New Year

I really love the start of each new year. I love getting things cleaned up, organized, and making lists of goals and tasks. This past week, being off from work, has been productive in organizing, and today I'm doing a few more tasks and just basking in the glow of my shiny new lists. Husband and I even went out to a coffeeshop last night and talked over our thoughts on 2010 and some goals for 2011, which was so soul-satisfying. (I used a great reflection questionnaire from Simple Mom, if you'd like to take a look.)
One interesting reflection on 2010, for me, was the realization that to-do lists and goals and organizing can actually turn into something negative. The more time and effort I spend in trying to get all my ducks in a row, the more worried and frustrated I get when things aren't turning out perfectly. It's an attempt to control life, and that never turns out well for me at all. :-) So this year, I will try to make lists and plans for my life, within reason, but also spend time talking with God about His plans for me.
A very happy 2011 to all of you!

Things I Loved about my 30th Birthday

So, most people who know me know that I wasn't looking forward to today.... I have NOT wanted to turn 30 (and I've been kind of a pain to older people whining about it a lot- which I'm sorry for doing!) But the day came, as days tend to do, and I have to say that I had a completely wonderful day today. It was about as close to perfect as days come. Here are some of the things I'm thankful for on my 30th birthday:

-rain, glorious pouring rain, AND a gorgeous, bright, double rainbow this afternoon!
-breakfast with my dear friend Candace (whom I've missed muchly since our schedules have been completely opposite the last few months)
-a good and ahem, interesting morning at church (our pastor is doing a series on sex, and there were topics discussed which usually don't get discussed in church. But it was good that they were discussed!)
-lunch with more good friends (Josh & Liz, Gina, Deric & Jessica) and the aforementioned pouring rain
-a fabulous pedicure with more friends! (Stacy, Jessica, Nikki) It included massage and lotions and designs on toes and was completely relaxing.
-coffee with the pedicure bunch!
-a relaxing evening with Mum and Dad (Brad's parents) and Stacy, watching the Oscars and watching Madeleine be her usual charming self
-which brings me to all the moments I was able to spend today with my beautiful, cute-as-a-bug daughter!
-lovely cards and some birthday shopping money from family!
-phone calls from my family
-snuggles with my dear husband
-a warm bed, a dry house, and spring break only a week away
-lots and lots of daffodils!

What a perfect birthday! :-) This bodes well for the rest of my 30s. I hope it's filled with adventures!

Almost 1!

Only 2 days until Madeleine's 1st birthday... I can't believe it. I held a 7-pound baby at church today and couldn't convince myself that Madeleine was ever that small (well, almost that small)!

Today's Batch of Cuteness

Brought to you courtesy of Madeleine, 9 months old :-)

Baby's First Face Paint

This was in July, at a church event. Our little mouse!

Summer Day

A fun little meme (thanks, V!)

August 4, 2009
Outside my window…
....darkness, pine trees, grass and the community pool (and Samurai, prowling somewhere out in the dark....)
I am thinking…
...about some lesson ideas for the upcoming school year, and about going upstairs soon to put my beautiful baby girl to bed
I am thankful for…
... the aforementioned lovely little girl, my DH, and God's sovereignty
I am learning....
....how to place life's events in the perspective of eternity
In the kitchen....
.... there are dirty dishes, which I'm thankful for, because my DH made great smoothies
I am wearing…
... black capris and a black tank top
I am creating…
.... a new blog post (FINALLY, after 9 months of silence!)
I am going…
.... to enjoy time with my parents this weekend
I am reading…
... Lost at School (helping challenging students), Real Education (a vision for an overhaul of public education), If I Stay (YA fiction), Newsweek
I am hoping…
... that I can stop procrastinating tomorrow on things that need to be done
I am hearing…
... Holst's The Planets (movement: Mercury), which my ensemble played at our concert last week. Amazing pieces!
Around the house…
... school papers and supplies, baby items, quiet
One of my favorite things…
... putting my baby to bed each night- reading to her, nursing her, praying for her, feeling her sweet little hand on my face.
A few plans for the rest of the week…
... sorting school papers and making lesson plans, getting together with a friend I haven't seen in ages (hi again, V!), preparing to host ladies' craft night this Friday for our church.

Random End-of-November Thoughts

I'm feeling too scatterbrained right now for any sort of regular post, so here's a bit of what's swirling in my brain. Note: what's swirling in my brain is of very little consequence to mankind. :-)

***December is going to be a CRAZY busy month, between holiday stuff, prenatal classes, and baby showers.

***Folding and putting away tiny little onesies yesterday made this whole baby thing suddenly very real! Equal parts nervousness and excitement.

***The fear of the unknown, especially when it comes to finances and job stability, is one of my major weaknesses. God knows this and is giving me lots of chances to learn to trust Him in those circumstances. I'm trying to be grateful for that! :-)

***With all President-elect Obama's preparations for taking office and his Cabinet picks, I'm very curious to see what his first couple months in office will look like.

***I really enjoy spending time with my parents. I'm sad that I live far away from them now, but it's fun when they (or Brad and I) visit and we can spend some concentrated time together.

***The politics of education, and district policies, really make me want to get out of this profession sometimes.

***Cranberry sauce and olives at Thanksgiving are still the best part of the meal!