Where I am: February 12, 2010
What I'm listening to: The sound of buttons on the jeans clanging around in the dryer in an otherwise very quiet house. And my dog chewing on some plastic toy she found in the girls toy basket.
What I'm thinking about: What a blessing it is that my little girls are still sleeping! Ava got up about 4 times last night (that's pretty average for her) and now she's sleeping in. I'm glad Molly Kate is still sleeping because last night she started running fever (again) and obviously did not feel good until it started coming down at about 10:00 pm. I'm glad she is getting some rest and her body is working on healing itself.
What I'm grateful for: Time to relax on this Friday! Now that I've gone back to work, my weeks are very hectic. Mondays and Fridays are my down time. I put in a lot of hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and my only breaks are the brief 30 minutes when I'm running to pick up kids and take them to the house before I have to be back at work, or when I'm running home, grabbing the kids and the babysitter, picking up dinner, dropping the babysitter off at home, and heading back to work. Did I mention this all happens in less than 30 minutes?? Those 3 days are pretty hectic, so I really enjoy a day like today when I can rest a bit. Weekends are equally busy since we have a Saturday night service and 2 Sunday morning services. Even though today is already filling up with several loads of laundry, a much needed trip to Sam's, and an unexpected but now necessary trip to the Doctor's office, it's still going to be a good day.
What I'm looking forward to: This weekend! My mother in law is coming to town (yes, I am excited about this). As far as Mother's in law go, she is pretty great. When she comes to visit, she just wants to spend lots of time with the grandkids so Alan and I always get to have some time to ourselves. We desperately need some time. We've gotten so busy since going back to work. I thought we were having a date night next weekend (we are in a babysitting co-op and trade off once a month going out/keeping kids) and have looked forward to it for a long time. It's one of those things that in the midst of the craziness and when I feel like I haven't had a real conversation with my husband in a long time, I can look at the calendar and say, "Ok, in 2 weeks we are having a date night!" and that kinda keeps me sane for a bit longer. So yesterday I found out the date night was cancelled and was bummed. Then my mother in law called and said she wanted to keep the kids on Sunday so we could go out for Valentines! Such a great treat!
I am also looking forward to this weekend at church. God put an idea in our hearts before we went back to work. I love creativity and incorporating it in our worship services. I love when we put on big conferences, not just for the bigger "show" but because I think that people are reached in lots of different ways. For some, the music speaks to them, but for others they may be more ministered to through a video or a dance. So, I wanted to start stepping it up a little in our worship times. Once a month we will have a BIG weekend (I don't know what else to call it). This weekend is all about love. So everything will be a little more "creative" and I'm really excited about it. We are also doing a new song that my husband wrote!!! He won't sing it, even though he did on the recording, but I understand his reasons why. It is such an amazing and worshipful song. I am excited to share it this weekend!!!
My current challenge: I have written a play/skit (not really sure what to call it). Basically it is a bunch of monologues inspired by real stories and people that I know. I shared it with my dad and he liked them. He said he wants us to do it for Easter. Every year at Easter we have one big service at the Civic Center. It is always a lot of work, but so rewarding because I know a lot of people are touched by the message that Easter is all about. So I am feeling very honored, nervous and challenged to put together a really great service for Easter. I feel peace about it though, because all of it has been very "God inspired." When I wrote the monologues I was very much in His presence and felt a creativity beyond myself.
I know this is getting long, so I'll wrap it up. Ava is now awake and wants breakfast, so to all my blog friends, have a blessed day!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Snow Day!!
We are enjoying a fabulous snow day at the Rich house. We've worked in the studio a little bit, watched some cartoons, ate breakfast together (that RARELY happens!), and now I'm enjoying a little quiet time while the kids nap! I thought I would give a little update on what I've been up to lately:
Upcoming events I'm excited about: This weekend I was supposed to be leading worship and speaking at a Ladies Advance at Generations Church in Lubbock. Due to the weather, it has been postponed to the end of February. I am so excited to get to do things like this! It's fun to meet other ladies that love the Lord and love His presence. Next weekend, I get to go on a ladies retreat with City View to Ruidoso!! Again, fun time with other ladies and I get to lead worship for them. Something about these opportunities made me realize that I am an actual adult. I know that may sound funny, but for some reason, I still think of myself at times as a teenager or college aged kid. I start to prepare for things like this retreat and I think about what I'm going to share. Hi, I'm Leslie Rich. I'm married to a wonderful guy named Alan and we have 3 beautiful daughters. I am a grown up!! I am an old married lady with kids! Oh well, I love this stage of my life!
What I've been enjoying most lately: Speaking of college aged kids, I've been teaching a life lessons class each week for the LIFT students at church. LIFT is a 9 month discipleship program, similar to a Master's Commission. Honestly, my first thought was "yay! I get to teach!" I really enjoy teaching, I think because it makes me sit down and actually study and prepare something. I'm kind of a deadline girl. I need to know what I'm working toward and when it's due, or else sometimes things just don't get done. So, every Thursday from 9:30-11:00 I get to hang out with some awesome young people and just share some of my life experience. Again, this makes me feel old, but I'm glad that I have things to share. I tell them that they can learn one of two ways: from their own mistakes, or from someone elses. I am offering stories of my own mistakes to hopefully help them out in some way. I love that hour and a half of my week. Not just because I get to teach though, I have gotten so much more out of it than that. I always walk away from it inspired and encouraged, not from my own teaching, but just from seeing where these young people are at, and what God is doing in them during this intense time of commitment they are in.
Job update: So, here's a little update on the job! It has been more of an adjustment for me than I thought it would be going back to work. I am working more now than I did before, so maybe that's what it is. I truly love my job and what I get to do. I even love more that I get to do it alongside my husband. He is so strong in the areas that I am so weak in! And he pushes me to be a better leader all the time. He has been the one to really stretch me and make me get out of my comfort zone on some things, but the result of that is so rewarding! Now that we've been at it for about a month, I finally feel like I'm starting to catch up a little bit, and I feel like we're able to start making some changes and trying some new things that we've been waiting on for a while. I'm glad some of the stuff that had to be done in the beginning is over because it's taken a lot of time away from being creative. The greatest thing about not working (except for being with my kids) was the extra time that I had to be creative! I had so much time to work on projects and music and it was such a wonderful feeling. I really think though that now that we're finding more of a groove at work, we are going to find more time for those things again. It certainly helps that we have the most amazing assistant ever! Hannah Haning is so awesome! I can just give her all of my unorganized, crazy lists and ideas and she makes them all come out so nice and neat and organized! She is the biggest blessing to Alan and I up at work.
Weigh-n-Pray update: I think blogged about this before, but I've joined a group of ladies called Weigh-n-pray. It's kind of this weight loss challenge, prayer/support group, with a $2000 prize waiting for the biggest loser! The money was huge incentive for me (even though I don't think I'm going to win!) and it helps to have other ladies on the same journey with me. I've lost a total of 4.5 pounds so far! And it's only been two weeks! We weigh in every Sunday, so I'm hoping I'll have more loss to report in a few days! I need to be a bit more motivated in the work out department. I really want a treadmill. I finally told Alan the other day that I had this unrealistic fantasy in my head that I would come home one day and there would be a treadmill all set up for me. I had dropped the hint at wanting one for so long and I realized he was going to do nothing about it, so I finally just came right out and told him! This is what I want you to do: go buy a treadmill, set it up, and surprise me! Still hasn't happened....not sure it will! Oh well, maybe some day!
Well, I think I'm gonna go make some grilled cheese sandwiches and soup for lunch. Enjoy your snow day!
Upcoming events I'm excited about: This weekend I was supposed to be leading worship and speaking at a Ladies Advance at Generations Church in Lubbock. Due to the weather, it has been postponed to the end of February. I am so excited to get to do things like this! It's fun to meet other ladies that love the Lord and love His presence. Next weekend, I get to go on a ladies retreat with City View to Ruidoso!! Again, fun time with other ladies and I get to lead worship for them. Something about these opportunities made me realize that I am an actual adult. I know that may sound funny, but for some reason, I still think of myself at times as a teenager or college aged kid. I start to prepare for things like this retreat and I think about what I'm going to share. Hi, I'm Leslie Rich. I'm married to a wonderful guy named Alan and we have 3 beautiful daughters. I am a grown up!! I am an old married lady with kids! Oh well, I love this stage of my life!
What I've been enjoying most lately: Speaking of college aged kids, I've been teaching a life lessons class each week for the LIFT students at church. LIFT is a 9 month discipleship program, similar to a Master's Commission. Honestly, my first thought was "yay! I get to teach!" I really enjoy teaching, I think because it makes me sit down and actually study and prepare something. I'm kind of a deadline girl. I need to know what I'm working toward and when it's due, or else sometimes things just don't get done. So, every Thursday from 9:30-11:00 I get to hang out with some awesome young people and just share some of my life experience. Again, this makes me feel old, but I'm glad that I have things to share. I tell them that they can learn one of two ways: from their own mistakes, or from someone elses. I am offering stories of my own mistakes to hopefully help them out in some way. I love that hour and a half of my week. Not just because I get to teach though, I have gotten so much more out of it than that. I always walk away from it inspired and encouraged, not from my own teaching, but just from seeing where these young people are at, and what God is doing in them during this intense time of commitment they are in.
Job update: So, here's a little update on the job! It has been more of an adjustment for me than I thought it would be going back to work. I am working more now than I did before, so maybe that's what it is. I truly love my job and what I get to do. I even love more that I get to do it alongside my husband. He is so strong in the areas that I am so weak in! And he pushes me to be a better leader all the time. He has been the one to really stretch me and make me get out of my comfort zone on some things, but the result of that is so rewarding! Now that we've been at it for about a month, I finally feel like I'm starting to catch up a little bit, and I feel like we're able to start making some changes and trying some new things that we've been waiting on for a while. I'm glad some of the stuff that had to be done in the beginning is over because it's taken a lot of time away from being creative. The greatest thing about not working (except for being with my kids) was the extra time that I had to be creative! I had so much time to work on projects and music and it was such a wonderful feeling. I really think though that now that we're finding more of a groove at work, we are going to find more time for those things again. It certainly helps that we have the most amazing assistant ever! Hannah Haning is so awesome! I can just give her all of my unorganized, crazy lists and ideas and she makes them all come out so nice and neat and organized! She is the biggest blessing to Alan and I up at work.
Weigh-n-Pray update: I think blogged about this before, but I've joined a group of ladies called Weigh-n-pray. It's kind of this weight loss challenge, prayer/support group, with a $2000 prize waiting for the biggest loser! The money was huge incentive for me (even though I don't think I'm going to win!) and it helps to have other ladies on the same journey with me. I've lost a total of 4.5 pounds so far! And it's only been two weeks! We weigh in every Sunday, so I'm hoping I'll have more loss to report in a few days! I need to be a bit more motivated in the work out department. I really want a treadmill. I finally told Alan the other day that I had this unrealistic fantasy in my head that I would come home one day and there would be a treadmill all set up for me. I had dropped the hint at wanting one for so long and I realized he was going to do nothing about it, so I finally just came right out and told him! This is what I want you to do: go buy a treadmill, set it up, and surprise me! Still hasn't happened....not sure it will! Oh well, maybe some day!
Well, I think I'm gonna go make some grilled cheese sandwiches and soup for lunch. Enjoy your snow day!
Monday, January 18, 2010
New...
I love starting a new year. It's like you get a fresh start, or a do-over if you need one. 2010 is definitely full of newness for the Rich family. So here are some of the new things we have going on.
First off, Alan and I started a new job! We are the worship pastors at Church on the Rock. I know many of you are reading this thinking, "isn't that your old job?" Not at all!! At least that's how we are approaching this job. Before I worked part time as the worship leader at COTR. Now, I'm not into titles, but I really feel like God wants me to take the new part about being a pastor very seriously. Being a worship pastor is so much more than just leading a song service. I really have a desire to pastor the people I am priveleged to get to have on our team. Over the last seven months, God has been teaching us so many principles on leadership and working with people. Now we know why! We are honored to get to pastor alongside some other incredible pastors at our church and even more honored to get to pastor some incredible people! This whole experience is keeping me very humble and in constant, desparate need for Jesus. It's a great place to be! We have so many exciting plans and ideas for the ministry and I can't wait to see the year unfold and to see all that God has in store.
Along with this new job, comes new pressure to figure out balance. Balance is a HUGE thing for me! When I was working before, I definitely allowed my family to suffer in the time department. We are so determined to not let that happen this time around. My kiddos will only be yound once, so I am going to enjoy it! And we are enjoying it!! We have three amazing girls and I am honored to be their mommy. Can't wait to see what God has for each of them this year!
2010 will usher in the arrival of a new me!!! I have struggled with my weight for the last 10+ years. For me, the battle is mostly mental, but I am ready to turn that all around. I can no longer use the "I just had a baby" excuse, since my baby is 14 months old! My good friend, Missy, challenged ladies who wanted to lose some weight and do it together through accountability, encouragement, and prayer. Initially my response was yes!!! I need all the help I can get!! And to top it off, the grand prize for the "biggest loser" is $2000!!! Um, that's pretty good motivation. I waivered a little bit in making the decision, because I was worried about the time it might take away from our already precious family time. But I wanted to lose weight, and did not want to attempt to do that (again) all by myself. So, I told Missy on Thursday that I wanted to do it. I barely made it in under the deadline. I weighed in that day and the journey began! I only had 3 days until the next weigh in since I joined late, but I was determined to do something. The "me" from the past would have said, "oh, I'll just wait and get started next week," all the while stuffing my face all weekend long, but I decided that "me" needed to go!! I started working out here at home, and counting my calories every day. Yesterday, was my first official group weigh in and......(drum roll, please)....I lost 3.2 pounds!! In 3 days!!! Can you tell I'm pumped? I really feel confident this time. And if I don't win the money, that's ok. It's a fantastic motivator, but just knowing that I have 19 other women going on this journey with me makes it so much easier and so much more fun! I also have an anniversary trip in April to motivate me. The thought of being on a beach in a bathing suit got my rear in gear, real quick!!! So, I may post updates from time to time. I WON'T be posting actual weight :) just weight loss!
Finally, we are thinking about moving to a new house! With interest rates like they are we were going to refinance our house. The more we talked we realized if we do refinance, we will be in this house for at least five more years. AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!! I already feel like we are busting at the seams here, and as my kids get older it's only going to get worse. I like my house and I am very grateful for what we have, but we figured for the same payment we are making now we can easily get into a 4 bedroom house and a much nicer, newer home that is not always a project in the works (like our current house). With the kids at the ages they are at, I don't have time for anymore projects!! So, we are in decision mode and excited about the possibility of another new change!
In the midst of all the change and newness, I am glad that one thing remains constant. I serve a God who can not be moved, He can not be shaken. His mercies are NEW every morning and I choose to put all of my hope and trust in Him alone. Now, that's a good feeling!
First off, Alan and I started a new job! We are the worship pastors at Church on the Rock. I know many of you are reading this thinking, "isn't that your old job?" Not at all!! At least that's how we are approaching this job. Before I worked part time as the worship leader at COTR. Now, I'm not into titles, but I really feel like God wants me to take the new part about being a pastor very seriously. Being a worship pastor is so much more than just leading a song service. I really have a desire to pastor the people I am priveleged to get to have on our team. Over the last seven months, God has been teaching us so many principles on leadership and working with people. Now we know why! We are honored to get to pastor alongside some other incredible pastors at our church and even more honored to get to pastor some incredible people! This whole experience is keeping me very humble and in constant, desparate need for Jesus. It's a great place to be! We have so many exciting plans and ideas for the ministry and I can't wait to see the year unfold and to see all that God has in store.
Along with this new job, comes new pressure to figure out balance. Balance is a HUGE thing for me! When I was working before, I definitely allowed my family to suffer in the time department. We are so determined to not let that happen this time around. My kiddos will only be yound once, so I am going to enjoy it! And we are enjoying it!! We have three amazing girls and I am honored to be their mommy. Can't wait to see what God has for each of them this year!
2010 will usher in the arrival of a new me!!! I have struggled with my weight for the last 10+ years. For me, the battle is mostly mental, but I am ready to turn that all around. I can no longer use the "I just had a baby" excuse, since my baby is 14 months old! My good friend, Missy, challenged ladies who wanted to lose some weight and do it together through accountability, encouragement, and prayer. Initially my response was yes!!! I need all the help I can get!! And to top it off, the grand prize for the "biggest loser" is $2000!!! Um, that's pretty good motivation. I waivered a little bit in making the decision, because I was worried about the time it might take away from our already precious family time. But I wanted to lose weight, and did not want to attempt to do that (again) all by myself. So, I told Missy on Thursday that I wanted to do it. I barely made it in under the deadline. I weighed in that day and the journey began! I only had 3 days until the next weigh in since I joined late, but I was determined to do something. The "me" from the past would have said, "oh, I'll just wait and get started next week," all the while stuffing my face all weekend long, but I decided that "me" needed to go!! I started working out here at home, and counting my calories every day. Yesterday, was my first official group weigh in and......(drum roll, please)....I lost 3.2 pounds!! In 3 days!!! Can you tell I'm pumped? I really feel confident this time. And if I don't win the money, that's ok. It's a fantastic motivator, but just knowing that I have 19 other women going on this journey with me makes it so much easier and so much more fun! I also have an anniversary trip in April to motivate me. The thought of being on a beach in a bathing suit got my rear in gear, real quick!!! So, I may post updates from time to time. I WON'T be posting actual weight :) just weight loss!
Finally, we are thinking about moving to a new house! With interest rates like they are we were going to refinance our house. The more we talked we realized if we do refinance, we will be in this house for at least five more years. AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!! I already feel like we are busting at the seams here, and as my kids get older it's only going to get worse. I like my house and I am very grateful for what we have, but we figured for the same payment we are making now we can easily get into a 4 bedroom house and a much nicer, newer home that is not always a project in the works (like our current house). With the kids at the ages they are at, I don't have time for anymore projects!! So, we are in decision mode and excited about the possibility of another new change!
In the midst of all the change and newness, I am glad that one thing remains constant. I serve a God who can not be moved, He can not be shaken. His mercies are NEW every morning and I choose to put all of my hope and trust in Him alone. Now, that's a good feeling!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Top Ten of 2009
On this last day of 2009, I am remembering some of this year's best moments. Here is my Top 10 (or the best that I can remember!) in no particular order.
10. I wasn't pregnant this year!!! Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed being pregnant in the past, but I was glad to have this year to enjoy the kids I already have and no more growing inside of me.
9. Both of my sisters are pregnant this year!!! See, now I wouldn't want to be pregnant and steal their thunder!
8. Molly Kate turned 1. Where did that first year go? MK is the sweetest, most gentle spirited, precious little thing. You can not help but fall in love with her the moment you meet her. Amazing child. Thank you God for an easy one!!!
7. I have drawn so much closer to God this year than ever before, and because of that I have a clearer sense of my purpose and destiny than ever before. I love knowing that I'm right where I'm supposed to be and that's right in the middle of his perfect will for my life. It makes me want to draw even closer so I don't get off track! I feel more comfortable in my own skin than I think I ever have. It just feels so good to know you are doing the right things even if it sometimes feels like the hardest things you've ever done.
6. Found even more peace and grace to handle the trials and sometimes ugly circumstances that come with being a step mom. This year I wished to be able to adopt Taylor and that didn't happen. I'm not sure that it ever will, but God has carried me through every disappointment, every up, every down, and everywhere else in between and I made it! I'm still making it. God, I thank you for my precious oldest daughter, Taylor. Thank you for knitting our hearts together in a bond unlike any other in my life.
5. I am writing songs again! And some of them aren't half bad!! I have found a new love for music. It no longer feels like work to me. I don't have an internal struggle every time I sit down at the keyboard anymore. I just love listening to God and tapping into whatever He is speaking to me at the time and I love trying to express it in a song. I love being able to share my thoughts and feelings about life and where I'm at through the lyrics and the music. It's a real gift to find a renewed passion for songwriting.
4. I got to spend another great year with my grandfather. Last Christmas, Pepa was in the hospital and I wasn't sure if he would ever come out. He did come home and has made so much remarkable progress this year. He went from being on hospice care with very little time left to being released from hospice with the doctor's scratching their heads about his miraculous "comeback." Our conversations have gone from planning the music at his funeral to now just chatting about the kids and sharing all of our fun stories with him. Thank you Jesus for your healing touch and continue to pour it out on Pepa and Mema this year.
3. #3 is for Ava because she turned 3 this year! I love Ava Grace. There is no way I could put just one memory of her on here. We make multiple memories every single day! Her brilliance and spunk keep me on my toes and keep me laughing every minute. She is such an amazing kid and I can't wait to see what all is in store for her in 2010.
2. I have found a new love for cooking! It is a fun, relaxing hobby for me. It has been somewhat of a creative outlet for me and I really love it. We have made it a priority for our family to eat dinner together at home more often and it is so great! I love that we can all come together and share a meal and just be together.
1. So the #1 greatest thing that has happened to me in 2009 was a no brainer! 2009 has been the greatest year of my marriage (so far, I believe the best is yet to come)!!! Alan and I will celebrate our 5 year anniversary in April, 2010. This past year we have grown so close and more in love with one another. We have (finally) learned how to better function in our roles as husband and wife and I am constantly striving to find ways to better serve him. I love him so much and I thank God every single day for bringing me a husband that protects me, provides for us, encourages me, never lets me settle, sees all of the potential I have yet to tap into, and the list could go on and on... I love you Alan. I can't wait to see what 2010 has in store for us!
10. I wasn't pregnant this year!!! Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed being pregnant in the past, but I was glad to have this year to enjoy the kids I already have and no more growing inside of me.
9. Both of my sisters are pregnant this year!!! See, now I wouldn't want to be pregnant and steal their thunder!
8. Molly Kate turned 1. Where did that first year go? MK is the sweetest, most gentle spirited, precious little thing. You can not help but fall in love with her the moment you meet her. Amazing child. Thank you God for an easy one!!!
7. I have drawn so much closer to God this year than ever before, and because of that I have a clearer sense of my purpose and destiny than ever before. I love knowing that I'm right where I'm supposed to be and that's right in the middle of his perfect will for my life. It makes me want to draw even closer so I don't get off track! I feel more comfortable in my own skin than I think I ever have. It just feels so good to know you are doing the right things even if it sometimes feels like the hardest things you've ever done.
6. Found even more peace and grace to handle the trials and sometimes ugly circumstances that come with being a step mom. This year I wished to be able to adopt Taylor and that didn't happen. I'm not sure that it ever will, but God has carried me through every disappointment, every up, every down, and everywhere else in between and I made it! I'm still making it. God, I thank you for my precious oldest daughter, Taylor. Thank you for knitting our hearts together in a bond unlike any other in my life.
5. I am writing songs again! And some of them aren't half bad!! I have found a new love for music. It no longer feels like work to me. I don't have an internal struggle every time I sit down at the keyboard anymore. I just love listening to God and tapping into whatever He is speaking to me at the time and I love trying to express it in a song. I love being able to share my thoughts and feelings about life and where I'm at through the lyrics and the music. It's a real gift to find a renewed passion for songwriting.
4. I got to spend another great year with my grandfather. Last Christmas, Pepa was in the hospital and I wasn't sure if he would ever come out. He did come home and has made so much remarkable progress this year. He went from being on hospice care with very little time left to being released from hospice with the doctor's scratching their heads about his miraculous "comeback." Our conversations have gone from planning the music at his funeral to now just chatting about the kids and sharing all of our fun stories with him. Thank you Jesus for your healing touch and continue to pour it out on Pepa and Mema this year.
3. #3 is for Ava because she turned 3 this year! I love Ava Grace. There is no way I could put just one memory of her on here. We make multiple memories every single day! Her brilliance and spunk keep me on my toes and keep me laughing every minute. She is such an amazing kid and I can't wait to see what all is in store for her in 2010.
2. I have found a new love for cooking! It is a fun, relaxing hobby for me. It has been somewhat of a creative outlet for me and I really love it. We have made it a priority for our family to eat dinner together at home more often and it is so great! I love that we can all come together and share a meal and just be together.
1. So the #1 greatest thing that has happened to me in 2009 was a no brainer! 2009 has been the greatest year of my marriage (so far, I believe the best is yet to come)!!! Alan and I will celebrate our 5 year anniversary in April, 2010. This past year we have grown so close and more in love with one another. We have (finally) learned how to better function in our roles as husband and wife and I am constantly striving to find ways to better serve him. I love him so much and I thank God every single day for bringing me a husband that protects me, provides for us, encourages me, never lets me settle, sees all of the potential I have yet to tap into, and the list could go on and on... I love you Alan. I can't wait to see what 2010 has in store for us!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
New traditions and a new friend
I love this time of year. I think more than the actual holiday, I am loving spending so much time with my family. My girls are all out of school and we are enjoying each day together. It's so great to see my two oldest, despite their 6 year age difference (Taylor is 9 and Ava is 3) getting along so well. Ava has matured a little bit and doesn't annoy Taylor quite so bad. And when Taylor does need a break Ava just goes and plays with her imaginary friend, Halloween. Yes, her name is Halloween. Halloween showed up in early October about 3 weeks before the actual holiday of Halloween. I think Ava heard that word on TV or in a store and really liked the word. She had no idea it was a holiday, but I noticed her using that word a lot as she was talking to herself (she does that a lot too!). A few days later she introduced me to her new friend, Halloween. It took me a little while to figure out what on earth she was saying. She kept asking if Halloween could come over and play. I kept trying to explain to her that Halloween was a holiday and she just kept looking at me like I was stupid. "No mom, I'm talking about my friend, Halloween. I want her to come over and play dress up with me." My response was, "Ava, Halloween is a day where some people dress up and go get candy." Again, I got the "You're stupid" look. Once I finally realized that she had a new friend that was totally alive in her mind I quit trying to explain the holiday. I honestly thought Halloween would stick around for a few days, maybe a week and would be gone. Oh no...this was not the case. Halloween has become a pretty regular part of our day. If we go somewhere, Halloween comes along. I even have to buckle her in her pretend car seat next to Ava. Ava will usually give me an update on what Halloween is wearing that day. Occassionally, we set a place for her at dinner. She's gone from living down the street in her imaginary house to moving in with us. Now Ava has informed me that I have four kids: Taylor, Ava, Molly Kate, and Halloween. She thought it was a better idea if they were sisters. Is this unhealthy? Am I unknowingly scaring my child for life because sometimes I go along with her imagination and pretend Halloween's there because it's easier than fighting with a 3 year old about it?? I'm sure I'm not the only mom who's dealt with this, so any advice would be greatly appreciated! If Taylor is feeling especially ornery one day, she'll tease Ava about Halloween not being real. It usually ends in a screaming match with Ava in tears defending her new sister's existence. I'll give it a little while longer, and I'm hoping it just goes away. I mean, I know I'm not going to send Ava off to college with Halloween. And we probably won't even make it to kindergarten with her! Nonetheless, Halloween is here for now (even has a present under the tree, from Ava) and I'm not going to worry about it too much.
This year, we have decided to start a new Rich family tradition. We are going to have a special family day on Christmas Eve!! Every year we have sort of rushed through our little family's time to get to the bigger family events. On Christmas Eve night we have a huge Christmas with all of my cousins and family on my mom's side. Then Christmas morning, we go back to my mom's for Christmas with my immediate family, and then Taylor leaves for her other mom's on Christmas day after lunch. All of Alan's family is in Dallas, and we don't like to travel on Christmas, so we don't have to worry about somehow seeing all of them as well. So, this year, since we have our own little growing family, we've decided to make Christmas Eve a special day for us. It will actually start tonight. We are taking the girls to see the new Alvin and the Chipmunks, then to look at Christmas lights. We will come home and all open up our new Christmas pajamas and then in the morning we will wake up and have our own little "Christmas morning" of presents, stockings and a yummy breakfast. I'm really excited about doing something new and taking time just for the five of us. Don't get me wrong, I love our usual traditions with all of the extended family, but I think it's important to start some new things and have some things that are special for the five of us. We are going to spend most of the day in our PJ's, playing with all the new toys, watching movies, and just enjoying one another. At 5:30 we'll head to Christmas Eve communion at church and then on to the big family Christmas that night. I think it sounds like a great time!
I hope you all have a very blessed holiday. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannakuh, or any other special day, I pray you find time to enjoy your family and the relaxed pace to sit and take some deep breaths! I know I will!!
This year, we have decided to start a new Rich family tradition. We are going to have a special family day on Christmas Eve!! Every year we have sort of rushed through our little family's time to get to the bigger family events. On Christmas Eve night we have a huge Christmas with all of my cousins and family on my mom's side. Then Christmas morning, we go back to my mom's for Christmas with my immediate family, and then Taylor leaves for her other mom's on Christmas day after lunch. All of Alan's family is in Dallas, and we don't like to travel on Christmas, so we don't have to worry about somehow seeing all of them as well. So, this year, since we have our own little growing family, we've decided to make Christmas Eve a special day for us. It will actually start tonight. We are taking the girls to see the new Alvin and the Chipmunks, then to look at Christmas lights. We will come home and all open up our new Christmas pajamas and then in the morning we will wake up and have our own little "Christmas morning" of presents, stockings and a yummy breakfast. I'm really excited about doing something new and taking time just for the five of us. Don't get me wrong, I love our usual traditions with all of the extended family, but I think it's important to start some new things and have some things that are special for the five of us. We are going to spend most of the day in our PJ's, playing with all the new toys, watching movies, and just enjoying one another. At 5:30 we'll head to Christmas Eve communion at church and then on to the big family Christmas that night. I think it sounds like a great time!
I hope you all have a very blessed holiday. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannakuh, or any other special day, I pray you find time to enjoy your family and the relaxed pace to sit and take some deep breaths! I know I will!!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Season of Thankfulness
I love this time of year!!! So many things to celebrate and be thankful. I am enjoying all the blog lists and Facebook updates on what people are thankful for. I think I'll make a list of my own. These are in no particular order, just as they pop into my head.
- My husband, Alan. He is such an amazing companion to share this life with! He brings out the best in me and graciously puts up with me when the worst comes out. I am so grateful that God put us together!
- Taylor, my amazing daughter! I'm not sure what life would be like without her. She embraced me as her friend, and as her mom, and has shared her dad with me even though I'm sure that was a lot to ask of a four year old! Five years later, we have a great relationship that is a great mix of love, respect, and friendship.
- Ava Grace. Where to begin?? Ava is such a joy and anyone who has ever met her would say the same. I am thankful for Ava's spirit and the personality that I get to see more and more of everyday. She is at times a challenge for me as a mother, but I'm learning patience and how to (hopefully) be a better mom. Her wit combined with her genius brain amazes me and keeps me laughing every day! I love my Ava!!
- Molly Kate, my sweet little sweetie!! Is there a sweeter baby? MK is the perfect balance to her sister, Ava. She is mellow and peaceful and always so content. She makes my life easy and rich. I am so in awe and excited to see her little personality coming out more and more each day.
- Music. I am rediscovering my love for music. It is no longer a job to me. It is no longer just something I do from time to time. Music is a gift that God has given to me to explore and create and use to glorify Him. God is a creative God and I love tapping into the creative realm where His songs and melodies are waiting for me to discover. Does that sound cheesy? I'm not sure how else to describe this new relationship I have discovered with music.
- My family. Gosh, I love my family. I know I've already talked about my husband and kids, but I'm including my extended family in this one. I am beyond blessed to have the most amazing parents, sisters, brothers, in-laws, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins....the list goes on and on. The older I get and the more people I meet, the more I realize that my family is definitely the exception...not the norm!! My uncle put it really well yesterday when he said our holidays were like a Norman Rockwell painting. We all get along and love each other and very rarely have drama. We genuinely love being together. My best friends in life pretty much all are related to me, and I like it that way!
- My church. I am blessed to be a part of an amazing local church. I know God chooses the local church to do a lot for His Kingdom and Church on the Rock is doing amazing things!! I am blessed to be a part of a family of believers who love to give and serve the body of Christ and the lost all around the world. I love the vision of our house and I am thankful that God is moving and having His way at COTR!
- My neighbors. I know that's a little random, but I just came in tonight after visiting outside over a huge barbecue pit with several of my neighbors. We chatted and laughed for over an hour. I am thankful to live on a quiet cul-de-sac full of families and older couples that love kids. My children can play outside and I don't have to worry. I just counted, there are 18 kids on our block of 12 houses! And Alan's sister's family lives on our street, so my kids are literally growing up with their cousins and get to spend lots of time together. We have 2 older widowers, 1 whose wife just passed away a few weeks ago, and I've had some really great conversations with them about life. It's the greatest block I've ever lived on.
- I'm thankful that we are getting out of town for a few days over Thanksgiving! I am looking forward to a little break and a time to reconnect with my family.
I hope you enjoy your holidays. Take some time and think about the things that enrich your life and be THANKFUL!!!
- My husband, Alan. He is such an amazing companion to share this life with! He brings out the best in me and graciously puts up with me when the worst comes out. I am so grateful that God put us together!
- Taylor, my amazing daughter! I'm not sure what life would be like without her. She embraced me as her friend, and as her mom, and has shared her dad with me even though I'm sure that was a lot to ask of a four year old! Five years later, we have a great relationship that is a great mix of love, respect, and friendship.
- Ava Grace. Where to begin?? Ava is such a joy and anyone who has ever met her would say the same. I am thankful for Ava's spirit and the personality that I get to see more and more of everyday. She is at times a challenge for me as a mother, but I'm learning patience and how to (hopefully) be a better mom. Her wit combined with her genius brain amazes me and keeps me laughing every day! I love my Ava!!
- Molly Kate, my sweet little sweetie!! Is there a sweeter baby? MK is the perfect balance to her sister, Ava. She is mellow and peaceful and always so content. She makes my life easy and rich. I am so in awe and excited to see her little personality coming out more and more each day.
- Music. I am rediscovering my love for music. It is no longer a job to me. It is no longer just something I do from time to time. Music is a gift that God has given to me to explore and create and use to glorify Him. God is a creative God and I love tapping into the creative realm where His songs and melodies are waiting for me to discover. Does that sound cheesy? I'm not sure how else to describe this new relationship I have discovered with music.
- My family. Gosh, I love my family. I know I've already talked about my husband and kids, but I'm including my extended family in this one. I am beyond blessed to have the most amazing parents, sisters, brothers, in-laws, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins....the list goes on and on. The older I get and the more people I meet, the more I realize that my family is definitely the exception...not the norm!! My uncle put it really well yesterday when he said our holidays were like a Norman Rockwell painting. We all get along and love each other and very rarely have drama. We genuinely love being together. My best friends in life pretty much all are related to me, and I like it that way!
- My church. I am blessed to be a part of an amazing local church. I know God chooses the local church to do a lot for His Kingdom and Church on the Rock is doing amazing things!! I am blessed to be a part of a family of believers who love to give and serve the body of Christ and the lost all around the world. I love the vision of our house and I am thankful that God is moving and having His way at COTR!
- My neighbors. I know that's a little random, but I just came in tonight after visiting outside over a huge barbecue pit with several of my neighbors. We chatted and laughed for over an hour. I am thankful to live on a quiet cul-de-sac full of families and older couples that love kids. My children can play outside and I don't have to worry. I just counted, there are 18 kids on our block of 12 houses! And Alan's sister's family lives on our street, so my kids are literally growing up with their cousins and get to spend lots of time together. We have 2 older widowers, 1 whose wife just passed away a few weeks ago, and I've had some really great conversations with them about life. It's the greatest block I've ever lived on.
- I'm thankful that we are getting out of town for a few days over Thanksgiving! I am looking forward to a little break and a time to reconnect with my family.
I hope you enjoy your holidays. Take some time and think about the things that enrich your life and be THANKFUL!!!
Monday, November 2, 2009
The Skinny Chef is here!
I've decided to start another blog....all about food!!! That's right, food! I have found a real love for cooking and baking lately, so I'm going to blog about my adventures in food. So, if you're interested you can check it out here. Hope you like it!
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