Hello 2011

This year is in full swing now.  I started back to work today and the kids come back tomorrow.  I find (and I'm sure most of you do too) the beginning of a new year a time for reflection.  I've spent a lot of time reflecting on the past year and thinking about what is to come. 

2010...A year with ups and downs.  As the year started off, our first deployment loomed over our heads.  In March, we welcomed a new baby niece, a month and a half early.  God's goodness was so amazing to see in her.  There were no major complications and she was home within a few weeks.  In April, my grandfather (92 years old)  had a fall (on my birthday to be exact).  He spent several days in the ICU, then a regular room at the hospital and then was moved to the VA hosptial in my hometown.  In May, Anthony and I said goodbye and began our first deployment.  In August, our sweet 5 month old niece passed away unexpectantly.  In early September, the Air Force brought Anthony home a month early to be with family.  It was such a bittersweet homecoming.  It was so great to have Anthony home, but the circumstances were not what I would wish on anyone.  The rest of the year has been pretty eventless.  We were able to spend both Thanksgiving and Christmas with our families.  Needless to say, I am not the same person I was when this year began.  It has been a year of challenge and growth.  It has been a year of tears and celebrations.

2011...What will you hold?  I know some big changes are in store for us if everything goes as hoped.  I have set a few personal goals for myself as I get into this year.  Nothing major.  First, I want to continue to grow.  I want to grow in my relationship with God, I want to grow in my relationship with my husband, I want to grow as an individual and I want to grow as a teacher.  Second, I want to run a 5k.  Last year, I set a goal to work out, but I didn't have anything to truly work for.  Maybe this year I will do better. And third, I want to begin learning about photography.  I'm going to start off small, I want to begin learning to use a (yet to be purchased) DSLR and learn how to take good (I'll eventually work to great and amazing, but let's not get our hopes up this year) pictures. 

I'm looking forward to seeing what the year brings our way!

Happy New Year!

Sorry, I am a day late.  But, better late than never.  I know I still have Christmas updates that I need to do, but I need to get the pictures from Mom for that.  So, we'll start with New Years.

 I came home from my parents Friday.  It was much easier to leave this time as I felt I got to spend much more time with them and I missed Anthony.  When I left to go to my parents', we had plans for a New Years Eve party with a bunch of friends, but before returning, the party was canceled.  I was a little bummed as the past two New Years Eves we haven't done much of anything (last year we weren't even together).  But, our friends Aften and Beau decided to throw a party.  It was very low key and so much fun.  We played Taboo for atleast a couple hours.  It was guys against girls and everyone got really into it, some more than others, but that was the f un part.  I laughed so hard that night.  Just before midnight, we put on our hats and necklaces, got our horns and counted down to 2011.  I can't see what this year holds.

We had been laughing so much I couldn't even do a regualr smile!

I'm So Proud of ME!!!

Note:  Okay, so I get that these may be small things for you.  And I hope that someday they will be for me too.  But right now, they are a big deal, so, if you don't have anything nice to say, please don't say anything at all! 

That being said, I am very proud that I have started on all of my 2010 goals this weekend!

I'll start with what I feel is my biggest goal:  Church.  I found a church this morning that I love.  I am so happy.  I can't wait to take Anthony next week (although we can't go at 11:20 like I did due to the Cowboys playing).  While it was a large church, it didn't have that feeling where you couldn't get to know anyone.  I loved the praise music.  It was very contemporary, yet still very moving.  And while the message this morning was given by the youth minister, it was still a very good message.  They have lots of different life groups and I can't wait to be a part of one.  Now, I do have to say, just like every Sunday, Satan tried to stop me.  My stomach didn't feel too well and my bed was warm.  But God was stronger  I'm so glad I went.  I can't wait for next Sunday.

Another goal was to become a little greener.  As I told Mom, I'm not going completely green,  more of a pale green, but it's a start.  And I plan to add on as I go.  My Envirosax came in this week and we took them with us yesterday when we went to the commisary.  Now, even though I got a couple bags for Christmas and ordered a pack of 5, we didn't have enough and still had to use a few plastic sacks.  It was a start though.  Next week I'm going to encourage the bagger to do a few things a little different (like not use 1 bag for the giant stack of paper plates and not bag the milk) and see how we do.  I also think I may have to stick to paper or plastic for my meat.  If this doesn't work, then I will order a few more bags.  But I loved them!  They held so much and made carrying in the groceries so easy!  After grocery shopping, I headed to Bed Bath and Beyond and returned a gift and picked up a couple reusable water bottles.  So far, they are spill proof.  I took one to them gym today and I really like it.  It has a straw and everything!

 And my last goal, was to become a little healthier.  It started with my selections at the grocery store.  I picked up some fresh fruit and some yogurt.  Much healthier snacks than the pan of brownies I've been munching on.  Then, I started my gym routine.  The best part is, I have a workout buddy now!  One of the wives of the firemen also wanted to start working out.  So, we've decided to go together.  Which I must say, is exactly what I needed.

So, I'm off to a good start.  I sure hope, and pray, that I can stick with it all.  They are all things that I need to do and will feel better for doing.  I'll keep you posted monthly on how I'm doing.  Please encourage me and hold me accountable!

My Goals

I realize most people make resolutions for the new year, but quite honestly, I don't like that word.  I like "goals."  I normaly really don't even think about this as teh new year rolls around, but this year, it's been on my mind.  So, here are a few goals that I have...

1.  Find a church home here and go on a regular basis.  We've lived here 8 months.  I've gone to one church and wasn't really fond of it.  I'm disappointed in myself and us as a couple.  While Anthony was at basic training, he wrote in one  (of the 3) letters that he wanted to find a church home and go together.  So, we are going to do this.  I have a church picked out and can't wait to go Sunday.
2.  Get in somewhat better shape.  I don't mean I want to lose weight.  I just want to be able to run and not get out of breath and lift heavy things and such.  We are going to order body bands for strengthening and I'm going to start running either at our apartments or at the gym. 
3.  Do my part to produce a little less waste.  I'm not going major green, but I'm going to begin heading in the right direction.  I recieved some Envirosax for Christmas and found a great deal on some more.  Next, I hope to find some good water bottles to take to work. 

These are all very reachable goals that I know I can succeed at doing.  I'll keep you posted on the progress.