First and foremost, what a glorious celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ! CHRISTmas Eve services at church were fantastic (seriously....you want to hear amazing teaching on the Holy Spirit? Click the link to watch! Christmas Eve Service); our family get together at my parents' with the boys reading the Christmas Story from the Bible was extra special; all my kids were in town and a Saudi student joined in the celebration as well. CHRISTmas day was spent relaxing and then visiting my daughter, son-in-law and g-baby for Chinese food for dinner. Yes, it was a glorious celebration indeed!
This year I had the added bonus of getting to spend time in Michigan with my in-laws. I know, I know...most people are like...what..you want to spend time with your in-laws without your husband?!? (CME had to work.) But seriously...I love my mother-in-law! And all our Michigan family! What was even better was the fact that there was a beautiful blanket of snow covering the ground! Have I ever mentioned how much I enjoy snow? No? Well, let's just say that it is right up there with coffee and PB2! :) I truly felt like I was in a Winter Wonderland!
And the NSVs that went with it? Well, for starters? I can't remember the last time I actually got out and played in the snow. Not only did I make a snow angel this year, I actually ran a (very) few times up and down the (slight) hill in my in-laws' yard. AND I wrestled with the boys...finally taking down my 14-year-old. So he was already on his knees from taking down his brother...I still finished the job! NSVs all around!
On top of that, I did something I haven't done since I was a teenager... I went ice skating!!! Was I graceful? No. I could blame the hockey skates that had shoe laces too short to even begin to tie, but I'll not do that. I'll say it's for a lack of skating in over 30 years! Oh. My. Gosh! It was so fun! Bonus...it was outside! In past, I not only would have worried about falling, but I would have worried about the possible humiliation of trying to get back up after falling. Was I afraid of falling? Yes. Did I? No! Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY! Another NSV!! Plus, we visited the Grand Rapids Public Museum (which was totally decked out for Christmas!) where I rode a carousel; walked up 3 flights of stairs without being out of breath; yeah...the whole day was full of NSVs!
Another NSV happened when I met up with CME's Aunt, Uncle, Cousin and his family. Before having dinner at The Corner Bar, we stopped at a The Rockford Footwear Depot. I didn't need shoes, but they also had 30% off all their apparel. I found the cutest Merrell sweater dress that was already on sale. I got a $90 dress for $20!!! Size aside (Medium)...seriously, that's an NSV...being able to walk into a store and buy something off the rack!
But the very best part of the trip was the time I got to spend with the family. My boys...my mother-in-law...and every member of CME's family in MI. The only way this trip could have been better is if CME had been with me. It was a GREAT time. The boys thanked me repeatedly and they even put up with my silliness. Oh how blessed I truly am!
So that's how my time has been spent recently. Two years ago (12/28/11) I began this blog. My life has changed so much in these two years!!! Tomorrow, the boys and I are running in a New Year's Day 5K...expect a blog post after that too!
Until that time, here's a glimpse of my life recently... I thank God for this life He's blessed me with and pray that I can use it to bring Him the glory He deserves!
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| Love this man so very much! My best friend and support! |
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| All 4 of my kiddos! <3 |
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| Youngest Daughter! |
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| First Born!!! |
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| My Momma! |
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| CME, my kiddos and g-baby! |
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| My kiddos...and my Saudi "son" |
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| Coffee anyone? |
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| Love my boys!! |
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| I think I've about got him...or vice versa?? |
This makes my heart so VERY happy for you, friend. Then again, I can't believe it's been 18 months or so since we did our first race in Haubstadt. We need to hook up soon. That being said, I'm THRILLED for you. I could tell by your pics that you were having a blast and really LIVING. My heart overflowed with happiness when you posted pics.
ReplyDeleteAnd YAY for the map pic :)