Saturday Happenings

Rachel and Elizabeth both did very well in the Sonatina Piano Festival this week-end. All their hard work paid off as Rachel won first in her division and Elizabeth received a honorable mention. We are very proud of them.

Two lovely ladies having a Saturday tea party.

Daddy and Abigail cheer on the Tigers.

Everyday Life

Now that the holidays are over we are back into our routine of everyday life. I was afraid it was going to be a hard transition from vacation back to reality but so far so good. I have a mixed love of routine. Our house seems to run better the busier we are. When we have discretionary time it seems that I can never quite keep up with the duties of home. So I am thankful to be back on a schedule and sad that lazy days are over (for a season). I wanted to capture some pictures of everyday life. I have scrap books full of special events in our lives but few pictures of the routine. As I see my girls growing up fast, I do not want to forget the "normal" at this stage of our lives. 

The girls are working on school in our "multi-purpose" school/dining room. Abby is usually at the kitchen table with me, but she is eager to get a box for her school books so that she can sit in with the big girls. 

A New Year

I love beginning a new year. A chance to evaluate and start again on all those things I want to do but somehow seem  to get left behind in the busyness of life. Each year I will set goals in different areas in my life and start strong in my resolve to do differently.  Somewhere a few weeks in I find myself discouraged and back to my same routine of running through life with little direction.  So this year I am going to do something different. I have decided that I am going to celebrate each new month by evaluating and setting goals for that month. I am also going to make my goals small and tangible. So in fear that I will have to admit failure to all who will read this I am going to list my goals for the month of January. I may end up having the same goals for February but hopefully I will be able to add something new to the previous month.

Spiritually - meditate - Choose at least one verse a day to ponder and understand. I would even welcome the accountability from you who would be willing to ask what I am mediating on for that day.

Tim and girls - kindness in speech - I want to communicate at least one thing I appreciate or am thankful for to each member of my family each day.

Ministry to Others - be a better listener and focused on others - not referring to myself in conversations!

Household - declutter - prepare for garage sale

School - start piano with Abigail - at least 3 days per week, maintain reading at lunch with the girls

Personally- cut back on sweets - one dessert per day (yes, that is cutting back for me!?!)

As I have thought about all that I desire to change in my life these goals look small, but I pray that God in His graciousness will begin to change me into a woman who loves Him more and loves myself less that I might be more useful to Him. To Him be the glory!