the end of 2013 is drawing near

It's almost the start of a new year.  Last week my little girl took a big step and did a solo in church.  I was so proud of her.  This was all her.  She wanted to do it and it made this momma's heart very proud.  I think I was more nervous than she was.  Josh also did a reading of scripture, and surprisingly  he was nervous (he usually handles this pretty well).  He wanted a credit for youth group for taking part in a service.  I'm glad the youth group does this and helps the kids get more involved.

I wanted to try to set monthly goals instead of yearly goals this year.  My goal for January is to lose 5 pounds and to run twice a week.  Since my kidney stone in September, I have gained a few pounds and I haven't really been able to run.  I did run a mile yesterday for the first time in a long time, so even if I just concentrate on mile runs for January, I would like to get more comfortable running the mile.  I would really like to do 3 races this year and my dream is to actually place in the top 5 of my category.

santa

I think this was the last year for santa.  My kids didn't want to go this year, but we went with friends and it's funny to go.  Josh begged me not to take this picture, knowing that I could post it on FB, so I will just use it as blackmail in case I ever need it!!!  I'm always amazed by this house in Apex.  The decorate so well and let you go through their back yard.  The man dresses like santa for 4 nights and sits on his porch.  His wife dresses as an elf and they give little gifts and candy canes to the children.  They are getting old so this is the last year they are doing it, but we have enjoyed it for several years.

Christmas Program

I was SO happy that Jenna and Jacob got asked to sing in this small group.  They both like to do things like this but because they are a little shy like mommy, don't always get asked to do so.

quiet but busy

Things in our house have been quiet but busy.  Thanksgiving was SO quiet with just us plus my dad.  I cooked my second turkey ever.  It turned out fine, but not as good as so many others make theirs.  My dad stayed a few hours and then left so we spent the day watching football and looking through the ads.  I did most of my black Friday shopping on line.  I'm not really liking this holiday (thanksgiving) as much as I used to.
It's been a busy week, but quiet.  I didn't have any kids in the morning on Tue/Wed, so I was able to get a few errands done (groceries mainly).  Still have some shopping to do, but although it's been quiet around here, it has been so busy.  Monday was play practice/and Josh has a basketball game, Tuesday basketball practice and Jake's lesson, Wednesday Jenna had a lesson, Thursday Southside Christmas program, tonight is the ladies event plus another basketball game and tomorrow is Jack's company dinner.I'm thankful for the all the craziness of running my kids around.  I wouldn't want it any other way.  I love every minute of it even though sometimes I lose my sanity or wonder how I will get from point A to point B.  It also takes my mind off some of personal things that I seem to struggle with inside.I can't believe Christmas is 19 days away.  I'm like a child....I just can't wait!!