Franklin Family: January 2012

January flew by this year - I always expect it to go slowly but now that our kids are a bit older and involved in more things the time seems to disappear more quickly. We also had crazy weather this January with warm temperatures (for winter), very little snow and plenty of rain and sunshine. The kids have played outside many, many times and I find myself eagerly searching for the tips of my daffodils - but it's not that time yet!

So - January was a full month. Full of - stuff!!!

We begin the month with a yearning to buy a house by the lake. And we seriously considered it - for a few days - until we realized that it already had an offer that was probably going to be accepted. Then we hung our heads for a few days - realizing that God had other plans for us. I do however think of that house often and the opportunity that was at our fingertips for change and it gets me excited. We still want to live on the outskirts of town, with some land and space. So, we get on the MLS frequently and search.

Here are a few things that went on this month:

Books Read:

A Light in the Window

2nd book in the Mitford Series - good, easy read

* Robinson Crusoe

Bible Cure for High Cholesterol

I hate that I have high cholesterol - and it's taking me a year to come to terms with it - and I still haven't fully accepted it either. I'm in a little bit of a rebellion against it actually - and it's been frustrating. My mom got me this book for Christmas - it gives very good pointers as to how to change your lifestyle. Now I just need to do it!

The Bracelet

teacher book

Jesus Calling devotional book

So far - this is my favorite daily devotional of all time!! I LOVE it!

Divergent

pure entertainment!!! Great story!

Recipes:

stir fry - Yep - I have never stir fried before and I LOVE it!!! It will become a monthly, if not sometimes weekly meal choice!

gluten free bran muffins - Bran muffins have always been my fav. And since I'm trying to stay away from gluten if possible these were a must make - and they ended up being very yummy.

lemon buddies - lemon version of puppy chow with the chex mix! I love anything lemon and these were divine. I will be making them from time to time.

Family Activity:

Build a Fort/watch a movie and sleep in it!

Movies:

We were able to watch a lot of new movies this month - it was fun because all of those that we watched we would recommend to anyone. They were all amazing!!

Sherlock Holmes

The Warrior

The Smurfs

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Mars Need Moms

Other January stuff:

new Beth Moore bible study on James

Upwards basketball

- can't believe I don't have any pictures yet - I will for February!

caravan's badge ceremony

trip to the aquarium with mimi and bapa

- bapa left his camera at home :(

building a snowman with bapa

New games played:

Jeremy and I love games! We are willing to try any new game. The two new ones that we've played this month and loved are

Shadows over Camelot

Lord of the Rings

Other January randomness

Addie's craftiness! She did this mostly by herself!

Right now they will not sleep unless it's together. It's sweet right now so we are contemplating bunkbeds for them in the same room. If they do not sleep together they wake up multiple times a night and bug us. Right now - it's worth it!