New Era in Football

Well yesterday marked the first Nebraska football game of 2010. We had friends over and enjoyed mexi dip. Mexi dip is standard game food at our house! Millie dressed in red and white for the first time! Eventually I'll get pictures up of her in her 'my first Nebraska tee' and little white skirt.

But I have to admit, I hardly watched the first half and was still distracted during the second half. Crazy! I know. It's so unlike me! I love Nebraska football but, what can I say, I love my baby girl more. :) I spent the first half with her - watching, playing and entertaining. And I loved it! I hardly noticed I was missing the game. I put her to bed at half time and figured I would be able to enjoy the second half. But since we had company, I was still distracted. I kept listening for her because I knew the extra noise might cause some sleep issues but she slept right through our noise. :) She's such a good baby! So I do feel little bad that I paid so little attention to the game, but we played nobody and I had a good excuse. I still plan on enjoying Nebraska football but I now have a new priority during the game. Millie comes before football. I don't think that makes me a bad fan, it just makes me a good mom. 

There have been so many things over the past almost 8 months that have changed. O takes priority over many things in my life, including myself a lot of the time. It's sometimes a hard adjustment, especially when it affect other people I love. But I am so thankful to have her. She's a blessing!
OK, I'm stopping. I could write post after post just gushing about her. I think I'm in love.

Sadness

I’m sad this week. Our good friends are moving away. This might be the first time I’ve really experienced this type of loss as an adult.
The McNairs unexpectedly came into our lives when they moved into our town and joined our flock at church. Justin and I quickly became attached to them and their beautiful baby girl.

Our weekend evenings quickly filled with food-filled bellies, board game playing, and great fellowship. Sam and Justin quickly bonded over their love of board games and video games and the need for some good guy time once in a while. -And biking! I can't believe I almost forgot that one.

Abby and I became fast friends in spite of our different personalities. It has been so encouraging to see her strive to be a godly wife and mother on a daily basis. Abby is one of the most observant people I know and she always knows when I need a hug or someone to challenge me to open up. I have never made a friend so quickly or easily and I will miss her greatly. Ali was such a joy to see grow from tow-headed toddler to beautiful sassy 4-year old.

I love Ali’s spunk!!

After a short time we welcomed Ava – sweet, purple mouthed Ava.

She’s the lover of the family and has always had a sweet wrinkle nosed smile for us.

Just last year we welcomed Aria and she’s such a doll.

I’m sad we won’t get to see her grow but I know we’ll see lots of pictures and hear her screams on the phone.

We have come to love the girls like they were ours and will miss getting regular hugs and kisses. Thankfully we live in a time of easy access to phones and the internet!

Inspired

I've been inspired in a few different ways recently...

This is Customer Service week at my work. As a receptionist I've been in charge of going through all the nomination emails that have been flooding in. As I enter them into a spreadsheet, I have the opportunity to read what people are saying about their co-workers. There have been emails coming in that are just ridiculous and funny because some people just want to nominate their friends. But there have also been truly inspiring emails. I think it's sad that it takes reading about how other people are being praised for a job well done for me to want to do better at my job. I've never been the worker bee type. I've always wished I could stay home and be a home maker and mother. This has led to a lot of discontentment in my job situations. There is never the right job if I don't have the right attitude. Anyhow, I have been inspired my the dedication of my fellow employees. And I have been reminded that as a believer I should have a better attitude about the daily routine.

I am inspired by my mom. She can run like 3 miles! She started running this year and I never ever remember her running. She did the race with me in the spring and has faithfully continued. I even saw her wearing her "skinny jeans" the other day. Go MOM!! Another area that she inspires me is as a wife. Before I got married, I never realized what a thankless job it is. It's hard to serve my household by cleaning and whatever else is asked of me without expecting a thank you. I now realize the perseverance she has shown in our home.

Heather also inspires me in a similar way. She is always striving to be a good housekeeper. I admit I am not. I hear Heather talk about how she cooks and cleans and does her family's laundry while she works at least 40 hours a week and has a social life. I'm impressed! I think I'm going to start taking notes.

Abby inspires me with her dedication to growing spiritually. We are doing a Bible Study once a month on the names of God. I know how busy Abby is with her family but she still finds time to spend with the Lord, searching through His Word. We have a month, a MONTH between each study and I still manage to wait until the night before and hope to have something valuable to share. It's not that I don't want to study, I actually enjoy it a ton when I get going. I love studying my Bible with my Strong's concordance! I just don't exercise the discipline to set aside time to dig into the Word this way. Thanks Abby for inspiring me with your openness and words of wisdom.

This could get long if I go through everyone I know! But these are the people that have been on my mind and I've noticed in recent days. I'm also noticing a trend... I keep talking about exercise both physical and spiritual. And I'm sure I need emotional exercise! Don't we all! :)

Party!

Last week I hosted a Mary Kay party for my sister-in-law. It was Heather, Carlene, me, Kim and Amber. This is our after picture.Here's a 'in process' picture including Amy.
I don't feel like writing so I'm just sharing these pictures and saying it was a blast!