My Loving, Chaotic Life

All I can think is wow. This has been the year of change. It started with a new TV because our big screen TV went out on New Year's Day. We ended up buying a LCD TV which was pretty awesome. Our laptop crashed and the dryer shortly after. While the upgrades are nice, I could have done without the extra expense. :)

I went for being a children's director for Community Bible Study and staying home to working full-time in a secondary office. In January 2009, Jack was going to school for 4 hours everyday, and Luke was going twice a week for 5 1/2 hours. Now, both of my boys are in school all day. They are flourishing in a way I never imagined. Luke can see me throughout the day, give me a big hug, and go along his way with the rest of the class. He went from crying every single time I left him somewhere to being completely happy being left in his Pre-K class.

Jack has amazed me this year. He went from a shy little boy who couldn't read very well to an outgoing young man who loves to read The Hardy Boys and The Wimpy Kid Diary which are good size novels. He loves Math and Science. The only thing that hasn't changed is his favorite thing at school is P.E.

Aaron has changed jobs. He was driving to West 820 until he moved his job to north Dallas. What a haul! Although, it is pretty cool that he knows his way around up there. It made it really nice when we went to Medieval Times last week. We both get up way too early in the morning, but he can be home by 6 and have Fridays off every week. We love it!

Probably the saddest change for me is watching my babies become boys. I see the little bellies and baby talk disappearing right in front of me. I love that they are growing up, but it hurts my heart at the same time.

Amidst all the change, we have had a lot of fun especially doing family activities. Some of my favorites this year were Six Flags,Nashville with Uncle B, Vonnie and Ellie,camping,and Medieval Times.

I pray that 2010 brings my family peace and happiness. I pray that my boys continue their love for school and find friends who love God and want to do good. I pray that Aaron continues to enjoy his working environment and always sees the progress he is making at his job. I pray that when I open my mouth it is used as a tool to lift others instead of being negative. I pray that as Aaron and I approach our 10th anniversary that we love each other more everyday and find laughter in everything. I pray that myself, family and friends will find a peace that will last them a lifetime.

I want anyone and everyone who reads this to realize that true peace is ONLY obtained through Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. No matter the circumstances He will always be there to stand beside you and comfort you in a way no human can. His love is everlasting, and He wants you to part of His forever family. When you claim Him as the Son of God who while sinless himself died on the cross for our sins and rose three days later, then a peace so pure will rest upon you.

This is one of my top three verses from the Bible:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

Let 2010 be the year you give up control and let God be in true control of your life. What better opportunity than the start of a new decade to give your life to the One who loves you so much He had His Son die on a cross for you so you could be with Him for eternity. I don't know many people who would sacrifice their own child for someone else. God bless and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

On December 23, we took the boys to Medieval Times for something fun to do during the Christmas Break. It was fantastic! The boys are at the perfect age to enjoy the atmosphere and actually want to eat the food.

I will say that the show was probably 30 minutes too long for Luke. He was ready to go during one of the biggest fight scenes. Luckily, he was entertained enough going back and forth from my lap to his chair and drinking his Pepsi.

We cheered on the Yellow Knight and booed the Green Knight. Apparently, I cheered quite well for the Yellow Knight as he threw a flower at me. All I can say is I know how to rock the yellow streamer.

As usual, I have an excellent 4:35 minute montage of our experience. If you want to watch, then check out the last 30 seconds of the video. All I can say is Luke is NOT one to dance, but he really let loose when that song came on. I'm going to have to get it for my iPod just to watch him boogie again.

Brr.........

It amazes me that we are 10 days away from Christmas. I keep asking myself where did 2009 go?? As usual, the weeks before Christmas prove to be very busy. It seems like every night there is a party or activity to attend. If we aren't going somewhere, then we are busy getting stuff together for Christmas.

Sunday night, Aaron and I wrapped gifts for the family. We actually ran out of wrapping paper. I can't believe it! It isn't that we had many gifts. It is the fact that I haven't bought paper in years because I had so much left over year after year. I had to go buy wrapping paper yesterday AT FULL PRICE. You don't know how this pains me knowing the same wrapping paper will be 50% off in 11 days.

I've also been busy helping with the classroom parties for the boys. I love the fact that this year I can be more a part of the classroom as a homeroom helper. I find it ironic that it took a full time job for me to be able to do more with my boys when they are at school. Granted, my job is right there with them, so I guess it shouldn't be that shocking!

Yesterday, I was reminded of how sweet a spirit Jack has. He had to show his class a tradition that our family has at Christmas. He wanted to read Luke 2:1-14 from the Bible. We read it every Christmas morning. In fact, this tradition has been going on since I was a little girl.

So, he read Luke 2 (and did a fantastic job at pronouncing some of those tough words), and his teacher asked him if he had anymore to add. Below is what he said:

"Jesus was born on a Friday. Actually, he was born on Christmas Eve. He grew up and died on a cross. He died on the cross for my sins. He was THE child of God. He is my Savior. And that's all I have to say."

Can it get any better?

Through the hustle and bustle of the season, I pray that one things be the center point of the festivities. A baby was born many years ago. He was and is the Son of God. He died on a cross so that our sins could be covered in His redeeming blood. For me, the picture that captures this season's meaning is not one of a baby in a manger. It is a picture that show the destiny of that baby in the manger.

#9

The boys had a great time last weekend decorating the Christmas tree. Compared to last year, they did a great job of placing the ornaments throughout the tree instead of the bottom front of the tree. I have to say I truly love this time of year. The weather has been unseasonably cold. So far, we've had snow and temperatures in the upper 30s. For real!

As usual, any family event begins peacefully, but it always ends in chaos. My boys decided that just decorating the tree wasn't enough fun. They had to have a tickle war to see who could laugh the loudest. I got a ton of pictures and even shot the photo for our Christmas cards. Yay! Granted, Luke is wearing a long sleeve tee and shorts, and Jack has on his cut-up pirate pants I made him with a FBC tee. However, it doesn't matter. I used to be so irritated when stuff didn't turn out perfect. Now, I'm just happy to get a picture. As Lukey says, "You get what you get, and you don't throw a fit!"

Below is a preview is of all the fun we had on November 28 decorating the Christmas Tree: