2010

Some days were just down right rough.  Tears and all.

Some times we just kicked up our feet and relaxed

Sometimes we got our hands dirty.

We are so glad for family that stands by us- no matter what. 

We're glad for big and little sisters.

Glad for big brothers who willingly carry us when we can't take another step.

Somedays we just had to keep on pedaling.  No matter what.

We created memories as a family that we'll never forget.

There was lots of smiles, laughter and giggles in 2010.

We were reminded just how lucky we are to have a Daddy like him.  By far the strongest man we'll ever know.. physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally.

We spent alot of time driving.  In the van.  (And driving Mom nuts)

Somedays we did more goofing around than anything else.

2010 has flown by.  But not without leaving us with many memories.  It's been a year unlike any other.

Yet we're thankful for all it brought.

Here's looking to 2011! 

Advice

(I got this as an email and wanted to share it with you.  Some of the things I already do.  Most are things I need to work on.  Desperately need to work on. )  Enjoy!

1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two a re often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.

16. Carry an inspirational book and/or the Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19 Get organized so everything has its place.

20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with godly people.

25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you Jesus.'
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can)..

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33 Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.

Perfection

"Being happy doesn't mean everything is perfect.  It means you've decided to look beyond the imperfections."
**Stolen from Facebook.  Original **

I will be the 1st to admit that I am not perfect.  Not by a long shot.  Neither is our life perfect.  But then again. I believe that no human being can be or is capable of perfection.  Only our Saviour is perfect, and so very thankful for that reassurance. 

I also will be the 1st to admit that this past year hasn't been the easiest.  But at the same time, it's been one of the happiest time/years for me/us.  Confusing I know, but it's the truth.  Living in 2 different places over 850 miles apart isn't exactly ideal or easy with 4 lil kids.  Saying goodbye to family when we have to return is... very hard.  Growing up we often had 2 choices in a matter:  "Take it or leave it."  Since this IS our life at the moment, we deal with what is on our plate.  And make the most of it.

Because of certain sacrifices we've had to make, we've been given so much more in return than we could ever imagine was our portion.  This whole 'experience' has been a very good lesson for me.  I've learned to realize what is truly important.  I've learned (and this is quite hard for me) to disregard things that don't and never will matter.  I look at things in a whole new light.  I focus on what I DO have, rather than on things I DON'T have.  But more importantly, I've learned that being happy is much more important than having things perfect and/or perfection.  I'm so thankful that I truly am happy.  Even if things aren't perfect.

**I'm not sure what will happen with this blog.  I know awhile back I said I was deleting it, but I just made it private instead just put it on hold.  Most likely any readers have moved on to better and greater places.  But there are things I'd like to write about, get off my chest.. so who knows what will happen. :)