Bad day or good day? I have to decide.

I don't have bad days- only bad moments and even those are hard to classify, but yesterday was probably  pretty close.  Somehow I allowed myself to think I was pregnant- I'm not.  Joshua and I tried to go away for a little retreat but that fell through.  We tried to go buy a table- didn't work out.  My great grandmother, Mary, went to the hospital with stroke like symptoms.  I had to do school work for 2 hours on a Friday night.  Blah blah blah is how I felt. 

Truth is- I am redeemed! I am healthy!  I have a lovely marriage.  Mary is doing okay.  I spent all day with family. We celebrated my Nana's 68th birthday!  God is very good.  I guess it was a great day afterall. 

This Week's Menu Jan. 9

Sunday: Spaghetti and Smoked salmon with the Slusser's

Monday: Leftover jambalaya

Tuesday: Pimento Cheese Burgers

Wednesday: Fajitas with rice

Thursday: Keilbasa with corn on the cob and sweet potato fries

Friday: Mediterranean Chicken with angel hair pasta

Saturday: maybe we can use the Thai Spice gift card 

It's not a simple "no-no" anymore.

Last time I shared parenting challenges it was how to exercise with a baby...now I'm on to seemingly bigger things! Things that impact the rest of my child's life. Today we had friends over to play with Greyson. He was very bossy and controlling. He wouldn't let them play with certain things and when they didn't do it his way he fussed. He was so ugly, self centered, and rude. It hurt their feelings and it made me feel really sad. I know this behavior is somewhat normal for his age and I don't want to have unrealistic expectations for him, but something about today burdened me. The question is how to discipline this behavior. What if Joshua and I put too much pressure on Greyson? He seemingly has enough perfectionism within himself without us adding to it. I think we may need to relax our expectations for him a bit especially on less important issues, such as how he treats his toys. He imparts those expectations to his friends. As in all things, there needs to be balance. I will continue to pray for Greyson's character and salvation. I will do my best to model putting others first, but today I think I have to take away the toys he was so possessive with (monster trucks).

I know that I am also very ugly, self centered, and rude. Christ is beautiful within me! Praise him for freedom.

This Week's Menu Jan. 3

Sunday: Breakfast for dinner

Monday: Work late: Taco soup

Tuesday: Jambalaya

Wednesday: Cajun Shrimp Alfredo

Thursday: left overs

Friday: Eat Out (I'm done with this week!)

Saturday: Who knows??? Can't plan too much.

Christmas morning Joshua and I were so excited. We blared Christmas music in attempt to wake up Greyson. He didn't budge so I finally woke him up. I told him there was something special he should see and he asked if it was snow! haha By the end of the day it was SNOWING!!!!

This entire season was filled with different kinds of gifts. I believe God has molded our family in a new way this year. We are learning what it means to serve others and it has unified us and filled our lives. A white Christmas was God's gift to us and we enjoyed it so much. Snow allows you to see old things in new ways. God draws near to those who are hurting and He makes your life white as snow. The new year is almost here. As we usher it in, we will remember that life with Christ is new each morning.

12 Ways of Christmas

These are some of the ways we celebrated one of the greatest holidays of the year! Jesus' birth is definitely worth partying for!

1. Our family was privileged with the opportunity to share with another family. God provides in amazing ways and we are thankful for the blessings! Thank you to all who contributed to this. It brought us so much joy.
2. Hot Chocolate on a Stick: for sharing with family, friends, and neighbors
3. Wearing tacky sweaters with close friends! Love Beth's socks!
4. Camping (and midnight pillow fighting) under the Christmas trees
5. Ice skating with Bree and Kendall (18 falls for Bree!)

6. Can you guess what is in Joshua's BIG box?
7. Decorating the house (my favorite favorite!)
8. Being with family (my other very favorite!)
9. Attempting to bake (oops...that was hard to clean up..smoked up the whole house)
10. Caroling
11. Visiting Santa
12. Sing happy birthday to Jesus and read the story of His birth

Feeling Ambitious and Thoughty

I've decided to pick up my blogging...I'm not sure what inspired me. Once I considered it I realized I have plenty to say! I can only think of less than 5 people who might actually read it but I think it might be enjoyable regardless. Happy reading! Maybe you will be inspired to share your happenings as well. Send me your link!