Checking in on the List

 Just checking off the list of things I want to do before I turn 36. (I have 6 months and counting) I better get going on some of them, and I'm pleasantly surprised that I actually accomplished many of them.  :)

1. Read (and finish) a book
2. Sew something
3. Go to Disneyland (o.k. so that trip with Joseph is already planned)
4. Have a monthly date night with my husband
5. Go on a trail ride
6. Go to the beach
7. Print out digital pictures to fill my frames
8. Sit by the fire with cup of coffee and no guilt
9. Lose 10 lbs.-in progress (lost 8.7 lbs. to date)
10. Pedicure-With Emma for her 10th birthday!
11. Make a painting with Emma
12. Go on a hike with the family
13. Fly somewhere (on a plane)
14. Hang a hammock/swing
15. Create "space" in my home for change
16. Change bank accounts-don't need to since I've finally sorted out some details
17. Start a digital scrapbook for each of the kids
18. Purge the container
19. Coach/teach something Now my job!  (kindergarten through 6th grade everyday)
20. Create a family creed and post it
21. Family devotions/bible time
22. Go to the woods
23. Girls weekend away with my cousin Kait
24. Order handmade necklace
25. Research life insurance changes
26. Volunteer with the kids
27. Candlelight dinner
28. See a live show/musical
29. Get a phone with texting
30. Change my hair Does growing it out count?
31. Plant flowers
32. Build up emergency account
33. Have daily quiet time
34. Try yoga-HOT Bikram yoga done in a room that is 100 degrees!
35. Journal
36. Review this list weekly and check off

Time does fly by

Well, shoot!  It's been about 6 months since my last post.....bad blogger, bad blogger and so just for kicks (and those in my family NOT on facebook) here is a snapshot of each of the last 6 months in our life.

January-Santa Rosa creek clean-up earning our free Disneyland tickets 

There's no place like home for the holidays......

We have been quite busy these days, so I have not posted in some time.  We have finished soccer season for all the kids, decorated for Christmas, had a snow storm hit and even had a snow day from school.  The kids were so excited, the animals were so confused, and our little home stayed toasty warm with our woodstove.  We continue to count God's blessings and we celebrate this season of His birth. 

Celebrating 11 years

To celebrate Joseph turning 11 years old, he and I took a mom/son trip to LA and went to Disneyland and California Adventure together.  We had so much fun dodging around people and running to all our favorite rides.  We loved California Screamin' rollercoaster and went on that ride 4 times.  We also took in an afternoon at the beach with the So CA cousins and had a great time staying at their house.  We loved the time together, the bonding, the corn dogs and celebrating who this little man is becoming.  I love you Joseph.  Happy Birthday!

36 Things to Do before I turn 36

Well, today is October 17, 2009 and I will turn 35 in exactly two months. So I better get hopping. I am trying to be intentional with my time and life, since so much of my life is out of my control right now. So, I thought I'd try to add some control if I can.....so here's my attempt.

1. Read (and finish) a book
2. Sew something
3. Go to Disneyland (o.k. so that trip with Joseph is already planned)
4. Have a monthly date night with my husband
5. Go on a trail ride
6. Go to the beach
7. Print out digital pictures to fill my frames
8. Sit by the fire with cup of coffee and no guilt
9. Lose 10 lbs.
10. Pedicure
11. Make a painting with Emma
12. Go on a hike with the family
13. Fly somewhere (on a plane)
14. Hang a hammock/swing
15. Create "space" in my home for change
16. Change bank accounts
17. Start a digital scrapbook for each of the kids
18. Purge the container
19. Coach/teach something
20. Create a family creed and post it
21. Family devotions/bible time
22. Go to the woods
23. Girls weekend away with my cousin Kait
24. Order handmade necklace
25. Research life insurance changes
26. Volunteer with the kids
27. Candlelight dinner
28. See a live show/musical
29. Get a phone with texting
30. Change my hair
31. Plant flowers
32. Build up emergency account
33. Have daily quiet time
34. Try yoga
35. Journal
36. Review this list weekly and check off

Raising Kids: "The days are long, but the years are short"

I need to remind myself of this truth. 6 years goes by in a blink. How did this baby become this boy? I love you Benjamin Allen! Just having a mom moment!

Happy Happy Birthday Emma Kait

Emma Kait turned 9 last week and we celebrated with a rainbow themed birthday party. Yes, that cake was made in my kitchen, and no I didn't use an entire box of food coloring. It was the hit of the party and all the girls were so excited to eat the rainbow cake. We had a family party in the evening with more rainbow cake and swimming. She said it was a perfect party!