Tired

Sundays are always long days, but finally, the kids are in bed and all is quiet. The past week has been a little crazy with everyone being sick all, and I think Abby was feeling it tonight. Just before bed in the midst of all the "go upstairs and get ready for bed, brush your teeth, etc." routine, she just broke down sobbing. As I went to sit down with her and give her a big hug, she cried and said, "I think I'm just exhasted. All this running up and down the stairs and then I had an extra musical practice today that I wasn't really expecting, and I've just been working so hard. And I'm worried that I won't be able to go to sleep, and then my tooth hurts and I haven't been brushing my teeth as much as I should and I might have a cavity... and I just don't know what to do because I'm exhausted and I just feel like being mad at everybody, but I don't want to, and I want to make good choices, but I feel like all I'm doing is making the bad ones, and I'm just so exhausted, Mommy." I just smiled and hugged her tight and assured her that everyone feels that way sometimes. Then we prayed together and tried to focus on the good things in life for a while.

I can relate all too well. When life gets crazy, I can get overwhelmed, which only leads me to strive and wear myself out more, which leads me to worry and fear, which leads me to sin and anger and flat out exhaustion. What do I do when I find myself there? Where do I go? More often than not, I just do my best to keep carrying everything on my back, trudge on, or just wallow for a while. Tonight was a reminder, though, that I have a Father whose arms are always ready and waiting to hold and comfort me.

I am reminded of my absolute favorite passage in Scripture

Psalm 73

23 Yet I am always with you;

you hold me by my right hand.

24 You guide me with your counsel,

and afterward you will take me into glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but you?

And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26 My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever.

Christmas Decor

Last night after dinner we decided to decorate for Christmas. We got out the tree, put the wreath on the door, and hung the stockings. I wasn't in my best mood when we started, but as we hung ornaments and listened to Christmas music, and I watched the kids dancing around like wild banshees joyfully, I was reminded just how lucky I am. Not only for a great family, but for all that Christmas means.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

One of the things I was most excited about when it came to Christmas decor, was having large windows in the living room so the Christmas tree could be seen from the street. Once the tree was decorated and the kids were in bed, I was so excited. I grabbed Aaron to come out in the front yard with me to see what our beautiful tree looked like from the outside.

All the anticipation, and then I realized...

there's a column smack in front of our middle window. Ha!

Thanksgiving Two [2010]

Our second Thanksgiving officially took place on Sunday, but my parents, sister, and niece and nephew came in on Friday and stayed for the weekend. It was so nice having them all around, and even though I had to work the bulk of Saturday, we had a lot of fun. All of the kids had so much fun playing together... and I think my Mom and Dad were in heaven getting all that time with the grandkids. I also took every chance I got to snuggle with sweet little Andre, so is so adorable when he smiles that it's almost painful. Sunday my mom and I cooked all morning and it was so much fun! The menu? Smoked turkey, dressing, Parker House rolls, green bean casserole, butternut squash, and pumpkin and pecan pies. Yum.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Sharing food, laughter, and time together with family is priceless. Unfortunately, it looks like we shared a little more than that. We appear to have shared a stomach bug, and it looks like a good number of us are sick. Still a great and memorable weekend though!

I feel bad that I didn't take many pictures over the weekend. I guess I got carried away with all the cooking, etc!

Thanksgiving One [2010]

Thanksgiving this year was wonderful.

We were lucky enough to celebrate Thanksgiving twice this year. Our first was on Thanksgiving Day with Aaron's family. We always have a great time together, and it would've been wonderful with just the 10 of us, but this year, we had one more -- Poppy's brother, Uncle Larry. Neither the kids or I had gotten to meet him before, so this was a very special treat that made for a really wonderful day.

On the menu was prime rib, among many other delicious dishes. After stuffing ourselves silly, we sat around and talked and laughed, took lots of pictures (between Sandy and I) and watched Bella and Millie chase each other around and make friends. I couldn't have asked for a better day, and I'm so thankful for such a great family!

A New Family Member

We got a puppy.

We did not begin our weekend with plans to end up with a dog, but alas... when your husband says he's just going to stop to peek at some cute puppies for sale in a parking lot, just know... once you've picked up a puppy and been covered with little puppy kisses, you're a gonner.

We didn't get one of those puppies, but spent the rest of the weekend just "looking" at puppies and getting ideas for a possible Christmas present. And then we found her. And she cast her spell on everyone -- her and her floppy little ears. We just "had" to have her. So here she is.

Meet Bella. Abby got to name her. She's quiet and mellow and lets the kids carry her around all day. She's playful and adorable, and she seems to be fitting in quite nicely. I'm sure this is not the last you'll be seeing of Bella around here. Here are her first "portraits". :)

This Week... [11.07.10]

• We took the kids to the new Alamo Drafthouse for dinner and a 3D movie. Sadly, I think this was the first time the four of us have all been to a movie together. It was tons of fun!
  
  
  
• I did not make much progress in getting through the mountain of images that I need to edit and blog. In fact, I added about 500 more on Saturday. 
• I read more books. I finished Hunger Games (or was that last week?) and Bel Canto. Should be done with Catching Fire tonight or tomorrow.
• Did more Christmas shopping. Found GREAT deals (thanks Target and Amazon), which excites me even more!
• I began to really looking forward to the new Harry Potter movie coming out in two weeks!
• Went on a field trip with Abby's class to the Witte Museum.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Went to a dinner party hosted by my friend Candace, and enjoyed a nice, relaxing evening!
  
• Stressed and worried and got angry over a situation with a client that turned out to be no big deal at all -- and even turned out great!
• Finished Season One of Lost. Loved it.
• Went to Target an unreasonable number of times.
• Had some really good quiet times.
• Abby and Carson had their first "auditions" for the Christmas musical at church. They were very nervous and a little shy, but are excited to be in the chorus!
• Got to snuggle with my niece and nephew a little at church yesterday, which was awesome, since I've been missing them a lot lately.
• I had lots of headaches.
• Enjoyed the weather thoroughly! I even got to pull out my favorite green coat a few times. A gorgeous week!

Halloween 2010

Halloween was a lot of fun this year for all of us! The kids had fun coming up with their costumes (a waitress and a slice of pizza), and then we hosted a neighborhood outreach at our house, at which we handed out a ridiculous amount of candy and close to 300 hot dogs. We got to meet lots of our new neighbors and spread the word about the new campus that'll be launching soon. It was a great time!