Several months of catch up

I never blog anymore. Today I sort of realized that I missed it. I've been writing a bunch elsewhere; I've been thinking a bunch; and our family has been going through a bunch. Leisure time has been nonexistent, but I like this outlet, this relationship that I've had with blogger over the past 3 years, and I decided it was time to jump back in.

I don't have tons to write about on my usual topics. I haven't read much--although I am reading an awesome book right now World Without End by Ken Follet and finished Middlesex and The Shack earlier this year; I haven't seen many movies lately--but I did enjoy Marley and Me over Spring Break and was part of the Slumdog Millionaire fan club; the only traveling I've done was a girls' trip to Florida over Spring Break. My life has mostly consisted of taking care of my sweet baby, enjoying Patrick's days when he's been able to come to town, mentoring my student teacher, and preparing my Juniors for their AP exam--which means grading lots and LOTS of essays. I have had fun weekend visits and homecooked meals from Jesse, sleepovers with Heather, and evenings with Lia. I've been busy and distracted, but I've been learning lots of hard lessons through the craziness of life.

The Lord has been teaching our family so much through our experiences these past few months. Mostly, he's been reteaching us how to depend on Him, that He has to be our first love, and that we should not ever take any of our moments together as a family for granted.

Sometimes I complain about how my students have entitlement issues. They think they deserve to have grades, freedoms, luxuries at their disposal. However, through our countries' struggling economic times, our world is changing. My world has totally changed, and upon reflection, I realize that I have had some entitlement issues of my own--expecting my life to go along according to my plan.

I am learning to appreciate the little things--sweet moments with my daughter, quiet moments with my husband, bonding together as a family. I'm learning again how to take time for myself, but I'm learning that I can't do it--and don't have to do it--all by myself. Thank goodness for real friendship and strong family loyalties.

All in all, 2009 has been a whirlwind of change, independence, flexibility, balance, and growing pains. Though some of it has been painful, we have experienced some of our most precious moments and made incredible memories. Being a mother is one of the most challenging, humbling, and rewarding roles I have ever played, and I can truly say that I love every moment of it. I am amazed by Addison every day.

Here are a few recent snapshots of our little girl:

I never blog anymore. Today I sort of realized that I missed it. I've been writing a bunch elsewhere; I've been thinking a bunch; and our family has been going through a bunch. Leisure time has been nonexistent, but I like this outlet, this relationship that I've had with blogger over the past 3 years, and I decided it was time to jump back in.

I don't have tons to write about on my usual topics. I haven't read much--although I am reading an awesome book right now World Without End by Ken Follet and finished Middlesex and The Shack earlier this year; I haven't seen many movies lately--but I did enjoy Marley and Me over Spring Break and was part of the Slumdog Millionaire fan club; the only traveling I've done was a girls' trip to Florida over Spring Break. My life has mostly consisted of taking care of my sweet baby, enjoying Patrick's days when he's been able to come to town, mentoring my student teacher, and preparing my Juniors for their AP exam--which means grading lots and LOTS of essays. I have had fun weekend visits and homecooked meals from Jesse, sleepovers with Heather, and evenings with Lia. I've been busy and distracted, but I've been learning lots of hard lessons through the craziness of life.

The Lord has been teaching our family so much through our experiences these past few months. Mostly, he's been reteaching us how to depend on Him, that He has to be our first love, and that we should not ever take any of our moments together as a family for granted.

Sometimes I complain about how my students have entitlement issues. They think they deserve to have grades, freedoms, luxuries at their disposal. However, through our countries' struggling economic times, our world is changing. My world has totally changed, and upon reflection, I realize that I have had some entitlement issues of my own--expecting my life to go along according to my plan.

I am learning to appreciate the little things--sweet moments with my daughter, quiet moments with my husband, bonding together as a family. I'm learning again how to take time for myself, but I'm learning that I can't do it--and don't have to do it--all by myself. Thank goodness for real friendship and strong family loyalties.

All in all, 2009 has been a whirlwind of change, independence, flexibility, balance, and growing pains. Though some of it has been painful, we have experienced some of our most precious moments and made incredible memories. Being a mother is one of the most challenging, humbling, and rewarding roles I have ever played, and I can truly say that I love every moment of it. I am amazed by Addison every day.

Here are a few recent snapshots of our little girl: