Happy New Year

Happy New Year!!

For Christmas, my husband got me a necklace with my name on it (yes, I know it's like a permanent nametag), and I love it!!  They were popular where I lived when I was younger.  My second child took some pictures of me with it on-she said,  "Pose how people with necklaces with their name on it pose."  Good direction, Addie. 

I know we are 5 days in to the new year, but with 5 kids and one husband home for the Christmas season-I have been swamped in all good things!!

Year 2011 marks the first year in a decade I was not pregnant or have a baby/babies in tow.  Crazy to think about that one.  Most of life, especially for the last 2 years, has been limited to keeping my kids safe and not lost :)  It has been lonely at times, overwhelming, loud, claustrophobic, chaotic (still is), and yet very full of good things too-smiles, fun dinner times, laughter, and joyful successes for each of my kids.  I look back to the days where I was feeding both twins, changing a lot of diapers (still am) trying to do homework with my older two girls and still making sure Titus got enough attention & potty trained successfully.  Brian & I have had the saying these last 2 years, "Just trying to make it to half-time." We are not there yet, but everyday we feel like we are at least nearing the end of the first quarter.

So, I have just a few goals for 2012: 

To not turn on the computer until after 8pm.

To read through the Bible with my husband by the end of the year.

To attend a large women's conference alone.

To build into being a good friend again, as I am able , its easy to forget life outside the house, when leaving the it is so hard to do :)

My husband would probably like to add...to not get pregnant again this year :)

I am thankful for a new year.  God will be huge as He always is & I wait with anticipation to know him better. I am so thankful for his patience with me, His love that reaches in through the things of life that occupy and entangle me, and for His perfect company.  He is merciful indeed.