{eleven}

That is how many years Rob and I have been married.

When I think back to this day 11 years ago, a lot of things come to my mind.

I think of the snow. It snowed while I was sleeping, so I woke up in a little cottage with my mom and one of my bride maids to a blanket of snow. (It was truly gorgeous and a dream come true. I had really hoped that when we picked a December day it would snow.) I also woke up puking. Nerves...they got to me.

I think of all the special people that were with me that day. My grandfather from Las Vegas who was really sick. My special cousin that lives thousands of miles away. Rob's grandmother who was also very old and it was extremely hard for her to travel. Men Rob went to college with that I had never met. My parents, sister and brother in law. Rob's family...who were now becoming my family. Friends, that I don't get to see anymore.

I think of the beautiful evergreen trees that decorated the stage. The candlelight. The dresses...my dress. The music Rob and I listened to for hours.

I think of getting dressed in the church nursery and hearing all the people coming in to celebrate with us.

I think of waiting in the hallway with my dad. The tears welled up and overflowed. Tears of joy and excitement. My dad said, "Are you okay?" I think he was thinking, "Is she sure she wants to do this." I had never been more sure of anything.

I think of turning the corner and looking down the aisle.

I think of the man that waited. Waited...for me. With a smile and tears.

Eleven years later here we are. A lot has happened in 11 years. A lot of goodness and blessings! I am so thankful that God has blessed me with this man and 11 years of marriage.

I can't wait for the next 11!

Looking back...and forward

Well hello blog readers! I sure do hope that everyone had a fabulous Christmas! I know we did! Now that the dust is settling, toys are being put away, and New Years is just a few days away things seem to be getting back into a little bit of normalcy.

Normal, what is that anyway!?

As I look back over 2011 I think of lots of great memories. Disney being at the for front, of course. (Oh, how I would love to go back tomorrow!)

I also think of how life has changed and stayed the same all at the same time.
How is that?
How will 2012 be different.

Lots of people are thinking about resolutions or goals for the year. I believe this is a good thing. However, all to often January comes and goes, and we fall back into the same routines. Last year I tried to do the once a month resolution which was great. I can honestly say, it was good for me, but there are a lot of resolutions I made that I did not fully commit to. I will be looking back over them each month and continuing to work on them.

My goal, resolution, focus...whatever you want to call it...is to seek Him first.

The Bible says, But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33) My main focus this year is this verse. That in all things I will seek Him first.

My marriage.

My parenting.

My friendships.

My health.

My every.day.choices!!!

What are you going to change, work on, resolve?

Thankful Thursday

Lately I have been feeling the weight of being a mom.

Do you ever have those times?

When you feel like this responsibility is just to much?

When you feel like you are missing the whole point?

When you feel like you just want to do it right?

Maybe you don't have them, but I do.

I heard this song this morning on the radio. It is a Christmas song about Mary, and for the life of me I can't remember what it is called. (If you have any clue let me know. A woman sings it and it is not "Mary did you know.") It is basically about what a huge responsibility God placed on her with being the mother of Jesus.

In no way am I comparing myself to Mary. She birthed and raised God himself!!! I can not even imagine.

The song, however, did make me think of this "job" that God has given me. He has trusted me with 2 lives.

2 lives He created.

2 lives that mean more to Him than they do to me.

2 sweet, amazing blessings!

Sometimes, I get overwhelmed with it all.

Often, I fail them.

Frequently, I lose my patience.
Always, I love them. Always!

Today I am thankful that God has entrusted me with the precious name, Mom!