Blessed.

In the midst of all the craziness and busyness of life sometimes the simplest things still make me smile.

My life is beginning to get a little more busy again and I'm not quite sure how I feel about it. It's funny because just a few months ago I was begging for more to do, my old crazy busy schedule back, but now...well, I'm not so sure. I do enjoy getting to be creative again and teaching (in whatever aspect I can). I miss those things.

On top of all the craziness, we lost a loved one recently. It's times like these that really make you stop and take inventory of your life once again. It makes you ever more thankful for all the people in your life and reminiscent of those you have known that have touched your life. I'm very honored and blessed to have known this person and know that many people will miss them. I also know that they are finally at peace and in a better place, and for that I am happy. I'm not the best at giving advice, and so I don't try too often, however, I'd like to think I'm a good listen and a good hugger. :) I hope I can be of some comfort to those who are hurting.

I think one of the worst feelings is when you see someone hurting and you can't do anything to help. I've realized that sometimes the only thing you can do is pray and sometimes that is just what they need. I've also learned a smile goes a long way as does a kind, soft, encouraging word, and a good long hug. People just want to know someone loves them and cares for them. I often thought about doing missionary work when I was younger and would always feel so sad about a lot of the children and men and women who were hurting and lonely. Then I thought, if someone only told them about Jesus, then they would always know that someone loves them and cares for them and will never leave them. I am so thankful to our missionaries in all countries. I hope to someday be able to help out with some. I admire you. Thank you.

Throughout all the craziness and heartache I know I can always count on God to always be there for me. That's what gets me through some crazy times. That's what helps me through the anger of not being able to help sometimes. God knows all and He will show you what you can do to help. There's always something you can do. I've learned that. You just have to choose to do it. Sometimes that's the hardest part.

I'm amazed at how much my little girl has grown in the past week. At 8 months old she's already pulling herself up, can sit herself up from the tummy position, can play on her own, can feed herself little puffs, and she's just about learned how to crawl. I can't believe it. She's becoming such a big girl. As we come closer and closer to her birthday it makes me realize how fast time really does fly and that in turn makes me feel old.

Oh I hope I take in every moment and never take anything for granted. My eyes are opened every day to what an amazing husband I have and what a wonderful Daddy he's becoming and what an awesomely sweet little girl we have together. God has supremely blessed us and I am forever thankful. I look forward to many wonderful years to come. I hope that this week brings you all happiness, peace, and enlightenment as it has already brought me. :)

“For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice.” T.S. Eliot

As I sit here sipping hot apple cider on this wintry evening in January, I find myself in a reminiscent mood. I know I'm a little late on the stereotypical Top how ever many things of the past year, but I thought, what the heck, it's still January, it should still count. Who makes up the rules to these things anyway? :P

We had a lovely first Christmas with our sweet baby girl and all of our relatives/family members and I absolutely can't wait for all the fun, new, and exciting things 2011 will bring. I know God has amazing things in store for us! : )

So, without further adieu....

Top 10 Things of 2010!

1. I got to teach with some of the most amazing people I know!

2. I had the most awesome students and loved every minute with them!

3. (March) I had a great time in OAP with my students and were pretty successful and VERY proud of them!

4. We welcomed our sweet baby girl, Grace, into this world in May.

5. My husband and I survived some REALLY tough times with our first month with Grace and came out stronger and closer than ever. <3

6. I had the most wonderful time in Gruene, TX with my sweet husband on our little getaway in July.

7. My husband and I and little Grace are so excited to be part of a new church plant and have our own place and role in helping it grow. I'm super excited to be the female youth leader!

8. I got to see my Grandmother and John's Grandpa smile and bring joy to them by having them meet and hang out with their new Great-Grand-daughter. : ) It was such an amazing feeling.

9. One of my best friend's got engaged!

10. We attended a lovely wedding of one of our college friends in Dec. and were honored to share that special moment with them.