Whew! Here we go.

New Year's Party

"Contentment isn’t a state of organization, a weight on the scale, a state of better: better kids, better marriage, better health, betterhouse. Contentment is never a matter of circumstances; contentment is always a state of communion — a daily embracing of God. A thankfulness for all the gifts – and momentsand life, just as He gives it. Trying harder may only bring harder trials. And contentment, it won’t be be found in the resolutions, but in the revolutions – in the turning round to God."

I read the above quote from a friend's facebook status a few days ago and LOVE IT. I've read it everyday since. I think I'm going to read it EVERYDAY this year and try to put it into practice. As Matt says, "we are restless unless we rest in God." SO TRUE. I have found that this specific week--the week the kids go back to school and life returns to "normal" after the holidays--as busy as it it usually is, feels like a relief. The gifts from Christmas have all found a spot in the house. All the trash and recycling has been picked up. Gift returns have been made. Old toys/stuff has been weeded out and taken to consignment shops or Goodwill. Post Christmas sales have been done, and Christmas decorations have been put up (which is when all my snowmen stuff comes down). I'm not as fond of the kids going back to school, but it's a routine they need (and we moms do too). Back to the contentment quote, I guess life becomes content again, not so much running around and going and doing and eating and anticipating and all the comes with the holidays. As fun as they are, it's nice to just BE again.

So here's what's going on in our lives at the moment:

I booked THIS cabin for our Spring Break trip to Pigeon Forge. It's called Ooooh My. We are going with Paul and Shannon and their kids. If you look at the top of the cabin, it's divided into TWO Master suites on each side. I can't wait to have a relaxing week in the mountains with my family.

I signed Karson and I up for the church ski trip. She has wanted to go the past two years and hasn't been able to because of our commitment to basketball. This trip could be good or bad depending on her mood. Karson can sometimes be a very determined chick. Take roller skating, when she's out there, she's like Bliss Cavendar on "Whip It" determined to be the best, fastest skater in the rink. She takes some major spills but gets up and continues to go--ouch! SO, skiing could be that way or the dreadful "other way" of fit throwing, whining, complaining, yada yada yada. We'll see. The trip is in two weeks.

The kids are starting piano lessons with our music teacher from Plano Ms. Cothran. My uncle Mike was wanting to get rid of his keyboard, and we snagged it from him. We bought a stand from Amazon and viola, we have a practice instrument. Ms Cothran had me order a playbook, theory book and flash cards. I told her if I hear the songs "We Wish You and Merry Christmas" and "I Dropped My Dolly in the Dirt", I might go insane. I'm excited about their new venture.

Miles is totally addicted Just Dance 3 on the Wii. He plays it MULTIPLE times during the day. However, he only likes ONE song called "Hey Boy Hey Girl" by The Chemical Brothers.

We're gearing up for Isaac's birthday this month. Since Karson and Miles both had big birthday parties this year, it's only fair that Isaac gets one too =). He's chosen Best Western Motor Inn for a POOL party. Yes, that's right, we are SWIMMING in the middle of January. We're doing it on a Friday night and even booked a room for the night. I've been to Hobby Lobby multiple times this week, taking advantage of their 40% paper coupon. You can only use one per day so I printed a few out and have been using them all week. Why spend full price when you can get a discount, right?

Speaking of Isaac, here is his new domain. We added The Beatles poster that Karson got him for Christmas right above his top bunk. I love his little area of the room.

We're completing our Winter Reading logs. If you recall, Isaac won a Snow Screamer sled this time last year from the library. The kids have already filled up a total of three cards. This year, we're going for the cash cards.

I finished my 3rd puzzle of the season. I snagged this cute one from Hallmark the day after Christmas for half price. I love puzzles, always have. I wish the library had puzzles you could check out. I'm starting to build a HUGE collection.

Miles got these guns for Christmas. They are the roll cap guns. I love 'em. They remind me of guns we had as children. They are loud, smoke and pop when firing. I have NO IDEA how these have passed inspection with the toy people, but they are awesome.

With the cold months ahead, we are stocked up with lots of wood for our fireplace thanks to my dad. Dad and Matt spend an afternoon splitting logs and stacking them up to help us stay warm and toasty this winter.

Here's to week full of contentment at all the blessings God has granted.