a sort-of New Yearsy post.

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welp, its now 2013 and I didn't do the obligatory and expected "2013 New Years" post like most bloggers.
And really, I had plans to, I had plans to write a great post about what I am looking forward to in the coming year, about what I believe the Lord is speaking to us about this year, about my goals, about my desires, etc etc. you get it.
You read it all over web land just like I did.

And really I love reading those posts, I love hearing people's desires and goals and ambitions for a new season and
year of life...it is always encouraging a motivating.

In my reading, I came across two wonderful, heart-touching posts about setting "goals" for the new year...
read Jami's post here, and read my friend Leslie's post here.
They really get to the heart of the matter...to the heart of why we should want to set goals, to the heart of why we DO set goals, to the heart of priorities in setting goals.
Go read, they really spoke to my heart, and I'm sure they will to yours.

But back to the not-blogging-a-new-years-post thing... I honestly feel today, as I sit and write this out, that it's kind of just fitting with the theme that I feel like the Lord is doing in me in this season.

That I wait on Him to tell me when and how and where and what. That I don't want to do anything out of my own flesh or my own selfish priorities. (and not just with blogging, but with everything)
Not sure if I can describe my heart about this to make total sense to you here, but anywho.
Point is...I haven't had the time or energy to blog the last few days, and that's ok with me.

Doing this blog is in fact a huge part of my life. It is where I get to process, pour out, be encouraged, encourage, share life, etc. I have even met some of my best friends through this blog. Literally, girls who I do life with every day now, even if it just through a million texts across thousands of miles.

So while this blog is so important to me, it is not THE most important.

Other things have to take priority. Like helping figure out our new family budget, helping with some "administrative" things with my husband as he puts things in order for our family. Running errands, cooking healthy (hmm, trying anyways), playing with my girls, changing diapers, etc etc etc. you get the pic. And one of the most important, loving on my husband.  And if that looks like putting the computer away at night and not blogging like I had wanted to, so we can just chill and watch a show without making him feel like i am just looking at a computer screen, then that's more important.

Parker and I decided to sit down and write out goals/desires/prayers for the coming year.
I made a piece of paper with each topic on it, and spread then out on the floor.
(topics included marriage, financial, parenting, fitness, time management, etc)
So after the kids went to bed the other night, we sat down, and started discussing/filling out each sheet. We did not even get half way done before our brains needed a break, but it was such a wonderful start.
We've never done anything like this before, and I think it was a great way to start fresh in a new year.

It makes me excited to see where God takes us, what words He fulfills in our family, and what restoration He brings to places where we need it most, in this coming year. It has already begin, and I am so thrilled to see the fruit.

I am also excited to see the new season for my blog. I am excited for new community, for new relationships, for new adventures. So excited.
But I am gong into the blogging thing with a readiness to blog as and when He gives me the grace me to.
I can only hope that it will become an even bigger blessing in my life if I do that.

Thanks for hearing my heart today, and thanks for being a part of my journey into a new year,
and into another year of blogging.

Y'all rock. :)

twenty twelve

New changes, new joys, new words from the Lord, new goals...a new season is ahead.
(so I thought I'd stick with the new theme and change things up here on my blog...again. : ) )

I am so excited and feel refreshed already about what lies ahead for us this year. I feel like the Lord has already given us some words to believe Him for, and to pursue with Him, as we start this new year. I really believe we are going to see lots of things come to fruition that He has been speaking for years. I think a time of favor for the things He has placed in our hearts is coming. That thrills me, and humbles me, to be thankful for all that He HAS done...and excited for all that He WILL do.

Today though, I am looking back, (I know I know, everyone is.) But I think it's really important to do.
To see where we have come from, to remember the hard and the good...to remember His goodness and where He has shown up. I think it has a nature of propelling us into believing Him for the new.
you with me?

So in addition to lots of reflection outside of this blog, I am also looking back at some favorite blog posts from 2012. Thought I'd share...

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Bethany's arrival - the best part of 2012 for sure. We started the year with becoming a family of 4.
I can't believe she will be ONE in 4 days.
here

postpartum reality - a good honest look at what lots of new moms are going through
(including some pretty funny diagrams)
here

my very first Vlog - and I enjoyed doing it!
here

being real about blogging - God starting to open my heart to being more real here.
here

Toddler Busy Bag Swap (this got lots of pins on Pinterest)
here

lemonade pitchers (another one with lots of Pins)
here

things you may not know about me, including my adoption, my tattoo and what I did
before I was a mama.
here

I completed my second ever Triathlon, a big accomplishment/goal for 2012.

my battle with shame
here

my 45 pound post-baby weight loss and my freedom from sugar addiction.
This was the start of me sharing about our Paleo/Whole30 journey...
here

My story about dealing with Colic. How hard it is, but how God taught me in the midst of it.
here

My supernatural deliverance from Fear, and my miraculous healing from Fibromyalgia.
I got more personal emails after this post than ever before. I was honored to hear people's stories and be walking through their journies with them.
here

- - - - - - - - - -

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wow, God is good, no?!

Hope y'all have an incredible NYE. Can't wait to see what God does in the season to come. :)
So thankful y'all have been a part of my story in 2012.


snow snow and more snow!


Well it wasn't over after our miraculous white Christmas!!
We got LOTS more snow on Friday!!
it snowed for like 4 hours...
which, when you are from Texas, and live in Oklahoma...is a BIG deal. :)

Parker came home at lunch time to play with his girls in the snow...
we had so much fun.
COLD fun!
brrrrr..

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(getting warmed up...)

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hope y'all are having a beautiful and cozy weekend!

PS.
I cannot wait for the New Year.
Lots of desires, prayers and goals that I am looking forward to...
so so excited and cant wait to be sharing more on this blog.
come back on the 1st for a few changes around here!


a glimpse from our celebrations!


Abigail's birthday (on Christmas Eve), and Christmas came and left so quickly.
Feels even more that way with little ones I think...it's just all over too fast!
But we had a fantastic and special few days...
thought I'd share our holiday in pictures!!

starting with celebrating our girl turning 3 on Christmas Eve...

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- - - - - - - - - -

Christmas!
(Bethany's first!)

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and guess what? It SNOWED on Christmas!
truly Christmas miracle here in Oklahoma! :)

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We also got to go have Christmas dinner with Parker's extended family here in Oklahoma...
about 25 people there and it was so much fun!

Hope y'all had a blessed time celebrating the birth of our Savior and spending time
with family and friends!
Thankful for y'all!!