Thoughts and Feelings

There's been so much on my mind lately. Specifically the trials that I face in this life (or the lack thereof). I have friends who have had to face death of a loved one, divorce, infertility, chronic illness, losing their senses, losing their jobs, and so much more. I see these friends suffering pain beyond my imagination and wonder when my trials will start (the ones I do have seem so minor and insignificant compared to others')

I know God doesn't give us challenges we can't overcome, but I feel like my life has been one blessing after another, and that makes me think that He must think I can't handle very much. Which is probably true. I've come to realize over the past year and a half, that I don't deal well with death. I've never lost someone extremely close to me. However I have had friends who have lost children, and most recently a friend of mine, whom I was once very close to but lost contact with, has passed away. Its been difficult for me to accept this, for several reasons.

I rarely ask "why" when bad things happen. I have faith that our lives are in the Lord's hands. But whenever someone dies at a young age, I find myself asking that very question. I find myself in tears at the most unsuspecting moments. Although I have found myself asking this question over and over the last few days, I also find myself reflecting on my own life. My own goals. My own family. And I begin to see the areas where I can change and improve myself for the better. Being kinder, more understanding, patient with my children, better at keeping a journal and documenting our family events. Seeing the good in people and being more forgiving. Being a better friend, wife, mother, etc.

There's so much to learn in this life. I'm so grateful that I know God has a plan for each of us and that He loves us enough to create situations where we can learn and grow and become better people. I'm also thankful that He only gives us what He knows we can overcome. I know I have many trials yet to come. I pray that God will give me the strength I need to deal with the lot I am given. I also pray that God with bless me with the ability to help others do the same.

In loving memory:



I can't believe you've left this life Alice. My thoughts and prayers are with your husband and boys. I'm sorry I wasn't as good of a friend to you as you were to me.

February 11, 2011-Valentine's Ball

The Preschool kids had a Valentine's "Ball" a few weeks a go and I forgot to post these pictures. It was more like a mad house of 3 and 4 year olds running around screaming and chasing balloons.

But here are my cute little kiddos. Even Jackson dressed up.

Oh, the sun is too bright! I can't see!!

A somewhat decent picture. At least one of them understood "say cheese".

Finally got their hands on balloons.

Still not quite getting the hang of "say cheese".

Little Stallions

The elementary school nearby they have a program for the kids who are too young for preschool. Its only once a week, for an hour. But the kids love it and it gets them excited for school. Once every month or 2 Ms. Allen gives the kids a new book. Here they are showing off their newest ones.

Valentine's Day Playgroup at the Park

Today our church had playgroup at the park. My friend, Charlene, was nice enough to take pictures for us.

I'm not sure if they are conspiring against the boys or their mothers.

My handsome devil! He's such a sweet monster!

Always so happy (as long as his tummy is full)!!!

Valentine's and Cookies

On Wednesday (2-8) my Sister-in-law, Shelly, came over and our girls made Valentine's and decorated cookies.

What kid can decorate cookies without getting/putting frosting on their face?

The finished Valentine's.

And the finished cookies. (M was sprinkle happy, and A was marshmallow happy).

Some Videos

This is 3 videos in one of the kids just playin and dancing. The last 2 minutes of J is my favorite. He was wanting my undivided attention, so everytime I looked away, he would yell "Mama".

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

YAY!!!

I just found out I've been approved for a $4,000 military spouse grant for school! That means, if I can work out the rest of the kinks, I can start taking classes to work on my RN!! WOOHOOO!!!

Just for the record, Jackson has (FINALLY) been off his bottle for a week now! YAY!