don't knock it 'til you try it

For Christmas, I received a gift that I would have NEVER bought for myself. However, I have to admit it has been one of the most used gifts since. I'm sure you've all seen the commercials, laughed at the people, and mocked those who have them, but...

I L.O.V.E. my snuggie :-)

However, as a sidenote, I will make fun of you if you buy one for your pet. That is just wrong.

I bring you the...

The pride buttons have been busting!!

Bearing Fruit

**update** I really wanted to update this yesterday, but never got the chance. Yesterday morning I was in Bible study and talking to one of the "seasoned" moms about the service. And, I think I may have it wrong. It's not about me resolving to bear more fruit. I don't get that choice. And, while I may choose differently, all I can do is be a vessel - a vine or a tree. I only have to make myself available - it's His choice to use me. So, sometimes it may be one grape off one vine and sometimes it may be a vineyard. So, my resolve has changed. It's to build a relationship, to choose His water, His soil, and His timing.

Caring for others is what we are supposed to do.......... John 15:8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

We started a new series at church this morning entitled Bear Fruit. The sermon was amazing, and the display of hundreds of pieces of fruit on the stage (all being donated to a local Kids Club) was beautiful, and we were even encouraged to go at the end and get an apple to take and remind us. But, even as good as it all was, it's only so good unless we make it applicable. We must resolve ourselves to be pruned and tweaked, to stand against harsh elements, and come out on the other side with beautiful blooms that become amazing fruits. Then we must share. We must take our fruits and use it for the glory of God, seeking Him, and caring for those around us.

I'm encouraged tonight by the new year, the new decade. I'm encouraged by the hope of future fruits. I'm encouraged to know that even when some branches die and not all the fruit is good, that I am redeemed by His saving Grace and He never abandons me.

I resolve to argue less, smile more, have more patience, spend more time in the big picture and worry less about the details. I resolve to pray more, love more, encourage more. I resolve to be more fruitful.

Whew!

Where did today go? It felt similar to the first day of school with the exception of me not getting dressed until well after 10am. (Have I mentioned I love the "drop-off" aspect of school, so that I may stay in my pjs and wear my house shoes on Mondays to take Caleb to school? - PRICELESS!) Now, don't go getting all judgemental - I did a thousand several loads of laundry, gift putting away, housecleaning, paying bills, catch up stuff before 10am too. (and, it's generally only Monday that I am not dressed by 7am.) Cameron was a huge help. Huge in that he asked a million times when Caleb was coming home. So, like I said, just like the first day of school. It flew by, I tried to accomplish too much, and Cameron "helped." We were both happy to see Caleb this afternoon. That is, until I realized they must have had a lesson in giving attitude today at school. We decided tomorrow would be better.

Truth be told, I wasn't ready to resume the routine anyway - I enjoyed having them home, and they played so well together the entire time. Somebody remind me of that in the middle of July, would you?

So, back to the grind. Greg's back to work (boo), Caleb's back to school, Cameron goes back tomorrow, and I'm back to the office (almost tax season!!)

So that's pretty much it for now. A lot of rambling about nothing. Well, except for the fact that you all know my deep dark secret of my Monday morning wardrobe.

Hello 2010, Good-Bye 2009

Sometimes it's hard to say good-bye (and I'm not just quoting Boyz II Men). Two thousand and nine was a good year, a fun year, full of memories, big changes in age (really, just another year, but I felt like I had new stakes to claim amongst my friends *youknowwhoyouare*), and fun. We look forward to what this next year holds - it should be interesting - I'm excited to see what the kids learn (except if that means attitudes), what gets accomplished, where we go, friends we make and relationships that grow.

Where we were 1-1-09

And, then on 1-1-10

It's nice to see that some things never change - like Cameron's need to dress up for the occasion

Happy New Year Y'All!