A Blog Feed

I FINALLY updated my sidebar to a blog feed. Whew! I didn't add the blogs that hadn't blogged in a year, so if you come back to blogland, let me know. :)

More MCM- Two Peas in a Pod

There is just something special about friends that share your journey with you. Friends who grow up knowing you, your life, your family. It seems there comes a point where they become a part of who you are. I have a feeling that's how these two girls will be. Lifers, BFFs, Besties, call it what you want, I think {hope} they'll always be friends.

At 9 months apart, Gracie and Aubrey are more alike than most sisters-- sometimes it's actually quite scary. ;) They are certainly two peas in a pod, and they do a great job of entertaining each other! Julie and I always joke that they're the same kid- one's just blonde and one brunette. And to top it all off, Gracie lives just around the corner. We love Miss Gracie and really enjoyed stealing her for the day (in November) to go bowling and to ice cream.

How cute are they?

Oh...and we can't forget about Juliet...

~*Memory Card Mania*~ November and Thanksgiving

This digital age can be tricky. My dad always jokes that digital cameras are great because you save on film and you can take a ton of pictures, but since everyone has gotten digital cameras, he NEVER gets any pictures of them anymore. What's the point of taking pictures to have them stuck in a plastic box that could potentially delete all those memories from existence. Usually I'm pretty good at documenting and printing my pictures, but gosh, these last couple months have taken their toll on me, and I've been plain lazy. In an attempt to document life since November, I decided to bust out those little memory cards and document some memories-- imagine that!

I was going to call this post Memory Card Monday, but I don't want to limit myself to Monday posting. I finally sorted some of the pictures, so I may do all the posts this week. We'll see. :) But that is a good idea for a regular blog post commitment. Memory Card Monday...where I feature my favorite picture of one of my memory cards for the week.... hmmm...

Okay enough babbling.

Cousins-- sweet innocent picture

Cousins- and the MOUTH LOL

Bath buddies and sisters

Sweet smile

My whole world.

Thanksgiving at Auntie Christy's

The hostess with the mostest. She did it ALL.
Think they're related? Entertaining the wild ones.
My little pilgrim at preschool's Thanksgiving feast.
On a side note, Aubrey has been LOVING preschool lately. This makes my heart so happy because she hated it for so long. Now when I pick her up, she's playing and in a great mood. I also have grown to love her preschool so much. It's such a neat community-- kind of feels like family. I'm going to miss it next year when she's in Kindergarten {Is it pathetic that I felt tears well up in my eyes as I typed that. Can't believe my baby is old enough to be in Kindergarten.}

Worth Mentioning

*I'm growing out Aubrey's bangs. It's quite the process, but I'm happy that I'm finally doing it. I remember one time on facebook, someone put "I need your best advice" as their status. Another person responded with "never cut bangs". I cut my own bangs all the time, but with little girls, I definitely think this is good advice. It becomes a slippery slope and pretty soon half their hair is bangs. I was pretty sure the next time I took Aubrey in for a "bang trim" it would be become an official mullet.

Sad that this is the best picture I have of her in the growing out process (at least on this memory card and I'm too lazy to look for another). My two tired girls after a chilly night at CALM lights.

* Justin printed the first two years of my blog into books for Christmas. Best gift ever. I'm glad that I've continued to blog even as facebook seems to take over the social networking world. Facebook doesn't perserve memories like blogging does. I love that I have the ability to remember, reflect and share these memories for years to come.

*My New Year's resolution is to think less and trust more. If that makes sense. I get so sick of thinking, analyzing, worrying ALL.THE.TIME. Instead I want to rest, enjoy, trust in a Mighty Lord ALL.THE.TIME. Lofty goal.

*Juliet went from easy-going baby to fiesty toddler in an instant. I think she's gained a new sense of independence since she's started walking and she is sure to let you know it. (P.S. check out her walking skills at the end of the video below. She's recently started trying to run. Whew) She throws fits, runs away, and just plain yells. Is it too early for time-outs?

*I'm currently teaching about the early Hebrews and Judaism in history (this is my first year that I teach one section of history). I've learned so much as I've prepared this unit. Growing up, I never really learned Bible background. Teaching this unit makes me want to take a cliff's notes class in Bible history where they give the basic stories in the Bible. I know this would really help me understand the Bible better as I read. Maybe I should see if they'll let a 30 year old sign up for Cubbies.

*Here are two of my favorite posts I've read recently. They're definitely worth mentioning (and reading). I think I really related to this one because of my unit on Early Hebrews and also the process of watching both of my grandma's pass away. The imagery was powerful to me. And this one I loved because it's definitely a struggle I've had with blogging. This post was a great reminder to guard my heart so that I "don't grow weary of my own journey".

*This new year is once again full of new life. With two dear friends going into labor on the same day, and three of my other nearest and dearest expecting new arrivals this summer. My heart is full of excitement for them. And oddly, in a way, I miss that anticipation, that excitement of knowing that a little one is growing, being formed by God inside of me. Although, that feeling is quickly whisked away as I hear the sounds of a newborn cry or talk to an exhausted friend whose longest stretch of sleep has been three hours. There will be plenty of little ones for me to help with-- no need for my own. ;)

A year in review

A whole year

click above

My baby, most likely my last baby, turned ONE a week ago. I haven't blogged about it because I can't find the words. There is just so much swirling around in my head that I can't really narrow it down. Sometimes in the busy-ness of life, I think we lose sight of the miracles that our children really are. Juliet is a miracle. The loss of two babies before her helped me to realize what a gift she truly was. And each day, as I watch her become a little person with more of her own individual personality, I count my blessings. Two healthy beautiful daughters, wow! Thank you, God!

We've come so far in a year. 2010 couldn't have had a better start. Juliet was the missing piece in our family. I remember a friend saying that the greatest gift I could give Aubrey would be a sibling. It's true. Watching our two girls bond as sisters...well, there are no words. And watching Juliet develop as an individual, it's just so amazing. So incredible how God uniquely creates each of His children. Juliet is so different than Aubrey was at this age, and yet, there are expressions, moments when they are so similar.

Juliet, you are so outgoing, loving, adventurous, feisty, talkative, flirtatious, and just plain adorable. You express yourself so well in your words and actions. You have spunk! You're always on a mission and most of my day is spent trying to figure out what that mission is so I can prevent a mess, injury or upset. Some of your shenanigans involve the steps in the bathroom, Poppy's dog food, purses that MUST go around the back of your neck, taking whatever your sister has, drawers-doors-and cupboards, oh my!, and running to where ever it is you've set your mind to go. You're always on the go. I love your determination and adventurous spirit and I pray that the Lord will use it in mighty ways. You add so much to our family and have made each of us a better person! Happy birthday little lady. We love you!

Pictures, videos and all 12 month pictures to come...just not now. :)