2011

For me, I kind of feel like 2010 was the year of complaining and accomplishing nothing. I know that can't be entirely true because I obviously have given all my time to keeping 2 little girls alive and for the most part satisfied (that's gotta count for something, right?). But truthfully, I would like to aim a little higher in 2011. Hmmm. We're 3 days into it and I'm already not sure how it is going.

New Year's Eve was kind of off my radar because I spent all day and night throwing up. I guess I caught some 24-hour bug and just laid on the couch for what seemed like forever. With the other 2 pregnancies, I was never sick late into the pregnancy, but it sure wasn't fun having a terrible stomach ache and also being kicked from the inside constantly. Thankfully, Saturday I had a chance to recover a little bit and Sunday I was officially done leading worship and didn't have to be in extra early for that...

Then there were the fireworks. I've never been into them much, but having small kids that stay up all night because they're scared of them is especially irritating. I about got my big pregnant butt in our mini van to drive around and give everyone a piece of my mind. Thankfully, I realized that it only happens twice a year (4th of July is another favorite) and we all went to sleep around 4 a.m. Yes, it was that bad. Yikes.

Sunday after church the girls suddenly came down with a terrible cough and pink eye in both eyes. It came out of nowhere! We spent yesterday afternoon at the hospital in the after hours clinic (not the speediest place around) and once again, everyone finally fell asleep around 1 a.m.... Kids are just crazy when they're sick. Everything from getting the eye drops in their eyes to their continual waking (because of coughing) pushed us right over the edge. I was about to check myself into a mental facility. Sometimes I wonder how single moms do it. I am so thankful for Russ who has been a constant help and source of encouragement during these last few months (yes, months) of sickness in our house.

This morning, after another terrible night of sleep and pink-eye goop and snot everywhere, I decided the only thing that would help was a donut. I really love donuts. So, we all got in the car and went to Dunkin Donuts, which I think I've only been to one other time. The girls were covered in chocolate, I was covered in smiles, and skinny Russ abstained. I don't get it. Anyway, here's a picture of Noa. She wanted to take a picture by the "D's" since she's learning her letters. She was really mesmerized by them. Does she look awful or what?!?! But somehow still sweet... Ruthie looks almost as bad, but didn't care about the "D's" so we have no picture of her.

So... I'm wondering what the Lord is drilling into us. Most likely more dependence on Him, more joy in our circumstances, and hearts full of thanksgiving for how He has blessed us. So many days go by (maybe all of 2010) when my heart is not focused on these things at all. Self abounds. We are a work in progress...

I'm learning that His grace is sufficient for each season though. And I already know 2 great things about 2011!!! #1 - In about 3-4 weeks I will be holding a new and sweet little member of our family! and #2 - In about 3-4 weeks I will no longer be pregnant! It couldn't come too soon.