The Ugly Truth

That is a photo of our front room.  No matter how often we pick up, it always ends up looking just like that.

 These are two of the cutest culprits, I've ever seen. 

I'll leave what the floor underneath them looks like to your imagination.

Our home is a work in progress.  Lots and lots of work, for just a little progress.

My Vision

I've thought about making a vision board for a long time, but never knew what to put on it.  This year, I finally have some ideas.  Some are this year visions, others long term.  But I want them all.  Here are a few things going on my board.

In the center of my board is a cross.  I am trying to be more dedicated to my faith this year, and will soon be taking part in a 21 day Daniel Fast (recipes to come).  I expect during that time to really find some direction, so I no longer feel like I'm just going through the motions of life.  I want to live life.

Boobs.  Yes, you read that correctly, I want boobs.  Once upon a time, I had boobs.  That was 7 years ago.  I've only seen them again during pregnancy and nursing.  The rest of the time, they are just loose skin.  But, I'm picky.  I don't just want a boob job.  I don't like the idea of putting some foreign objects there and hoping they look natural for years to come.  I also want them to feel natural.  So I want fat transplants.  I don't know when it will happen, but it is a goal of mine.  One that I would love to scratch off my list this year.

Fitness.  This is something I've been working on more recently.  I've been hitting the treadmill in the mornings and reading a book while I put in 15 minutes or more at 3.5 miles per hour.  I feel great for doing it, and have more energy to make it through the day.

Sex.  Who doesn't want sex?  Unfortunately with four kids, it's not always easy to find a moment to escape with Dana.  I am really enjoying the ideas and thoughts found on this christian blog though.

Beach House.  This is one that has been a long term goal for me, for a long time.  It's also one I know Dana would love as well.  I've decided that while I do not want to move to the Oregon Coast any time soon, I want to own a home there.  A home that we could rent out when we aren't using, and a home that we could pack up and head to for long weekends and vacations.  I even found this one, just a few houses away from where we stayed in 2008.

Clean Home.  Yes, I always hope for order.  I dream of being able to keep up on housework while still spending time with my family.  I'm getting there, little by little, day by day.

Healthy Diet.  I'd like for us as a family to eat more fruits and vegetables, fresh meat and unprocessed foods.  While I can't force that, I can at least make sure I serve healthier meals.

I hope to have a jpeg version of my vision board soon, and I will share it with you.  What are your visions for your future?

Glorious Day

This gorgeous sunrise followed our snow.  It's been several weeks of snowing and melting followed by more snow.  We will definitely have a white Christmas this year.

Snow Day

It's hard to believe that yesterday we had very little snow left on the ground.  It started falling this morning, and hasn't stopped.  The kids of course, love it!

Precious

It's a week later, and instead of posting my funny Christmas list, it's more bad news.  Prayers are needed for a friend of mine.  We met on BabyFit while I was pregnant with the twins, and she was pregnant with her second daughter.  Yesterday, her daughter Sofia was suddenly taken to Jesus.  Just one year old, and already gone. 

My heart and soul hurt for her parents, Felicia and Ralphy.  I cannot imagine the questions their 3 year old daughter is now asking.  I spent yesterday crying and praying for the family, and continue to do so today.  While driving home, I was reminded of the words of Jesus: For the days are coming when they will say, ‘Fortunate indeed are the women who are childless, the wombs that have not borne a child and the breasts that have never nursed.’ (Luke 23:29, New Living Translation)  

I've never fully understood that verse until recently.  There is something different about the death of a child, once you have your own.  I do not mean that my dear friends without children, don't ache for the lost child, but something changes.  You feel the loss of another woman's child, as deeply as if the child were your own.  As a mother, we see how fragile our child's life really is, and we think of ourselves in that position.  Suddenly we empathize in a way we didn't know how to before we gave birth.

Dana and I have even discussed how different death is to him now that he is a dad.  The thought of losing a child, or even watching a drama about the death of a child is disturbing.  Something neither of us gave a second thought about before Kaia.

I ask you today, to hug your children a little tighter, or your niece or nephew or any child in your life.  Give them that extra kiss.  And join me in praying for Sofia's family in this time of great sorrow.  If you are willing join me in a partial fast, while praying for their comfort, strength and peace.