January

The holidays have come and gone. The "ber" months have ended, and here we are, day 2 of a brand new year! 2018, I wonder what you hold for us! So far, it's a cold one! ha. But really, I know every January for the last 5 years or so, I have grown more compassionate about resolutions and goals for the upcoming year, and I still am. I know it can get cliche and tiresome for those who don't like the idea of making resolutions because "you never stick to them". But what if you do? It was a few years ago, that I had actually begun to see what happiness awaits at the end of a met personal goal or what blessings God has in store when you trust, follow, and invest in HIS plan for your life. And this year, I hope, will be no different. I've jotted some goals on my bathroom mirror, I've cleaned out the closets and cabinets of all the seasonal junk that piles up, I've mediated and thought about what it is I'm looking forward to this year and I feel excited about the possibilities and goals yet reached. I know it can all seem silly and I know some of the little goals and nit picky stuff I've jotted down in my journal will probably have fallen by the wayside as early as this time next week, but that won't stop me from trying and possibly just rolling it over for next years resolution. ;)

I've always viewed January as a looonng and cold and quiet month. But now I realize that maybe it's the quiet time we need to gracefully and purposefully examine where we've been and where it is we want to go, where we fall short and where we can improve, what we've done and what we want to do. It seems the perfect time to do it! And so I do. It's a time for me to re-gather the mess that the holiday crazies left and get myself back together and ready to take on this year.

I found myself several times over Christmas break realizing how quickly things change. I found myself, in church gazing at the advent wreath and realizing, what is this Christmas, may not be next Christmas. Next Christmas, the kids will all be a year older. Next Christmas, family will be living in different places. Next Christmas, some that are here, may not be. It's scary and exciting all at the same time. We have a tribe I look forward to spending time with and watching grow, but there's always that little bit of fear involved of "letting" them grow and praying that I'm doing things "right". I want to bottle it up and keep it forever. Every moment, every memory, every single thing, but I trust that the future will offer us all new excitement and opportunities that come with growing up.

This past year was filled with fun trips, exciting new experiences for all the children, and wild and free days (those are simply the best!). We watched the little one thrive and grow so beautifully during her first year here with us and adjusted to a family of 6 and I'm so looking forward to continuing to get to know one another and making wonderful memories together! I'm excited to set new goals, and enjoy watching them reach their goals as well! I'm excited to see what all changes, because it never fails a some point during the year something unexpected comes along to surprise us! I love this life and the ones I share it with! Happy New Year, yall! Love your tribe, go on adventures, make memories, and live a life pleasing to Him. I hope 2018 is an abundantly blessed year for all of you and your families!

We started the year together, running a 5k. It really was one of the best ways to start it, even if it was freezing! I'd run anywhere with him by my side!