Wow, another year come & gone... I can't believe it's over! We had a wonderful Christmas. Ryan was off work for 4 days; that was fun. Today is his last day of work then he's off for another four. Next week will be a bummer when we're back to our normal routine. I could get used to this. On top of Ryan being home more than usual, I haven't been watching the 4 year old boy that I babysit for. He's a good kid but sometimes having the extra kid around just makes life a little more difficult, a little more hectic. I definitely think we're done having kids. Something we'll probably decide and do something about (one way or the other) in 2009. IF we did have another, Connor would be 3 when the other came along and I don't think I'd want them farther apart than that. I'm not big into resolutions but there are a couple of things I need to work on this coming year. Paying off debt, losing my last 10 pounds and keeping it off, continuing to exercise regularly, and spending more time with my kids are the others. I'd also like to grow my business. I'm having fun with it and watching the bank account grow is great! Of course, it will all be gone once I can pay off the debt in a lump sum but that's okay because I know it will grow again! Then we'll have some fun money and I can breathe a little easier. Our 10 year anniversary is in 2011 and I would really like to take a nice vacation. Our honeymoon was awful (long story) and I'd like to honeymoon again! Well, I was up until 12:30 last night and up at 5:30 this morning- my coffee just got done brewing so I'm going to go grab a cup and get in my Bible before the boys get up. Enjoy the last day of 2008!

a new season

Yesterday at church, the worship leader commented how fall was so great because it was a time of people coming back together after going separate ways for the summer. Time for revival and renewal. Perhaps that is why it's my favorite time of year. Even though it's a time where outside, the leaves start turning, the air gets cooler, the sky darker, it really is a time of newness. Fresh beginnings. A new season not only outside but inside as well. In the home, in the heart, in the church.
Here we are, the first day of preschool for my 4 year old, Aidan. It's also my first week with only 1 extra child in the home. Even though both of these things are scary to me, they excite me at the same time. Aidan is so excited about going to school, I can't help but be excited for him. I am excited to only have 1 extra child because that will give me extra time with Aidan on the days he is home and also extra time with Connor- he will be in school before I know it.
I am looking at taking a couple more kids 1 day a week which I think will be perfect for us. I am also looking at a part time job at a bed & breakfast which I am thrilled about because my dream is to someday own and operate a B&B.
Ecclesiasties 3:1 says "to everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven"
As I say goodbye to one season, I am welcoming the next with open arms- uncertain as it may be.

a moment

Ryan and I were on our way to Aidan's preschool orientation the other day and as we were driving, I was feeling a little uncomfortable. I had been envisioning us walking into a room filled with our elders, us the younguns of the group. Then I realized we're the elders now, we're not the kids and the oldest of our kids is going to school!!! AAAAARGH! Talk about a wow, I'm getting old moment.

new here

I figure I might as well get this going.... I wish I could figure out how to search for other people's blogs... help anyone?

I guess there's no place better than to start with a little about myself. I live in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. I stay home with my two boys, Aidan (4) and Connor (2). We belong to a wonderful church and have great friends there. We both have great families; as with every family, there are quirks, but that's what makes life interesting.

My husband and I have started to make some lifestyle changes and are trying to lose weight. At 162, I have 12 pounds to lose. And at 270, he has already lost over 5 pounds (in just 2 weeks!) and has about 40 more to lose. We've been making healthier choices at mealtime and have made our portions smaller. We've also been riding bikes, him pulling the boys in the bike trailer. We try to do this 3 times a week for 8 miles. I plan on using my blog in part to keep track of our progress.

It's early, not even 7am and I hear the boys stirring. Time to get another day rolling.