Dancing

Last weekend, Richard and I took the kids dancing. There is a kid friendly place real close to his house that has live music on Saturday nights so we decided to go check it out. We had a lot of fun doing all the line dances and trying to teach each of the kids how to dance. After going to school at Tech, where we went dancing every Thursday night, I really found a love for dancing.  I have missed it, and it was neat to pass a little of that love for dancing down to the boys and share that with Richard and his kids.

Everyone got on the dance floor except Koby and Teague, but we will get them out there next time!!

Prayer and Fasting

Well it didn't take long for God to stretch me when it came to my 'one word' of Community this year. Richard and I have been attending a church here in town for about 9 months and have really enjoyed it. Even before I moved here, I knew that is where I wanted to go to church. It's a church that really challenges followers and I have really liked that. Now that we are really trying to get plugged in we have reached out to the youth pastor and women's leader and have started making connections to help out in areas where we feel led. This coming up week the church will start a corporate fast along with 24 hours of prayer at the church for 15 days. They are concentrating on praying for others, our community and for God to increase the Kingdom. Richard and I have prayed about it, and although we are both anxious as to whether we can complete the full 15 days, I know God will bless us tremendously as we strive to decrease our flesh and increase our spirit. We will start with a Daniel fast, then move to a juice/broth fast and finish with water only. I have bought all the necessities and I am hoping that being prepared will help keep us on track when it gets tough. I am excited to see what He teaches me during this time and I am also excited to see how He grows Richard and I as a couple through this experience.

Trip to the salon

I have a friend that does hair near my parents' house and I saw on Facebook she was running a great Groupon special so I decided to take advantage of it and as one of Baylee's Christmas presents, Richard decided to get her one, too. Baylee and I got up early and headed North for our appointments! It took nearly 3 hours and Baylee's hair needed two color treatments, but we left looking gorgeous! I always love the way my hair feels after it's been professionally done! It was also nice to catch up with Brooke and hear how she and are family are doing. It was a great way to start the New Year!!

Baylee was blonde going into the process.

With our color on!!

AFTER!! I didn't do anything drastic, but Baylee is now an auburn brunette!

My One Word

It's time again to pick my one word for the year.
Three years ago I started choosing a word for the year that I would focus
on rather than trying to meet a resolution, and it has worked really
well for me. In 2011, my word was 'Adventure', which was a lot of fun.
In 2012, my word was 'Crave', which was a little more difficult, but
worth the effort. After each year comes to a close, I realize that
after 365 days of focusing on something, it's kind of ingrained
in me now, which makes each new year an addition instead of a replacement.
I didn't have any devine moment this year on what my word should be, and
I am hoping it's not selfish desires that led me to this word, but I had
a strong feeling I wanted my word to be 'Community.' After 7 months in a
new place, I feel I have finally created a nice routine and feel like
this is home. I think we have all adjusted to the new house, new job,
new school, new church, and new way of life. Now I want to get plugged
in and start making true friends and building community with those around
us. I'm really looking forward to what God will do in 2013!!

Good bye 2012

Richard decided to work the Fireworks store again this season, so that is where we spent our New Year's Eve.  It was crazy busy from about 6pm-11:30pm, but then it slowed down and we were able to run outside and do a few sparklers and steal a kiss at midnight!

It's hard to believe another year has come and gone!  2012 was great and I'm sure 2013 will be just as wonderful.  Great children, great family, great boyfriend, great job!! I am so blessed, year after year!!
                            

One last Christmas

The boys and I went to see Mimi and Papa and Amber and Sonja and GG for one last Christmas. When we got there, I had their stockings waiting for them and a letter from Elfa saying that they were very good boys and he can't wait to see them again next year. They were very concerned that they did not get to tell Elfa good-bye, so the letter seemed to make them happy. Once they were done picking through their stockings, they separated their presents and started opening. They were very good with taking turns and watching what the other one was opening. As always, they both got a ton of cool things and were very excited opening each of their gifts! I think they had a wonderful Christmas, even if it was spread out over 2 weeks!!

BB gun

He said he was a rich cowboy now!!

Troy's spy glasses

Stompies!

New boots for my cowboys!

Target practice!