Happy New Year ( and all that jazz)

"I got Gordon!!!"

"James!!!"

Thank Heaven for play tents (it was raining all day)

Santa brought a cool cement mixer

Thanks Santa for the garbage truck

Another year has come and gone. Unbelievable. The anticipation of Christmas has now left a mellow, downer kind of feeling. I even noticed it in church last Sunday. The mood seemed exhausted, slow , almost depressed. What's that all about? I guess it's hard because all of us probably anticipate Christmas, in some way. Looking back, when I was little, I would keep my head covered while I sweat to death; afraid that Santa would know I was still awake. Ever year I would get a new baby doll and dreamed of being a mommy, taking my "baby" everywhere- (at least wherever a bike would take you). Now, being much older and a mom, I am evaluting the spirit of Christmas more and more. I would be lying if I said I didn't like receiving presents, but gradually I have found that receiving is less and less fulfilling. The highlight of my season was enjoying the lights on our tree and experiencing the "magic" with the boys. I felt more peace this year as I looked harder at the miraculous story of Jesus' birth and what it all means to me. It is easy, year after year to not pay attention or appreciate the magnitude of how our King came to earth and eventually saved me by his death on the cross. It is truly something to dwell upon. It is tricky now that I am a parent. How do you teach the true meaning of Christmas and yet allow your kids to enjoy the temporary perks of the "holiday". You have to address the Santa thing, they see him all over the place and hear about him from other children. So, deciding how to handle it is something to consider. Do you want to spoil the fun so soon as a child or let them have fun and trust the true meaning will penetrate through the other fluff. It just seems weird to me building up the anctipation of Santa coming, leaving him cookies, looking for reindeer ( which is all fun) and yet teaching the story of Jesus, our Saviour being born all in the same breath. I guess for us adults it seems confusing, because we compartmentalize- thankfully children don't do that. They take it all in and gratefully it all just works out.

This year, things were hectic because of Reagan in the mix, but grateful we were and it was nice to have time off from work even if I spent most of the time at home and missing some of the festivities going on. My parents came up Christmas day and we had a good day visiting and eating, while the kids tore up the house with their new play tent. It was another rainy day but thankfully cleared up at day's end.

2010. How do you say that? Twenty ten or Two thousand and ten? I didn't really think about it until I heard someone else ask the question. The comment was Twenty ten, sounds 'futuristic'. Personally, I like Two thousand and ten but I also still write checks and send mail via the post office. It can seem daunting coming up with new year resolutions, especially when I realize that I didn't keep the ones I made last year or I never had one. I decided this year I would make a few and stick to them. Not really resolutions but "improvements". I not only want to resolve some things from the past year but I want to become more than I was last year.

#1 Love the Lord my God with all of my heart, soul and strength.

Pray that this will be evident in my words and actions.

#2 Love my husband better.

He puts up with my shortcomings but he definitely deserves more.

#3 Get in shape. Physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

#4 Stop using credit cards. Only use cash or save until I have the money I need.

#5 Be a blessing to someone everyday. Even if it's a few minutes or something small.

#6 Limit my chores so I appreciate my children more with my time.

#7 Be content. Love what I have. We all have too much stuff anyway.

#8 Listen more.

#9 Guard my mouth.

#10 Spend time with my Bible everyday.

I could probably come up with a million "improvements" but I think I'll start with these. Hopefully, when 2011 comes I can see how far I've come in all of these areas but most of all I will be more Christ like.

My new addiction.

"peace love happiness"

David "helping" daddy make sure the tree is straight

David had a big job this year- putting the star on top!

And who wouldn't love a little Daniel "craziness".

this is his big boy move,or so he says.

As I pulled off the highway, onto Archer Rd. and came to a screaching halt. I sat and watched car after car go by and then come to a stand still across three lanes. I felt a sense of excitement and relief. I had just realized that I didn't have to be one of these halted cars, packed across lanes and lanes of busy traffic. Once I purchased my goods from Publix, I was headed home, away from the chaos. I WAS DONE WITH MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING! ahhhhh, what a good feeling it was.

For the first year ever, I am not up til the last minute, standing in lines and feeling panicked to find the perfect gift. How could this be? Was I superwoman? No. I have discovered online shopping. I have been a critic in the past and felt it was too impersonal and tacky. But, because of my circumstances this year, I realized there wasn't any way to accomplish gift buying ( and staying sane) unless I changed my ways. I am hooked, however, as I realized with a click of a button my purchases were being processed, wrapped and on their way. Thank you UPS! No crowds, no lines, no fighting for space, or with my kids, and better yet free shipping (mostly). Since gifts is one of my love languages, for those who know Chapman's book, 'The Five Love Languages'; I generally get heart palpitations and feelings of glee as I shop the sales and hit the stores buying gifts for others. I love to buy things for people, for myself too but really it is so much easier ( and fun) to get things for others. I do enjoy receiving gifts as many also do, but finding that perfect gift can be such a challenge. It has been a disappointment since the arrival and maintenance of 3 little boys that my gift giving and shopping has diminished. I truly desire to be in the trenches, touch the merchandise, browse TJ Maxx (can you feel your heart racing?) but I have come to the conclusion that my days of browsing and "going" are over or at least limited for awhile. The good news is: I save a lot of money, my kids are happier at the play area in the mall, and I am more decisive when I do get to shop because the attention span of a 3 1/2 year old is about 3 minutes. That's a good thing. So, for those that are receiving gifts from me this year, please know that my heart did go into it and I enjoyed shopping for you but for those who won't be getting a gift, please know that my heart yearned to buy you something and one day I'll make it up to you.

A month old!- can you believe it?

Reagan likes bath time

David sharing his trains- what a great big brother

" Sleeping like a baby"

Taking turns holding little brother

Too cute for words!

Reagan is a month old today. Wow! Not only does it seem like it's gone by quick, but I am starting to realize my days of "maternity leave" are also going by quick. Oh well. My new year's resolution is to BE PEACEFUL and I am already striving to accomplish my goal, even before the new year has begun. Taking for granted David and Daniel, I found myself wrapped up like a stress ball. I was always trying to accomplish too much, or getting frustrated when their need took precedence over my desire or want. Now, I am still a ball of stress but I am aware of my selfish tendencies and "craving peace". Joyce Meyer did a great job grilling this into my head yesterday, as I listened to her speak on this and I am encouraged that it is mine for the taking, as long as I ask and follow the instruction of the Lord and CRAVE IT!

The first month, or actually the first 3 weeks at home have been better than I had expected. Reagan is a good baby, sweet as can be and eating like a champ. In the past, I faced many struggles with breastfeeding so I have been pleasantly surprised and thankful that it is going well this time, so far. His 2 week checkup last week was evidence of God's grace- he weighed 7# 15oz which means he has gained about 1oz/day.....more than enough. Yahoo!

He has already been to church once and on a car trip to grandma and papa stalnaker's for Thanksgiving. He is a very good travel companion, hardly ever crying when he's in his car seat and he likes to take his big brothers to school......he knows then he has mommy all to himself. He doesn't like a pacifier unless it's a crucial moment and he sleeps well, eating about every 3 hrs. He loves to sleep on his belly but would rather be held every moment of the day, if possible. That's o.k. though because I love to hold him and cuddle, which is where I am off to now.

Grammy B came to visit and help