We have had an awesome year, despite me not blogging about it! Here's to hoping I turn over a new leaf and blog more, right? I really do have the best of intentions, and then life happens.
Here are the highlights of our year:
- The twins' graduated preschool. Oh my, my kids are growing up so much!! I can't even believe they are now halfway through Kindergarten.
- Henry started preschool at a local church. I can't even begin to express how much this has helped him. I am forever grateful to his amazing teachers. They are truly angels I believe God put in our path. Isn't it amazing how he sends us just who we need? When we ask? I fail to ask so often, but I am learning to pray more and rely on myself less!
- Which brings me to the most significant change this year brought-a new church! I absolutely LOVE our new church. It has helped me grow so much, and has had so many positive impacts on our family. Henry has struggled there, and I think I have realized it's because the Sunday school teachers change weekly. He is VERY routine oriented. I am going to continue to work on him adjusting. Overall though, I love everything about the church. It just seems alive to me. I don't know how else to explain it. It's a preacher that's our age, and he and his family don't just talk the talk, they are living by example. I know everyone isn't perfect, but it is refreshing to see people trying. I feel like I have chosen to worship in the past with people who say one thing on Sunday, and live completely differently the rest of the week. As a family, we are reading our Bibles regularly and the kids are learning scripture like crazy. I think we are moving in the right direction, which makes me happy! Our church only plays worship and praise songs, so I absolutely love that. Emilynn and I especially love them and listen to them as much as we can. I can't tell you how happy it makes me to hear those little voices singing worship songs!!! I think my favorite church moment of the year though was one Sunday when Emilynn's Sunday school class made little shofars. If you aren't familiar with a shofar, it is a trumpet that comes off the head of an animal in Israel. Our pastor plays the shofar each week, and it is very moving. At the end of the worship service this particular Sunday, Emilynn's class came out and played their little paper shofars for the congregation, and the pastor played the large shofar with them. It was so moving and made this Momma so proud, I had tears in my eyes. Enough about our church for now, but I can't say enough good things, obviously!!
- We got a dog. Enough said about that! I'm kidding. She is a good dog, just still a puppy and very rambunctious.
- We did not take a major vacation this year, but did several 'staycation' type outings. We went to the lake several times, went to the train museum (which is in our little town and we had never gone-so sad!), went to a dam, did Monkey Joes, and probably other stuff I'm forgetting! I don't think the kids missed out. We don't do big vacations each year because it is pricey!
- Henry & I took my Dad to physical therapy a lot for his two shoulder operations. I have to say, I really enjoyed the time with my Dad visiting going back and forth. I really like being off from working so I can help my family where needed.
- I have done lots of volunteering at school! Dustin calls me a nerd. Ha! I love it! I want to be near my kids. I think it's important they see me taking a big interest in their school and investing myself there as well. We love their school as well, but I won't get on another long tangent right now! :-)
- We are doing some bathroom remodeling in both our bathrooms. We are ending this year with a torn up house. Next year the house can only get cleaner!! Right??? I don't know why this feels significant to me-just had to throw that out there.
- We had a construction birthday for Henry in February. The twins just had a birthday at the movie theatre, which was so much fun! Lots of friends came and I think they felt so special. I enjoyed it myself!
- We have been roller skating twice for birthdays. The twins are pretty good at it!
- Speaking of birthdays-my sister threw my nephew a huge carnival birthday party. Oh my word, the kids LOVED it! It was fun. I may or may not have loved running the snow cone machine & popcorn maker.
Well, I am sure I am leaving out tons of stuff....but the kids have given me all the free time I think they are going to! :-)
I am looking forward to 2016 and the fresh slate that January 1 brings. I am looking forward to many things, but immediately I am looking forward to snow tubing next weekend for my sisters Alyssa & Amanda's birthday, and next month 12 of our family is headed to a Jason Aldean concert! I can't even wait!!! I love concerts so much. Our little family of 5 is going to take our first ever vacation with just the 5 of us this year in May-so that is fast approaching as well and I can't even begin to express how excited the kiddos are about finally, finally going back to the beach!!!
We have lots of things to look forward to, and so very much to be thankful for. We are blessed beyond measure.
