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. :)

52 of 52

********************52 Weeks*******************

52 Weeks is a year long challenge for YOU to be in a picture once a week for 52 weeks. We are always the ones behind the camera, this is YOUR chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. We are glad you are joining this challenge. More importantly your family will really enjoy having you in the picture. Oh, you can just jump in now with 1 of 52, you're not getting off that easy! Now go take a picture!

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I did it!!  52 weeks!!

Last week we made a quick trip home (WI).  During our short time there, we celebrated almost every June event. One of them being my (early) 30th bday (June 29) and our 8th anniversary (June 15).  My sis-in-laws and mother-in-law surprised me with a little party.. just us girls and the kiddos.

As I mentioned last week, this will be my last post on this blog.  I'm not giving up blogging, just condensing.  I'll keep blogging from our family blog.  http://www.2cowboysand2ponytails.blogspot.com/  So, if you wish, please add that to your blogroll, reader or follow it.  I'll start the Shoot Me! challenge.. shortly (hopefully)

A special thanks to Carin for starting this challenge.  It hasn't always been easy, but well worth it.  Not to mention the numerous friends I've gotten to know because of this challenge.  Looking forward to another year of  Mom in the pics!

8 years ago today...

I Love You!

51 of 52

********************52 Weeks*******************

52 Weeks is a year long challenge for YOU to be in a picture once a week for 52 weeks. We are always the ones behind the camera, this is YOUR chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. We are glad you are joining this challenge. More importantly your family will really enjoy having you in the picture. Oh, you can just jump in now with 1 of 52, you're not getting off that easy! Now go take a picture!

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Daddy bought a semi.. so we made a flying trip to bring it home.

2 rode with me...2 rode with Daddy (in the semi)

And I know someone will ask this, so ...'Yes... there was 2 seatbelts for the kids in the semi, and Yes, it was legal) :)

Of course...

every time...

we had to make a stop...

we had to switch kids.

**Also.. next week's post on Thursday (52/52) will be my last post on this blog. I'll keep blogging... from our family blog . There's just too much going on right now, that I cannot justify the time spent on keeping 2 blogs up (not that I do a very good job, but..) I hope to continue on with the "Shoot Me" challenge, so feel free to follow our family blog, and add it to your blogroll, if you so desire.

50 of 52

********************52 Weeks*******************

52 Weeks is a year long challenge for YOU to be in a picture once a week for 52 weeks. We are always the ones behind the camera, this is YOUR chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. We are glad you are joining this challenge. More importantly your family will really enjoy having you in the picture. Oh, you can just jump in now with 1 of 52, you're not getting off that easy! Now go take a picture!

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I'm kinda cheating this week.  But it's been one-of-those-weeks...again.  But, these are new-never-seen-before pictures.  Just not new from this week, so it's all good...right?! :)

So often I wish I was back here.  My toes in the sand.  Waves crashing.  Kids happily playing and screeching in the waves.  My best friend right beside me.  But all good things must come to an end.  Or do they? 

While we may not be at the beach anymore, we can have our toes in the sand dirt/grass.  The waves will be crashing on the shore grass.  The kids will (hopefully) be happily playing and screeching in the waves in the ocean our lil pool.  And my best friend will be right there beside me.. after work.  So, it's all good!

It's all about making the best with what you have.

Moments

"Enjoy the little things. For one day you may look back and realize they were the big things" Unknown

49 of 52

********************52 Weeks*******************

52 Weeks is a year long challenge for YOU to be in a picture once a week for 52 weeks. We are always the ones behind the camera, this is YOUR chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. We are glad you are joining this challenge. More importantly your family will really enjoy having you in the picture. Oh, you can just jump in now with 1 of 52, you're not getting off that easy! Now go take a picture!

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This past Friday thru Monday, we spent down in Panama City Beach, FL.  The first time for the kids and I to see the ocean.  And naturally, we LOVED it!!

I lost track of how many times we ran into the ocean... jumping over waves...jumped into waves...splashing... swimming...

We spent alot of time just letting the waves wash over us

The kids were like fish.

And we can't wait to go back again!!

Long, Wonderful, Wave-filled Weekend

Thank goodness I've gotten used to spur-of-the-moment plans.  Within an hour, me and the kids were packed up, loaded in the van and ready to go with Daddy.  (He was asked to judge a Talent Show in Panama City, FL over the wk end).  It was the first time the kids and I have ever seen the ocean.  To say we had a blast is a huge understatment.  Within minutes of leaving, the kids were asking to go back again.  And I'm sure we will.  It's only about 8 hours to get to the beach from down here.  (I say only 8 hours because from TN back home is 15ish hours..)

I snapped oodles of pictures (that I'll share when I have more time).  We're not likely to forget this experience, but we'll have plenty of pictures to refresh our memory if we do.  We spent the night right on the beach... just open our patio door and the beach was within steps.  For some odd reason, Mom is exhausted tonight.  But just say the word, and I could be ready to go back to the beach with 4 kids in under an hour! :) 

I'll share my favorite pics from the entire trip. I have a couple shots of this pose, all simliar.  Once I figure out which shot is my favoritest favorite, it'll be hanging on our wall.  (They sat like this for awhile, just letting the waves roll up on them).  {sigh...happy, long, wave filled weekend}

48 of 52

********************52 Weeks*******************

52 Weeks is a year long challenge for YOU to be in a picture once a week for 52 weeks. We are always the ones behind the camera, this is YOUR chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. We are glad you are joining this challenge. More importantly your family will really enjoy having you in the picture. Oh, you can just jump in now with 1 of 52, you're not getting off that easy! Now go take a picture!

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This week has been one-of-those-weeks.   Just a busy, eventful, full, non-stop week.  One of those weeks, if someone were to say: Oh!  You're JUST a stay-at-home Mom..  I may have popped them on the head! :) 

Just a typical scene at our house...when John is napping

hair all over the place, matching t-shirts, table covered with ... who really knows what, don't even look at what's on the floor, Benji goofing around, finger prints all over the mirror....but we just smile and make the most of it :)

You know.. just your average-house-with-four-kids-kinda-day .... 

simple.sunshine.

{These pictures don't even come close to capturing the moment, but you gotta look at 'em anyways!} 

The other evening we had dark clouds roll over.  no thunder.  no lightening.  Just a gentle rain.  For the longest time, the sun was shining between the clouds.  As a gentle rain, almost a mist was coming down.

I sat on the porch swing watching, until I couldn't handle it any more.  I sat the camera down, called the kids outside and we danced played in the rain.

I've been thankful for little burst of sunshines that have brightened up days that were just...grey.  Whether its small or big things.  Something that brings a smile to your face, a skip to your step, gives you the little boost you've been needing....  like a hug from your kids, unexpected compliment from a stranger, or maybe, even perhaps a phone call from your bestest friend!  It's the little, sweet, simple things that make me happy!

47 of 52

********************52 Weeks*******************
52 Weeks is a year long challenge for YOU to be in a picture once a week for 52 weeks. We are always the ones behind the camera, this is YOUR chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. We are glad you are joining this challenge. More importantly your family will really enjoy having you in the picture. Oh, you can just jump in now with 1 of 52, you're not getting off that easy! Now go take a picture!

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Mothers Day 2010

Picked with love from the front yard.

Daddy cooked lunch We ate out.

Tea Lemonade Party

Supper on the deck

Blurry pic #2 of 5 Daddy took :)  But I'm not likely to forget this Mother's Day.  It was the 1st time we celebrating the holiday.  Alone.  Down south.  Both of our Mothers were 800+ miles away.

Soaking up the sun ....

and snuggles.

Little Things

Awhile back I saw this post here.  I fell in love with the quote and vowed to focus more on little things around me every day. 

Like sleeping babies toddlers.

Happy Mothers Day...

To me Mothers Day is more than just one special day, set aside for Mom's.  We don't get carried away on Mother's Day.  I'm not treated like a queen, nor do I get the day off.  I'll be lucky if my kids their Father even remembers Mother's Day! :)   In all reality, it's just another Sunday.  I won't lie.  Flowers, chocolate, special treatment, dinner out would be great.  But to me, that isn't what Mothers day is about.  Mothers Day is about every day!  Each little moment.  Or big moment.

It's getting fresh picked flowers in the morning.  Or afternoon.  Or evening.  And being delivered by the cutest kids.

It's about watching moments like this.  Feeling your heart swell up with happiness, proudness.  A smile spread across your face.  These are your children.

It's about spending time out on the porch swing.  Answering a million and one questions about... anything and everything.  It's looking into those faces and just melting into a sweet puddle of gooey sweetness.

It's about him.  Because without him, I wouldn't be a mother to these four chilren.  (and I'd likely have lost my mind a long time ago without his love, support, patiences and so on..)  It's about watching my family, being together ... and realizing how happy, fortnate and blessed I really am.

It's about them taking a love and interest in things that I love and value so much.  It's realizing they do watch and listen much more closely than I realize.

It's all about cuteness.  And having children look like you.  And their Daddy.  All at the same time.

It's about being Super Man Mom.  It's also realizing you don't have to be SUPER MOM, to be a good Mom.  And realizing that being perfect has nothing to do with being a GOOD Mom.

It's about good days and bad days.

It's all about them.

Happy Mothers Day!