I was debating on whether or not I should pick up another Nicholas Sparks book since I was a little "put out" by the last one that I read. However, I remember seeing the previews for the movie "Dear John" and thinking that it looked super cute. After I saw the preview someone told me that it was based on a Nicholas Sparks book and so I was determined to read it before watching it at the movies. So - what did I think? Well, I have to say that the author has a way of playing on all of my emotions. I was happy, excited, sad, tired, depressed and teary-eyed on and off throughout this book. It was a HUGE step above "The Lucky One" and was an amazing love story. There were a few things about the book that I think the author could have left out - but like the smart author he is he played to the emotions of "the worldy public" as well as the Christian audience.
Instead of "going" to see it at the movies I may just wait to see it when it comes out at the Redbox. I really want to watch it but I know that my money could be better spent somewhere else than watching a movie in which I know FOR SURE that a certain scene will NOT be left out of the "movie" - in fact it will probably be intensified and prolonged unfortunately. Good ole Hollywood huh?
Well - I don't mean to be a downer on Nicholas Sparks books however I just have a difficult time when he drags Christianity into his books and then throws integrity and Christian morals out the window with his characters and their actions. I know that people screw up in real life - I'm very aware of that and luckily God's grace covers us all. But I just wish that Christianity would be taken seriously and having fiction authors create a fiction perspective of what a "Christian" is just gives others false hope.
O.K. - jumping off my soapbox and on to the book rating.
Rating: 7
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Random Happenings
Random Happenings in the Franklin Household
Rhett:
1) always running
2) enjoying life like always
3) loves the attention he gets when he dresses up like a cowboy
4) typically getting into trouble
Addison:
1) getting her beauty sleep
2) loving to draw and color and tape them around the house
3) dressing herself - and not too badly this time
4) spending some time in mommy's kindergarten class making crafts
The Last Resort - by Hannah Alexander
I just finished reading my second book "The Last Resort" by Hannah Alexander. She is a Christian author who writes mystery and suspense novels. I remember as a kid loving the Nancy Drew series and the Mandie books so it was fun to pick up a book that had that same kind of mystery. I would definately recommend this book to anyone if they enjoy suspense and mystery. It was about a missing 12 year old girl, their desperate search to find her, a suspicion that someone in the family took her and a BIG family secret. It was a quick, easy read and very entertaining.
Book rating: 7
Book rating: 7
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
The Lucky One - Nicholas Sparks
"The Lucky One" by Nicholas Sparks review:
It was an easy read. It didn't quite intrigue me as some other books that I've read but it had it's own mystery and of course romance which was the part about the book that bothered me. I've never been one to pick up and read steamy romance novels and at this point in my life I seriously try and avoid them at all costs. I do not think that this book was a steamy romance novel - in fact the romance in it was completely normal to the average person who isn't in a relationship with Christ and is familiar with his teachings. The book did not go into great detail about their "bedroom" relationship but just simply stated that their relationship had escalated to that stage. The part that bothered me most was not the fact that they were sleeping together without being married (not to say that it didn't bother me because it did but I expected it from a non-Christian author). What bothered me most was the constant referral to the woman "Beth" being an avid church-goer. In fact in one chapter it relayed the information that after they had a night together they got up and got ready for church like it was the most normal thing in the world. The guy "Logan" even played the piano for the choir. I don't know about you but that really made me angry - so much so that I contimplated writing Mr. Sparks a personal message. For that reason alone I would not recommend that book, especially to the non-Christian who already believes that most Christians are hypocrites. Well, in this book it was certainly true and unfortunately not many people would think too much of it. I tell ya it didn't sit well with me and I'm still angered by it.
Other than that it was a story of a Marine who found a picture of a woman in Iraq and it had kept him safe. When he returned home he went in search of this woman and eventually fell in love with her. It's their story and it's actually quite a cute one if the other junk hadn't been thrown in there. I swear some day these movie directors and authors are going to get a clue and write and produce books and movies without all of the wordly garbage. Let's leave everyone with a good taste in their mouth, challenging them to be better people then justifying their behavior and making them feel that what they do is totally "normal".
Rating Scale of 1-10 (1 being awesomely amazing and 10 being the worst waste of time): 4
It was an easy read. It didn't quite intrigue me as some other books that I've read but it had it's own mystery and of course romance which was the part about the book that bothered me. I've never been one to pick up and read steamy romance novels and at this point in my life I seriously try and avoid them at all costs. I do not think that this book was a steamy romance novel - in fact the romance in it was completely normal to the average person who isn't in a relationship with Christ and is familiar with his teachings. The book did not go into great detail about their "bedroom" relationship but just simply stated that their relationship had escalated to that stage. The part that bothered me most was not the fact that they were sleeping together without being married (not to say that it didn't bother me because it did but I expected it from a non-Christian author). What bothered me most was the constant referral to the woman "Beth" being an avid church-goer. In fact in one chapter it relayed the information that after they had a night together they got up and got ready for church like it was the most normal thing in the world. The guy "Logan" even played the piano for the choir. I don't know about you but that really made me angry - so much so that I contimplated writing Mr. Sparks a personal message. For that reason alone I would not recommend that book, especially to the non-Christian who already believes that most Christians are hypocrites. Well, in this book it was certainly true and unfortunately not many people would think too much of it. I tell ya it didn't sit well with me and I'm still angered by it.
Other than that it was a story of a Marine who found a picture of a woman in Iraq and it had kept him safe. When he returned home he went in search of this woman and eventually fell in love with her. It's their story and it's actually quite a cute one if the other junk hadn't been thrown in there. I swear some day these movie directors and authors are going to get a clue and write and produce books and movies without all of the wordly garbage. Let's leave everyone with a good taste in their mouth, challenging them to be better people then justifying their behavior and making them feel that what they do is totally "normal".
Rating Scale of 1-10 (1 being awesomely amazing and 10 being the worst waste of time): 4
Thursday, January 14, 2010
My Book List
I'm excited about reading again - and getting into a good book!! I have constructed a list of books through the help of some of my friends that I would like to read this year - some of them classics and some of them just normal fiction novels. My goal is to get through this entire list this year. However, I am aware of some of the strain that reading those classics will have on my time so we'll see. I am determined to trudge through them because I know that there are many old gems to be found. My personal favorite has always been Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and I look forward to reading that one again this year just to rekindle my love for British literature and the old classics. I am going to list my book "aspirations" on my wall and cross them off as I read them. I am also looking forward to posting a reading review about each book as I read it to encourage others or discourage others. I am looking forward to posting about my journey through the book and the feelings that I had as well as what I might have learned along the way. I guess I've always wanted to be a part of a "book club" so this is my way of getting my thoughts down and expressing my opinions. I also will add a few books to the list if I come across or hear of one that is really good. I'm looking forward to this journey and am ready to hit the library.
Oh - and if you have any further suggestions of any good books please let me know!!
Oh - and if you have any further suggestions of any good books please let me know!!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
My "style"
I don't have a "style" - I don't think I ever did! I am comfortable in jeans and sweatshirts and always have been and probably always will. I grew up in a small country town where the style was button-up shirts and wranglers. I never squeezed myself into a pair of wranglers and for good reason - I didn't mind the way they looked on the menfolk - let me tell ya if wasn't too bad a sight. But as for the womenfolk - that was a different story. I wasn't about to go trapsing around wearing my pants as thong underwear - no thank you. (Sorry Katie). So I settled for my jeans and my t-shirts and sweatshirts or athletic wear because I was involved with sports and so warm-up pants became a regular item in my closet. When I went to college I remember the style wasn't anything particular - jeans and sweatshirts seemed to fit in there as well. I scored a husband so I guess I didn't look too awful!
Anyways, I seem to be on the edge of style breakdown. I still like my jeans and sweatshirts as my family and friends can easily attest to. However, I am beginning to have an appreciation for a style that I previously would never have worn but have secretly always loved. If you know me you know that I LOVE and ADORE learning and looking at pictures of history. I could spend a year just looking at antique stores or museums and not get bored. Well, lately I have been looking at different blogs, especially those that deal with antiques and crafts and have discovered that the clothes that they are wearing I LOVE. I don't think I could show up to church one day or in public wearing this style of clothes because it would such a drastic change that I would feel completely stupid. I don't like attention! I however believe that if I were the "weight" that I am comfortable in that I would willingly try some of these clothes, except for the fact that they are like a million dollars a piece. I would look for measly substitutes but you will at least get the picture of the clothes I would like to be wearing right now. I don't care if you like them or not - or you think that they are totally not "me" at all. My sister shops at this store and our tastes have never been "that" far apart. Let me say that one more time - "my sister and I have some of the same tastes - even though you could never tell due to our very drastic difference in styles." I think if I saw her in jeans in a sweatshirt I would probably pass out as would my husband - but something tells me that she also secretly wants to from time to time. :)
Well, without further blabbering I will show you my new "dream" wardrobe. And it cost probably close to $10,000 - but it was free to dream it. These pieces that I chose are ALL the "me" that I am- at least who I would like to be after the "me" right now sheds a few extra layers.
The top half:
Anyways, I seem to be on the edge of style breakdown. I still like my jeans and sweatshirts as my family and friends can easily attest to. However, I am beginning to have an appreciation for a style that I previously would never have worn but have secretly always loved. If you know me you know that I LOVE and ADORE learning and looking at pictures of history. I could spend a year just looking at antique stores or museums and not get bored. Well, lately I have been looking at different blogs, especially those that deal with antiques and crafts and have discovered that the clothes that they are wearing I LOVE. I don't think I could show up to church one day or in public wearing this style of clothes because it would such a drastic change that I would feel completely stupid. I don't like attention! I however believe that if I were the "weight" that I am comfortable in that I would willingly try some of these clothes, except for the fact that they are like a million dollars a piece. I would look for measly substitutes but you will at least get the picture of the clothes I would like to be wearing right now. I don't care if you like them or not - or you think that they are totally not "me" at all. My sister shops at this store and our tastes have never been "that" far apart. Let me say that one more time - "my sister and I have some of the same tastes - even though you could never tell due to our very drastic difference in styles." I think if I saw her in jeans in a sweatshirt I would probably pass out as would my husband - but something tells me that she also secretly wants to from time to time. :)
Well, without further blabbering I will show you my new "dream" wardrobe. And it cost probably close to $10,000 - but it was free to dream it. These pieces that I chose are ALL the "me" that I am- at least who I would like to be after the "me" right now sheds a few extra layers.
The top half:
my fav!
just kidding! Blehhhh!!!
An outfit:
Outerwear:
shoes:
other:
As you see I have not shopped for complete outfits - I'm still working on my love for this style and the means to put it together into outfits. I'm going to work on seeing if Jeremy will grant me the wish to purchase just one of these items if I lose the weight that I want too. Wish me luck!!
Addison's Favorites - Jan. 2010
Favorite phrase: "What in the Johns" (thanks to Mr. Todd)
Favorite food: spaghetti with TONS of parmesan cheese, macaroni and cheese and you love it when mimi makes you a "platter" with all different kinds of finger foods.
Favorite snack: pirate's booty, almonds, cashews, oranges, popcorn, carrots and M&Ms
Favorite movie: Anything Barbie or princess, you also enjoy Strawberry Shortcake and are looking forward to owning "The Princess and the Frog" once it comes out on DVD
Favorite book: You just really like books - you have tons of them and you don't really seem to have a favorite. You enjoy reading "The Princess and the Frog" book with your leapster pen.
Favorite game: Memory and Sorry
Favorite toy: Strawberry Shortcake cafe
Birthday: You wanted everyone to go rollerskating with you this year for your 5th birthday. You were so excited and did very well on rollerskates by the end. We then came home and had pizza and cupcakes and opened presents. You are still very animated and appreciative when you open your gifts and that makes my heart happy.
Favorite daily activity: coloring, playing dress-up, watching movies and reading
Mommy and Daddy love it when: You are sweet and fair with your brother, say your prayers, color us pretty pictures and when you use the restroom without bringing Solomon or Rhett with you
Favorite thing to do with mommy: color, read and bake
Favorite thing to do with daddy: watch movies and help him oustide
Favorite thing to do with Rhett: wrestle with him and make him chase you
Chores: So far your chores consist of keeping your room clean, taking Solomon outside, helping clear the table after dinner and helping with your brother when mommy needs you to
Friends: Kenna, Chade, Brenna, Katelynn, Landon, Eli, Treydon, Mauryn, Emma, Avery
Nickname: Addie, Addie girl, Addie Gracie, Pumpkin pants, Sunshine girl
Other moments from 2009:
* You share a special bond with Mimi and Aunt Tee-Tee Y
* You enjoy being teased by your Uncle Aaron and often provoke it yourself
*You LOVE to color and create and do crafts (mommy's girl)
*You have gotten into a bad habit of being afraid when you use the restroom for some reason and you tend to take Solomon or Rhett in there with you.
*You love playing with your cousins and wish you could do it every day.
*You like having Papa Jim take you on tractor rides
* You enjoy visiting Grammy Jo-Jo and Bapa Pouie on the days that Mimi and Bapa watch you.
*You LOVED spending time in Florida at Disneyworld with both of your grandparents and tee-tee and Derek.
*You can't wait to go back someday.
*You are looking forward to daddy completing the playhouse so that you can play in it with your friends.
*You have grown so much this past year and are such an amazing big sister to Rhett.
I look forward to seeing how you will continue to change and bless our little socks off!!
Favorite food: spaghetti with TONS of parmesan cheese, macaroni and cheese and you love it when mimi makes you a "platter" with all different kinds of finger foods.
Favorite snack: pirate's booty, almonds, cashews, oranges, popcorn, carrots and M&Ms
Favorite movie: Anything Barbie or princess, you also enjoy Strawberry Shortcake and are looking forward to owning "The Princess and the Frog" once it comes out on DVD
Favorite book: You just really like books - you have tons of them and you don't really seem to have a favorite. You enjoy reading "The Princess and the Frog" book with your leapster pen.
Favorite game: Memory and Sorry
Favorite toy: Strawberry Shortcake cafe
Birthday: You wanted everyone to go rollerskating with you this year for your 5th birthday. You were so excited and did very well on rollerskates by the end. We then came home and had pizza and cupcakes and opened presents. You are still very animated and appreciative when you open your gifts and that makes my heart happy.
Favorite daily activity: coloring, playing dress-up, watching movies and reading
Mommy and Daddy love it when: You are sweet and fair with your brother, say your prayers, color us pretty pictures and when you use the restroom without bringing Solomon or Rhett with you
Favorite thing to do with mommy: color, read and bake
Favorite thing to do with daddy: watch movies and help him oustide
Favorite thing to do with Rhett: wrestle with him and make him chase you
Chores: So far your chores consist of keeping your room clean, taking Solomon outside, helping clear the table after dinner and helping with your brother when mommy needs you to
Friends: Kenna, Chade, Brenna, Katelynn, Landon, Eli, Treydon, Mauryn, Emma, Avery
Nickname: Addie, Addie girl, Addie Gracie, Pumpkin pants, Sunshine girl
Other moments from 2009:
* You share a special bond with Mimi and Aunt Tee-Tee Y
* You enjoy being teased by your Uncle Aaron and often provoke it yourself
*You LOVE to color and create and do crafts (mommy's girl)
*You have gotten into a bad habit of being afraid when you use the restroom for some reason and you tend to take Solomon or Rhett in there with you.
*You love playing with your cousins and wish you could do it every day.
*You like having Papa Jim take you on tractor rides
* You enjoy visiting Grammy Jo-Jo and Bapa Pouie on the days that Mimi and Bapa watch you.
*You LOVED spending time in Florida at Disneyworld with both of your grandparents and tee-tee and Derek.
*You can't wait to go back someday.
*You are looking forward to daddy completing the playhouse so that you can play in it with your friends.
*You have grown so much this past year and are such an amazing big sister to Rhett.
I look forward to seeing how you will continue to change and bless our little socks off!!
Rhett's favorites - Jan. 2010
So - my friend Kristen posted her children's favorites on her blog and just for the record I'm not being a copycat - I had planned on doing something similar on my blog so that I could record what my children enjoy doing each year and how they've changed. So it's more of a case of "great minds think alike".
Anyways, I'm going to try and keep the questions the same each year and see how they are answered. It should be insteresting to look back and see how they've changed or remained the same.
I know that Rhett is unable to communicate well as of yet but I will do my best to answer some of these for him.
RHETT:
Words that he says: mama, dada, addie, tee-tee, bapa, uh-oh, no-no, apple, nana, bye-bye, woof-woof, butball (football) my personal favorite is "cookie".
Favorite food: macaroni and cheese, ice cream
Favorite snack: oranges and popcorn but you'll eat almost anything
Favorite movie: doesn't have one yet - in fact you won't sit still long enough to even see what's on the screen. Unless there is a dog or horse on it and then you'll get all excited for a few seconds.
Favorite book: anything with animals
Favorite game: you enjoy playing chase with your sister or Solomon
Favorite toy: You enjoy playing with your stuffed dogs, your mickey mouse cellphone, any type of ball and your big pirate sword
Favorite daily activity: tormenting Solomon, getting into your sister's things, reading and dancing
Mommy and Daddy love it when you: make your cheezy smile, say new words, give us big loves, dance, play with your sister, sleep through the night :)
Favorite thing to do with mommy: read and dance
Favorite thing to do with daddy: go outside, wrestle and play with the football
Favorite thing to do with sister: get to go for rides in her jeep
Chores: none yet except to help clean up. He does do a pretty good job.
Friends: Hasn't made many friends yet - still working on the social skills. You were invited to your friend Sam's birthday party and you had a lot of fun. I think you two will be good friends!
Nickname: Mr. Man, Bruiser Boy, Cheeks, Rhett-Rhett
Birthday: It was your first birthday and we threw you a pirate birthday party. You were dressed in a cute pirate costume and when people came we went on a scavengar hunt for buried treasure, then we ate your pirate cake that mommy made and opened your presents.
Other moments to remember from 2009:
* You really got attached to your aunt tee-tee and now it's changed to your uncle Derek.
* You also enjoy spending time with Bapa Pouie and Grammy Jo-Jo.
* You are a lovable ball of energy who always keeps mommy and daddy on our toes.
* You like to run - in fact that's the only way you get from one place to another. Very rarely will I see you actually walk. Because of this you have received many bumps and bruises on your face along with a few black eyes.
* You LOVE animals and it's so fun to see you play with Solomon, Nicholas or Hailey - now we just have to teach you to be nice to them.
* You still do not sleep through the night sadly enough - you wake up and the only way to get you to go back to sleep is to put you in our bed. Unfortunately this was a mistake made by mommy and daddy and we are trying to remedy this situation.
You are such a blessing to us and we look forward to seeing how you will grow and change from year to year.
Anyways, I'm going to try and keep the questions the same each year and see how they are answered. It should be insteresting to look back and see how they've changed or remained the same.
I know that Rhett is unable to communicate well as of yet but I will do my best to answer some of these for him.
RHETT:
Words that he says: mama, dada, addie, tee-tee, bapa, uh-oh, no-no, apple, nana, bye-bye, woof-woof, butball (football) my personal favorite is "cookie".
Favorite food: macaroni and cheese, ice cream
Favorite snack: oranges and popcorn but you'll eat almost anything
Favorite movie: doesn't have one yet - in fact you won't sit still long enough to even see what's on the screen. Unless there is a dog or horse on it and then you'll get all excited for a few seconds.
Favorite book: anything with animals
Favorite game: you enjoy playing chase with your sister or Solomon
Favorite toy: You enjoy playing with your stuffed dogs, your mickey mouse cellphone, any type of ball and your big pirate sword
Favorite daily activity: tormenting Solomon, getting into your sister's things, reading and dancing
Mommy and Daddy love it when you: make your cheezy smile, say new words, give us big loves, dance, play with your sister, sleep through the night :)
Favorite thing to do with mommy: read and dance
Favorite thing to do with daddy: go outside, wrestle and play with the football
Favorite thing to do with sister: get to go for rides in her jeep
Chores: none yet except to help clean up. He does do a pretty good job.
Friends: Hasn't made many friends yet - still working on the social skills. You were invited to your friend Sam's birthday party and you had a lot of fun. I think you two will be good friends!
Nickname: Mr. Man, Bruiser Boy, Cheeks, Rhett-Rhett
Birthday: It was your first birthday and we threw you a pirate birthday party. You were dressed in a cute pirate costume and when people came we went on a scavengar hunt for buried treasure, then we ate your pirate cake that mommy made and opened your presents.
Other moments to remember from 2009:
* You really got attached to your aunt tee-tee and now it's changed to your uncle Derek.
* You also enjoy spending time with Bapa Pouie and Grammy Jo-Jo.
* You are a lovable ball of energy who always keeps mommy and daddy on our toes.
* You like to run - in fact that's the only way you get from one place to another. Very rarely will I see you actually walk. Because of this you have received many bumps and bruises on your face along with a few black eyes.
* You LOVE animals and it's so fun to see you play with Solomon, Nicholas or Hailey - now we just have to teach you to be nice to them.
* You still do not sleep through the night sadly enough - you wake up and the only way to get you to go back to sleep is to put you in our bed. Unfortunately this was a mistake made by mommy and daddy and we are trying to remedy this situation.
You are such a blessing to us and we look forward to seeing how you will grow and change from year to year.
Monday, January 4, 2010
#13
I also want to write handwritten notes this year - to those who have inspired me, to those that I love dearly, and to those who have birthdays who are far away. Sometimes I will get handwritten notes from Jeremy's grandma and I love them - they are so sincere and it feels good to know that someone sat down and thought about us for longer than a quick email. I want to do that too!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Hopes and dreams for 2010!!
Another beginning to a brand new year. I leave 2009 with fond memories - mostly of watching my kids grow and our trip to Disneyworld. It has been such an amazing year!
As I contimplate my aspirations for the year 2010 I realize that there is so much I want to accomplish and change this next year and feel a little apprehensive to mention them due to a fear of failure. However, I hope to look back on this list in a year and hopefully be able to say that I did accomplish most of what I have set out to.
So - without any further babbling here I will list my dreams and hopes for this brand new year:
1 - Deepen my relationship with my heavenly father by spending more time with him. I am looking forward to Beth Moore's Bible study "Breaking Free" that I will begin in January.
2 - Enjoying EVERY minute of my children growing up. I'm sure this year will come with many laughs with Rhett beginning to talk and I'm sure I will shed a few tears when my baby girl goes to Kindergarten. :(
3 - Crafting - I'm begining a new love for the things that are crafty and I hope that this year brings with it some fun crafty projects. Including some shelves for my children's bedrooms and starting some early Christmas gifts.
4 - Getting healthy - I have found throughout the course of this year that I am NOT happy while dieting - at all!! I find that the more I diet the more I crave and then I end up blowing the diet and gaining more weight back than I lost. It's a cycle and I just can't seem to win. So - different approach for me - I'm going to be trying my best to eat healthy. For my sake as well as for my families. I am also going to take up exercize for the sake of feeling better. I'm hoping that with these two approaches I can successfully find a size that fits "me" and that I'm happy and comfortable with.
5 - Laughing more and enjoying life!! I find that the days I have the most fun are the days that I throw caution to the wind and seize the day. The days that I go out and dance in a few rain puddles with my kids, or the days that I randomly buy the guy behind me a coffee drink. It's those days when I feel best and I want to have more of them this year.
6 - Reading more!! I LOVE to read and if I didn't have children that require ALL but a few minutes of my day I would probably do nothing but read. I can become addicted if the right book catches my attention. So - this year it is my goal to read at least one book a month, making sure that every two months I pick up a classic and read it.
7 - Spending more time with my grandparents - Sometimes I try and put myself in my grandparents shoes and it often depresses me. I can't see how they live from day to day - nothing exciting. I hope that this years brings with it many opportunities to spend with my wonderful grandparents. Both my mom's parents and my dad's mom. I love them ohhh so much and I'm aware that time with them is limited.
8 - Scrapbooking - I desperately need to get caught up on Addison and Rhett's scrapbook and am hoping to get very close to being caught up this year. Nothing fancy - simpler the better.
9 - Small Grouping - I enjoy our small group so much and am so encouraged by them each Tuesday. This year I hope we can grow even closer together as we dive into God's word and discuss His plan for our lives. And also enjoy the loving friendships that have given me so much happiness.
10 - This is more of a dream than something that I can control but ever since Addison was born I have wanted to stay at home and just be a mom. It's something that weighs heavily on my conscience every time I leave for work or get a call that one of them is sick. I shed a tear every time I realize that Addie will now be going into school and I was never there completely for her as a mom should be. I know that God has a plan for our lives and so far that plan has included me working in Melba - and I do love my job but I love being a mom even more. I'm hoping that this year Addison will be able to be in my Kindergarten class so that I can spend every day with her. What a blessing that would be!!
11 - Finishing projects around the house - Addison' and Rhett's playhouse, a new entertainment center, getting our lives organized and maybe building some picture frames, shelves and much needed storage space for the office and kids' bedrooms.
12 - Continuing on our journey with Dave Ramsey's advice and doing our monthly budget. I have recently enjoyed the coupon world as well and have saved a few bucks that way and will continue to search for those good deals.
I'm sure as I lay in bed tonight thinking about this new year I will remember more things that I want to post. So there may be a few random posts containing #13, #14 or even #15 of my resolutions.
As I contimplate my aspirations for the year 2010 I realize that there is so much I want to accomplish and change this next year and feel a little apprehensive to mention them due to a fear of failure. However, I hope to look back on this list in a year and hopefully be able to say that I did accomplish most of what I have set out to.
So - without any further babbling here I will list my dreams and hopes for this brand new year:
1 - Deepen my relationship with my heavenly father by spending more time with him. I am looking forward to Beth Moore's Bible study "Breaking Free" that I will begin in January.
2 - Enjoying EVERY minute of my children growing up. I'm sure this year will come with many laughs with Rhett beginning to talk and I'm sure I will shed a few tears when my baby girl goes to Kindergarten. :(
3 - Crafting - I'm begining a new love for the things that are crafty and I hope that this year brings with it some fun crafty projects. Including some shelves for my children's bedrooms and starting some early Christmas gifts.
4 - Getting healthy - I have found throughout the course of this year that I am NOT happy while dieting - at all!! I find that the more I diet the more I crave and then I end up blowing the diet and gaining more weight back than I lost. It's a cycle and I just can't seem to win. So - different approach for me - I'm going to be trying my best to eat healthy. For my sake as well as for my families. I am also going to take up exercize for the sake of feeling better. I'm hoping that with these two approaches I can successfully find a size that fits "me" and that I'm happy and comfortable with.
5 - Laughing more and enjoying life!! I find that the days I have the most fun are the days that I throw caution to the wind and seize the day. The days that I go out and dance in a few rain puddles with my kids, or the days that I randomly buy the guy behind me a coffee drink. It's those days when I feel best and I want to have more of them this year.
6 - Reading more!! I LOVE to read and if I didn't have children that require ALL but a few minutes of my day I would probably do nothing but read. I can become addicted if the right book catches my attention. So - this year it is my goal to read at least one book a month, making sure that every two months I pick up a classic and read it.
7 - Spending more time with my grandparents - Sometimes I try and put myself in my grandparents shoes and it often depresses me. I can't see how they live from day to day - nothing exciting. I hope that this years brings with it many opportunities to spend with my wonderful grandparents. Both my mom's parents and my dad's mom. I love them ohhh so much and I'm aware that time with them is limited.
8 - Scrapbooking - I desperately need to get caught up on Addison and Rhett's scrapbook and am hoping to get very close to being caught up this year. Nothing fancy - simpler the better.
9 - Small Grouping - I enjoy our small group so much and am so encouraged by them each Tuesday. This year I hope we can grow even closer together as we dive into God's word and discuss His plan for our lives. And also enjoy the loving friendships that have given me so much happiness.
10 - This is more of a dream than something that I can control but ever since Addison was born I have wanted to stay at home and just be a mom. It's something that weighs heavily on my conscience every time I leave for work or get a call that one of them is sick. I shed a tear every time I realize that Addie will now be going into school and I was never there completely for her as a mom should be. I know that God has a plan for our lives and so far that plan has included me working in Melba - and I do love my job but I love being a mom even more. I'm hoping that this year Addison will be able to be in my Kindergarten class so that I can spend every day with her. What a blessing that would be!!
11 - Finishing projects around the house - Addison' and Rhett's playhouse, a new entertainment center, getting our lives organized and maybe building some picture frames, shelves and much needed storage space for the office and kids' bedrooms.
12 - Continuing on our journey with Dave Ramsey's advice and doing our monthly budget. I have recently enjoyed the coupon world as well and have saved a few bucks that way and will continue to search for those good deals.
I'm sure as I lay in bed tonight thinking about this new year I will remember more things that I want to post. So there may be a few random posts containing #13, #14 or even #15 of my resolutions.
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