Happy Father's Day!

I do not have the words to express how truly blessed our family is because of my husband, and his love as husband and father. His life constantly shows his love towards our family in everything from his leadership to his firm hand to his gentleness and compassion. Thank you for all you do and are for our family!

(Sometimes it is still hard to believe I've got a kid for each letter now!)

D-A-D photos from past years

This year, I had Ella and Troy answer questions for a Father’s Day questionnaire I found on Pinterest. Their answers (particularly Troy's) were, uh, interesting at times. : )

• What is Daddy’s name? 
• Ella: Daddy 
• Troy: Trent
• What does Daddy do for fun?
• Ella: Play soccer outside
• Troy: Sit down, I mean, play ball
• What does Daddy do at work?
• Ella: works
• Troy: work
• What are his favorite things to eat?
• Ella: green beans and sweet potatoes
• Troy: pickles, how about sandwiches with spicy stuff in it {I have absolutely NO idea where he got this answer from!}
• What does he like to drink?
• Ella: Dr. Pepper
• Troy: Dr. Pepper
• How old is Daddy?
• Ella: 31
• Troy: I can't remember; I can't even know
• Where did you and Daddy meet?
• Ella: when I was a baby
• Troy: I can't remember, is it at McCarty?
• How long have you know Daddy?
• Ella: a long time
• Troy: (reached to the sky)
• How tall is Daddy?
• Ella: (reached to the sky)
• Troy: (stood up, pointed to the sky)
• What is Daddy’s hair like?
• Ella: tiny (showed with her fingers)
• Troy: short
• How much does Daddy weigh?
• Ella: 80 lbs
• Troy: reached to sky
• What makes Daddy the best?
• Ella: plays fight (wrestle) and plays ball and plays defense
• Troy: cuz I love him
• What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy?
• Ella: play fight (wrestle)
• Troy: play defense

2014 Goals

For the past couple of years, I’ve made a point to write out specific goals at the start of the year. Though I fell short in many of my goals last year (for lots of reasons, some legitimate, some not so much), I find that writing these goals out really helps me to focus and reflect. Many goals are the same as in the past years; some because I didn’t complete them and others because they ought to continually be on the list.

Spiritual Goals:

• Daily Bible Reading
• Focused/Planned Bible Study
• Write Bible study lessons (and execute them) for the kids.
• Continue using the Scripture Memory System with the kids (and me!). We started this system last year, and I really loved it! However, I started slacking off though in completing this with the kids, and I want to get back on track with it. 
• Develop a deeper and more specific prayer life.
• Make an effort to be aware of others’ needs.
• Make an effort to encourage brothers and sisters in Christ.
• Always be ready and eager to share the gospel.

House Goals:

• Get the house organized, and purged of excess junk at the beginning of the year.  I feel like this is a never-ending project. I cleaned things out fairly well before having Luke, but I still need to clean out more!
• Clear out and organize the kids' rooms and playroom. 
• Teach (and enforce) good habits to the kids for keeping their areas picked up. This will be particularly important once Luke becomes mobile.
• Have a garage sale.
• Keep up with Flylady’s daily assignments to help keep the house in a manageable state.
• Handle papers (mail, or otherwise) when they come into the home, rather than just piling them up to handle later.
• Get one “house” project done each month (paint the front door, repair the floor, etc.)
• This isn’t technically a “house” goal, but it fits here best: Keep our cars clear of junk and trash.

Health Goals:

• Get back into a regular cardio routine even if it just means pushing the stroller around the block.
• Gain strength and endurance.
• Refocus on healthy eating. Between severe extended morning sickness and gestational diabetes, pregnancy always does a number on my eating habits, and last year’s pregnancy with Luke was no exception.

Family goals:

• Eat at home more often.
• Cook dinner with the kids 1-2 times a month. I really want to involve them more in cooking, but I get stuck in this bad habit of not involving them because it is quicker/easier for me to do things myself (and dinner time always seems to be hectic around our house).
• Try out a new meal at least once a month.
• Cook a hot breakfast for the family at least once a week.
• Stick to our budget, and look for ways to save more.
• Emphasize the concept of respect with Ella and Troy.
• Foster a good relationship between the kids (teaching them about sharing, patience, kindness, etc.)
• Give Ella and Troy more responsibilities around the house (chores, etc.) 
• Get outside more with the kids.
• Get down on the floor and play with the kids more.

Photography:

• Learn more about off-camera flash.
• Learn more about Adobe Photoshop.
• Work on posing. I’ve come a long way in my posing over the past couple of years, but I feel like it will be something where I can always learn more. 
• Learn more about graphic design.

Other:

• Exhibit more patience towards everyone, but especially my husband and children.
• Work on time management, including getting up at a more consistent time in the morning, and going to bed earlier in the evening.
• Spend less time on the computer.
• Finish reading Bringing Up Girls and Bringing Up Boys.
• Re-read Your Mama Don’t Dance.
• Read A Well-Trained Mind and Home Education.
• Continue researching schooling choices for Ella, and make a decision with my husband about Ella’s schooling in the fall.

Christmas 2013

First, our Christmas.

Then, Christmas at Rhu-Rhu’s.

Finally, Christmas at Gigi and Pop-pa’s.

Christmas 2012

Christmas 2011

Baby Luke is here!

It is hard to believe that we are officially a family of five now. I’m not sure why (maybe because I didn’t grow up with any brothers?), but it is also hard for me to believe that I have two boys! Ella and Troy have been great with Luke. Luke doesn't know what he is in for yet with those two! :)

Gone Fishin’

Christmas 2012

First, our family Christmas. Although nothing exciting, I’m cherishing these photos because last year I lost the photos from our family Christmas due to a problem with my memory card. The kids absolutely loved the Disney name tags. Ella had a great time (at all our Christmases) going around reading the names on all the tags. Troy was pretty funny sometimes because he would look at the tags and act like he was reading them and then say "Its mine?"

 

Next, Christmas with Gigi and Pop-pa.

 

And, finally Christmas at Rhu-Rhu's.

Christmas 2011