New Year...not Resolution.

Soooo, every year I examine myself and find one particular thing I can work on for that year.  Last year it was "interrupting". I know this sounds silly but my sister used to HATE HATE HATE that I would interrupt her (and who knows who else) all the time. I decided to make that my mission in 2014...to do it less...and I did. Its hard and a conscious effort has to be made daily- but I definitely improved...A LOT!  

This year my thoughts are a little more personal. I just started this blog recently, and I'm not a SUPER open person when it comes to 'certain' areas of my life. This isn't easy. It's never easy to admit when you basically "suck" at something.

For the last 6 years I've been blessed to be called "mommy".  I love everything that job comes with. I love my kids in a way that I didn't chose to love them. It's instilled in me. This happened, for me, the moment I laid eyes on them. It's a love I can't protect myself from or limit....it's genuine and eternal.

For the last 8 years I've been blessed with an amazing husband.  One that I take for granted at times.  One that is hard working and caring and thoughtful (even if he doesn't execute on his sweet thoughts..LOL).  I feel like over the last few years, my patience and love has been pointed to my kids and I leave very little for Josh. He's my partner in life and my rock- yet why does he get "what's left" of my feelings at the end of the day. All this being said, my goal for 2015 is to lift Josh up daily. To show him and tell him how much he means to me. To put him before our kids but after God, where he should have always been. I've apologized to him for this and pray that God turns these thoughts and goals into a great reality.

So, think of something that you can do to lift someone else up this year!!! :) I really believe the more you lift others, the more you will be lifted!!

God Bless,

Em

Christmas 2014.

Hey all you out there in the blog world!!  Not sure if anyone even reads this- but I know my sister will, which was my goal in starting this...so...hey Kimmy!! ;)

I had already decided in my mind this would be one of the hardest holiday seasons in years....in 18 years to be exact. See, my mom passed away 18 years ago this year, and my dad passed away in Sept. My faith has seen me through this holiday season in an unbelievable way.  I had to have been sitting in the palm of God's hand because while my whole heart missed my dad, I felt such a peace--so I was totally wrong with preconceived notion of how this year would go. This Christmas was special. I was so appreciative of all of the family that I had around me. I didn't take a second for granted and I was blessed to have my sister (from GA) come and stay with me...and by stay, I mean, stuck to me like glue!!! My favorite way to be with her!!! Enjoy the photo dump...but most importantly....remember, even on the days your family drives you crazy...you will all be where I am writing from right this moment. Cherish the time you have.

Thanksgiving 2014

Well this Thanksgiving was a tough one as it was the first one without Dad.  I actually had a surprisingly great day and thought about how much I had to be thankful for.  God has a way of working in our hearts and I believe this past Thursday, he overwhelmed me with all I had to be thankful for....(even if my sister was 12 hours away ;))

In years past, Thanksgiving morning is definitely hectic at our house.  I am usually rushing to prepare warm food to take to our families gatherings, trying to get all the kids in their coordinating outfits with hair done and well to be 100% honest, Josh usually hunts. LOL. I told myself this year wouldn't be like this. I would soak in and savor every moment with my kids and families. Time is too precious to waste.

The day started (bright, early and fairly stress free) with a new tradition I hope to continue on in the years to come.  We went to church to help prepare meals to take the local county jail for each inmate and also served an "Open Community Thanksgiving" to those that had no where to go or nothing to eat. Josh, myself and all three kids helped and were involved in this and I absolutely loved the idea of giving back...I mean, after all, that is what the day is about....being thankful for what we have and sharing with those who don't. Below is me and three of my best friends (I'm blessed with many). I am thankful we were able to serve together on Thanksgiving and hope to continue to do so. 

After church (around 11:45 am) I headed over to Dad & Theresa's house.  Josh's family had his Thanksgiving at the exact same time so he took the boys with him and I took the girls with me. I will say, usually I wouldn't split up from Josh, but this being the first year and only 2 months after my dad's passing, I wanted to be with my family.  Jordan, Kim (my sis), Max and Jasper weren't able to be there....well, because they were having their own fun ;) (and visiting Jordan's family- who we love!)

We spent the entire day just vegging out......hence the photo dump. Overall, Dad would have been pleased...lots of food, resting, grand-babies and football!!! 

I'm thankful for the blessings that I do not deserve. I'm thankful for my salvation. I'm thankful for unanswered & answered prayers. I'm thankful for my family. I'm thankful for the 59 years I had with my dad. I'm thankful for the way he raised us....alone....when most men would have quit. I have so many things to be thankful....I  couldn't dare make this holiday about anything else.

God Bless,

xoxo Emily