retrospective & resolutions

The new year is quickly approaching. Everyone seems to be talking of their new year resolutions. Me, well....not so much. I do however have new year hopes...such as:
1. home remodel DONE!
2. more time together as a family(immediate & extended)
3. 2 vacations would be nice
4. calm in the storms that are sure to come my way

I always seem to get a little anxious this time of year. I experience the sigh of relief that comes with making it through another...followed by the anxiety I tend to experience not knowing what the new year will bring. It's moments like this that I rely on my heavenly Father to get me through. Aging makes me nervous in a sense. Not so much for myself, but for the ones that I love. Parents are still with us, but for how much longer? Kids are that much closer to being "grown up" & out of the house. And for all whom I love it's the same scenario...another 365 to get through...hopefully without many hardships and losses.

2010 will bring a new family member into our clan. Baby Van Ness is due with in the first 2 months. That's always exciting!

In 2010 my family is sure to have quite a few experiences that will be memorable. Especially if my number 1 hope becomes a reality.

But as 2009 comes to a close I want to go through a retrospective of how my year has gone...

Began the new year with good friends, always a great way to start things off...resumed working at the Chuckwagon...resigned from my instructional aide position from oak hill jr. high...attended group work camp with my daughter and our youth group...was fired as freshman cheer coach at oak hill high school...appointed director of our kids hope program...lost many family members in such a short period of time: uncle bud cox, cousins: neal van ness, dick matchette and an aunt, mary jane draper...

...I've been very thankful this year for all of my experiences for they have allowed me to grow closer to my God. They have reminded me that He has a plan and is in total control. I'm thankful for the many friends, acquaintances (new & old) that have lifted up prayers (requested or not) for myself and my family. I'm thankful for my husband...that he love the Lord and is such a fine caretaker of our family. I'm thankful for employment for the both of us.

In retrospect I resolve to not have a resolution, but to have Hope and Faith. Hope that the new year will be good to us and Faith to know that whatever it may bring, the good, bad or ugly (lol) God will provide & see us through.

I wish the same for all of my friends & family. May God pour out His blessing on you & yours this coming new year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

making memories

The house is bustling with the sounds of games...pac man, pole position, guitar hero, and wake boarding. My husband and kids are all enjoying their new toys and getting reacquainted with old ones. I find myself doing random stuff all the while listening to their laughter, cheers, and challenges.

Many would say that what needs to be done isn't getting accomplished. I would argue that opinion. There may be dishes to wash, clothes that need laundered and put away and rooms to tidy up but bigger fish are a fryin if you will. What is getting accomplished is time together talking, laughing, and just enjoying each others company.

Before to long all I'll be left with is a house to clean as my kids will have moved on & out. So today instead of making things...clean...I'll make some memories with my family. They'll remember those far more than if their jeans were washed or not.

Here's to making memories!~