18 Days Late....

I have abandoned all plans of a Christmas post. It just isn't going to happen. But, I refuse to let New Year's get away from me! Sure, I am 18 days late, but it can still count right? I've got this!

2011 was an incredible year - it obviously had its struggles, but it was also such an amazing time of personal restoration. And, Royal Stage had its first productions. AND Charlotte was born. 2011, you were a winner.

Our theme for this year's RS season is "joy" and I think that identifies 2012 perfectly in all areas of my life. This year is bound to just be silly and fun, and yes, still full of challenges - but that is how we are refined. And finally, at long last....I'm cool with that.

12 Things I've Learned Going Into '12....

1. Tighten My Circles

If you're in this photo, it's not the elimination round. This is actually a snapshot from over the holidays filled with girls I want to KEEP in my life, as well as several others. I've decided you cannot lead someone to the Lord through Facebook statuses. I mean, I guess you CAN, but I don't think it's my gifting....I am going delete crazy on my friends list, going to focus on quality time and hand written letters, and hopefully have a handful of close friends, rather than 700+ faux friends. I am blessed to be close to so many girls - I want to value that and maintain the relationships that count.

2. Prayer Counts

I come from a crazy lineage. If you don't already know, we won't go there. But something even crazier happened toward the end of this past year. I started praying fervently and unabandoned. And then one of my crazy relatives accepted Christ. And then I got a phone call the other day from someone claiming to be my father, saying he loved what he was reading in the Bible. Excuse me? Who are you?! So this is likely my biggest lesson learned going into the new year - to continue to pray with urgency, with tears, with thankfulness.

3. Read More/Write More
So many books I want to read....two manuscripts I want to write.....it's time.....and yes what your English teacher said is true - the more you read, the better you will write. So let's get cracking.

4. Get Organized

This one is still very much in progress, but shockingly I learned to get organized this past year. 2012 NEEDS to be the year we get rid of every single junk drawer and abolish the lazies from this house. When we move at some point, my dream is to pack boxes and go. No sorting, having to make trips to Goodwill, etc. Just have what we need and have already shared what we don't.

5. How to Use Makeup to Look Awake
Work, ministry, marriage and two kids under 3 was the anthem of 2011. I felt like a zombie for most of the year - but good news, 2012! We've got the faux alertness thing down!
- line the inner lower lashes with white eyeliner (but be careful to not look like a clown or GaGa)
- apply mascara at an outward angle for both eyes
- use a makeup primer and an illuminator. ALWAYS.
Simple. How did I get into my 30s not knowing this? Idiot.

6. Stop Negative Self-Talk

It's true that people either usually really like me and end up hating my guts, or don't like me at first and then end up loving me. However, despite whatever side of the fence you're on, truth be told I am my own worst enemy.



(click older posts to continue......)

18 Days Late...Part Deux

7. Make More of These
http://kwavs.blogspot.com/2011/05/blessing-bags-how-to.html
Because come ON, who died and left you in charge of knowing everyone's business? Unless you are going to pull over, get out of your car, give them a breathalyzer test and ask to see a resume...who knows why someone is struggling? And do we need to know how or why to solve just a moment of the problem?

8. Separate work and Family

Mommy = Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday (or whenever else they need me 100%)
Writer = ONLY on Wednesday and Friday.
They are only little once - and everything else will get done. It always does in the end. I am a mommy first....and second, and third......

9. It's Better to Eat Clean Food
I understand life requires us to love and honor the 5 second rule. That's not what I am talking about. Rather, eating foods that I can pronounce all the ingredients in. Even better, foods with no more than 4 or 5 ingredients total. I've been doing it for 18 days now, and my cravings and my sugar dependency is gone. More of this, please!

10. Waste Time
I suck at this. I want to take a nap in a hammock. I want to go in a hot tub when it's raining. I want to be silly with my kids and serious with extra Jesus juice. My calendar doesn't have to be so full. Because really, what's going to count?

11. Just Let Go
What happened was unfair. It continues to be unfair. But it isn't changing. It isn't my fault. I will claim that and be a better person because of it. People need to make their decisions, and I need to make mine.

12. Go to a Roller Derby!!!!!!!!!
Yes!!!!!

8 Months Old

Let It Snow!

No, it didn't snow here in Sacramento, but it may as well have.

Every year, a widow who lives across the street from Sam & Charlotte's preschool/daycare invites children over to her house to enjoy goodies.

I've seen the construction of at least the outside of the house for about 6 years because I have been in that area for various things, but have never ventured over there and so this was our first visit. We met up with Miss Elisa and Miss Jenny's other kids, plus 3 out of the 5 amazing Spoonemores, and we went through the craziest Christmas house I've ever seen in my life.

Crazy = I totally want to do it someday.

We counted 9 full-sized Christmas trees, and a myriad of other Christmas decorations. She gave the kids small gifts, and allowed them to touch anything they wanted (BIG deal when you're in preschool, let me tell ya).

Then, she took them into her "movie theatre" and they cozied up with snacks and sleeping bags and watched a Christmas movie.

It was the most precious thing. Here are pictures of maybe half of what we saw, all in one house:


First, Sam with his girlfriend Addison (or as Sam calls her with a big stupid grin on his face "aaaaaadi!!!") . Note the hand holding. Good glory.

We started with the driveway, where this year's theme "Let it Snow" let loose. Literally with snow. She used the foam Disneyland stuff. Very cool.


In the 55-degree weather, he nonetheless saw snow and he yelled "Mommy! Get my gloves!!"
Underneath the eskimo's "ice" were real live goldfish swimming around. Love it.


Charlotte was not too sure about the "snow." Not too sure at all....


Random driveway Christmas tree made out of tinsel? Yes please.

You could read this two ways: Christmas magic as Sam catches a "snowflake", or Little girl in background about to be eaten by abominable snowman.


Then we went inside......










She had half of the kids go up this staircase and then she gave them Styrofoam balls to throw at each other for a snowball fight.

This is her fireplace!


Little details captured only by a 3 year old's eye level.
Photo wall of children that have visited the house, or are related to who will now be known as the Crazy Christmas House Lady.

Angel collection.

Presents!



Snowglobe collection. See Diana, THIS is a snowglobe collection ;) You need more than two!