necessary so that clean socks and underwear can easily be located

Other duties as assigned

Childcare:

Feeding – 3 well balanced meals each day with 1-2 healthy snacks

Bathing – at least 5 baths per week including full body lotion application when needed

Dressing/Grooming – children will be dressed with fresh, clean clothes. Haircuts must be provided at least every 6 weeks once the child is 18 months old. Fingernails and toenails must be trimmed so that no more than 3mm of nail be exposed past the end of the digit.

Emotional Caring – holding each child for at least 20 minutes per day. Saying “I love you to each child at least 3 times a day”

Developmental – reading to each child for at least 20 minutes per day

Qualifications/Requirements:

Must have a high threshold for pain and a high tolerance for nagging, bothering, begging, crying, and loud noises

Must be willing and able to stand for extensive periods of time, to crawl on the floor, to enter tight and cramped spaces, and to climb chairs and tables to obtain objects in difficult to reach places

Must be willing and able to operate on 0-6 hours of sleep

Should be able to handle multiple difficult situations at once

Should be well versed on the phone and in writing

Must possess negotiation skills to handle requests from both children and adults

Can calmly handle stressful situations without yelling, throwing, hitting, storming out of rooms, or slamming doors – preferably 

Hope this gave you a good laugh

Scripture for the Day

Ephesians 5:22-33 

"Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.  Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.  In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.  After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body.“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."

Sick...

Hmmm.... Well it is not very often that I succumb to the "bugs" that are going around but, this morning I woke up with no voice, no cough no sore throat just no voice... I guess that was the Lords way of telling me to take an opprotunity to listen more... and to speak softly...Layla has been imitating my whispers all day, which has been nice :)

We're almost to a week of Chris being gone, and I have to say we've all adjusted pretty well, surprisingly... although I still hate taking out the trash we're surviving... Layla continues to ask where papa go, and while we were snow blowing yesterday she heard a incoming skype call and ran in from the garage... "DADDY's CALLING, Mommmy Mommy..."

Anyways I'm enjoying all the snow, its a nice change from constant unrelenting heat... And to be honest, it hasn't been too cold, I cleaned the garage in a tank top and workout pants yesterday AM... I know I do have some extra blubber that probably aids in keeping me warm, but hey its refreshing :)


Falling Asleep with mama...


So Comfy and Sleepy!



I love these BALLS!


Bounce, Bounce, Bounce....

So today we just cuddled on the couch, which was soooo nice... I watched "Going the Distance" with Justin Long and Drew Barrymore... HILARIOUS... I felt kinda in the spirit of the movie, as my heart is half a world away... we also whatched Shrek:4 I think or maybe its 5... lol but that was cute as well...

So I guess that's it for tonight I'm going to try to get Layla to sleep so I can plow the driveways, and get a Pilates session in before it gets too late!


“We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls.” Mother Teresa

Today :-P

Today was a slow wonderful day! Woke up kinda early (9 am) after waiting up til $am to hear from the hubsters (that didn't happen) LOL.  Our neighbors are out of town (most of them on the block as a matter of fact) and We are watching their homes, which means their driveways have to be plowed "within 24hrs of a snow event" whatever that means... so I dropped Layla by The Duffs home, Lisa was so wonderful to watch Layla so I could get blowing! Which I have to say is very fun and makes you feel very powerful... ;) I got two of the three driveways done, and then Denny had woken up from his nap, so I went and got Layla from The Duffs, and came back home and caught Chris on Skype, which I love, it was wonderful to see him and hear his voice, Layla loved it too, saying I miss you daddy, I luf you papa... Simply Heartwarming... 

Lisa came over later to watch the playoff game and YAY SEAHAWKS! it was great to watch, and to have company... I indulged with some yummy pepperoni and olive pizza, thank goodness a diet isn't one of my resolutions ;) ...

Layla didn't go to sleep until midnight tonight, so I didn't get a chance to start my pilates workout until past midnight, but OMG I love the way you feel after a good routine... so relaxed and aligned! I will definitely be feeling this tomorrow though... 

Well of to lala land but tomorrow I will post a video I caught of Denny Screching while doing tummy time... super cute... well at least in mamas eyes... 

Have a Great Night

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. - Ephesians 4:32

The Day After D-Day

So we made it through Day one without daddy, and I guess you can say day two as well... I have to admit (although I'm sure the novelty will wear off with time)  that the king size bed is super comfortable to sprawl out in... but I do find myself thinking he'll walk in the door at any moment... Layla kept asking for daddy, and I keep telling her he is at work for a long time, but I'm not quite sure she gets the whole picture, she's coping though... 

Today was First Friday with the squadron, which is a family potluck/social hour! It was wonderful to see all the ladies, and socialize... I see the other spouses who live on base often, but those who are in town don't make it up to base as regularly, so it was a great opprotunity to mingle.  Also this was the first First Friday with both squadrons, so it was wonderful to meet the ladies from the other group.  Layla was successful at breaking the projection movie screen, my sweet little girl loves buttons, and I'm not a great mom... they are so sneaky!

I signed up for a program called Pilates Anytime, and I'm super excited... They have different workouts posted all the time, and I'll be able to do it at home, or anywhere, and its relatively inexpensive ($18/month)... I'd been missing being able to take a class. Although I appreciate that the gym on  base has a "mommy room" (its got a play area for the little ones and treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, and a stair climber) I wish they had a daycare so I could do zumba... But I LOVE PILATES... I would love to get a reformer machine at some point in time... but for now I'll stick to the mat... I attribute the fact that I don't usually start showing until about 5-6 months to pilates all the time... and it will be nice to get back into the swing of things... I also find it incredibly relaxing and centering... I've tried yoga, and its fun as well, but it's difficult at my current size ;-p but maybe that will change...

Well now off to finish cleaning up... although it hasn't been perfect, I'm getting better at keeping up with cleaning up... I'm hoping that once I get a routine down it will become second nature... but to be honest, when the kids are both asleep I'd much rather be spending some "I" time than cleaning... but I guess that's life right... c'est la vie

Many Blessings,

Brige

Some Scripture For Today:

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galations 6:2

The power of the sisterhood of military spouses... I'm not worried, lonely, scared, or sad... they are so amazing and supportive and I am so thankful to have them with me on this journey...

D-Day....

So I spent the better part of last night attempting to make cinnamon rolls for the boys departure this morning... and can I say, while I think I'm pretty good at baking sweet stuff, cinnamon rolls might be my demise... Chris said they tasted great... but you know hubbies... lol! 

Anyways, I dropped Chris off this morning at about 3:45am... which was way to early... esp. since these days my body likes to hit the hay at around 2:30 or 3am... needless to say, this will be an interesting part on our journey.  Chris and I have never been apart for more than 5-6weeks ( he went to IFS when Layla was 2 weeks old)... so this should be interesting... I'm sure hoping that distance makes the heart grow fonder! I plan on spending some time soaking up the sun in San Diego come February, but until then, it will just be the kids, the birds, the snow, and me, living it up in MINOT :)   The past few days have been quiet... just getting things settled, packing, enjoying favorite meals etc. and anticipating this morning...

 Putting the boots on at home! I think I'm going to miss the early morning clomping around

 Loading the Layla Bunny to Drop Dad Off!

 Goodbye Kisses, Still sleeping...

Funny thing though... Chris headed off with his cellphones twin... which happens to be my cell... lol, again... but fortunately I used the website www.wheresmycellphone.com and called him on it repeatedly... I'm hoping the loud salsa music didn't get him in too much trouble or laughed at too hard... so on the way to the gym, I stopped by to get it... 


The New Years resolutions are going pretty well... the house hasn't been immaculate, especially upstairs, but... the dishes are mostly done and the only mess is Laylas play things so that is a major win! I've only logged 4 miles so far on my 1000 mile quest, but slow and steady wins the race...


After the gym Layla was crying for her friend Alex... it sounds more like Axe, but, its super cute, they play well and its nice to have girl time with a like minded mama... 


The rest of the day was relaxing, I'm super tired... been up since early this morning so tonight will be an early night.  Layla got to sleep early too... which is where I saw the largest snow bunny I have ever seen... 

Yup... Thats the Bunny! Its not a snow man... its a bunny!

Well Good Night All! Don't forget to pray for our troops!


Some Scripture To Read!

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 be faint. Isaiah 40:31 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:10-18

Daddy and Denny

 

Today was another relaxing day with the family! Layla was asleep before midnight which is a rare occasion that is happening so much more now! Were in the count down to deployment day, so we're doing our favorite dinners, and spending as much quality time as possible....

Denny really loves tummy time, and for an almost 4 month old rolls over pretty well, at least tummy to back, he rolls to his side pretty well from his back but not all the way over :) Needless to say we are enjoying the newest addition to the family, everything is just as new as it was for Layla, but still so different.... He is way more vocal, and loves being sung to....

Have a wonderful night!

Sports, Salmon, and Smores

Today was a wonderful relaxing day, we're  on the countdown to Chris leaving so we're enjoying the last few days we have together. 

We had a lazy morning, LGG played with her dad while mom spent some quality time with DCEG cuddling, and then we headed off to the bowling ally with the Duffs (our neighbors) which is always fun! The kids love cheering for themselves and mommy and daddy, they have little dragon stands to help them get the ball down the lane, which in most cases means they score way higher than mom and dad LOL!

I have been craving salmon all week so we decided to use some of the stuff mom and dad brought us in september... we made a teriyaki style filet (brush with soy sauce, and top with brown sugar) and a lemon pepper filet which was super peppery (woops) and then pilaf, and artichokes.  The Duffs brought over yummy homemade rolls, and a delicious lemon pound cake (that her hubby made!)... it was  a good meal, and we watched the football game (Rams v. Seahawks! go Seahawks)...

Chris washed our TV remote with the couch covers, so currently we are stuck watching reruns of Grey's Anatomy lol again... we finished off the night with delicious oven made smores... always a treat!

Goodnight

Some Scripture for the Day

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken

Happy New Year

So, Why a Blog, and why now right? Well easy… everyone’s doing it? LOL no but really why? Well since Chris is deploying I thought it would be a great way for him to see what has been going on in the family, without him racking up a gazillion dollar phone bill,. I also though it would be a great way for friends and family to stay in touch, and to chronicle our journey through life. Its also a new years resolution while we’re on that topic here are a few things I have decided to try my hand at this year
 
I resolve to:
 
-Not use Credit Cards-
 
Why?- well the ultimate goal is to be a better steward with our finances… and really, if you can’t pay cash for it, you can’t afford it…
 
-Log 1000 miles of exercise… through a combination of the elliptical, stair climber, treadmill, and bike-
 
Why? Well who doesn’t want to lose a few pounds right? Lol, rather than have a specific weight loss goal be a resolution (talk about setting one self up for failure) I thought this would be a great way to stay motivated, while working on becoming a healthier person
 
-BLOG at least 4 times a week-
 
Why? One of those random things… hopefully I will be able to keep up… I would love to say I could do it every day, but hey I barley remember to brush my teeth everyday, and I will admit, sometimes I forget…
 
-Be more kind and gentle to my husband-
 
Why? Well this one is super personal… any of yall who know me, well pistols to missiles is a very adept nickname… I love my hubby more than anyone could possibly love someone, and I think sometimes my actions don’t show that, especially when I’m freaking out over something that really isn’t a big deal… life is short… he needs to not only know, but feel everyday how important, special, cared for, and loved he is….
 
-Keep the house clean-
 
Why? Well this is embarrassing, but maybe if I put it out there I will be forced to deal with it, but, I never feel like my house is clean enough, and I know we always say that, but really, come over to my house on a random day, and you will feel much better about the state of yours… It brings on panic, sweaty palms, and possibly a nervous twitch, but I would love to be able to have friends drop by and be able to invite them in without worrying that they won’t be my friend anymore because of the mess…
 
So those are my top five resolutions, care to share yours… and please if you’re in the area… stop by… lol! Just call first… tee hee
 
Some Scripture for the New Year
 
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
 
Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
 
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.