My Theme Park: Full tanks and a bit of Christmas

Last year, Christmas 2010

I haven't written in a while.

I just read a post on making sure my family's "tanks are full." This made me wonder if we look out for the needs of everyone else or just our own.. or "what needs to be done." What if we cared for our close ones first to make sure their needs are met? Maybe things would go smoother- even if only in the long run? I struggle every.single.day. I struggle to make sure laundry is done, dishes are done, toys are always cleaned up, bathrooms are clean and sanitized, everything's been dusted, meals prepped.. ETC ETC, BLAH BLAH........... ahhhh. This will be for the rest of my life. {At least till 60-70 and I'm calling it quits and hiring a maid with all my retirement money. haha}

But do I ever get a chance to JUST sit and play with Noelle? Can I actually watch an entire movie with Maxx without checking my phone??

No.

I need an adjustment of reality. Work has me so thrown off that I need a plan for my plans. Life is so hard to keep up with. Where will I be next year, in 5 years. 20? I am a worry wart (I mean, obviously.) But I need to secure my future. No games.

Lately, I have definitely not been on my cleaning and list making track as before. But, I can't lie, I have been 10004928579845 times more happy than I was. Not that I felt terrible, but I was constantly emotionally bogged down. I am realizing that I can't be super mom 24/7. I can actually leave dishes in the sink overnight now. Whew. Maybe this is the point where I can say "old habits die hard." No?

Anyway, our spare room/craft room/office is a mess. My desk is cluttered to the maxxxx and I cannot find my meal plan sheet. Oh no! But guess what? Life is still moving. My little girl is snug in her bed, my darling is racked out on the couch waiting for me to drag him to bed (lol), and life is good. Not perfect- but very good. The more time I spend with God, the more he blesses me and opens my eyes. I have a lot of daily forgiveness to ask for, but the best part is that he will always forgive me. YOU TOO! No matter how big or small. Accept Jesus as the answer. Just pray. Really, just pray about anything and everything! He WILLLL show you.

And on another note.. for the holiday season, I am challenging myself to donate. Food, clothes, toys- anything. Especially anything my material nature is holding onto. We can't take a single thing to the grave with us so I want to shower my blessings to others. I won't get into my specific story.. but I want to give this season. We should all remember to give from our heart and not think we "have to" and never boast about your giving. God knows what we've done. Pass the spirit along, though!

Now here are some of last years Christmas photos..