all three

playset

 Micah and Connor's (and Logan's too) big Christmas present this year was an outdoor playset.  Micah had definitely outgrown the one we got him for his first birthday and we had been wanting to get one for awhile.  Zach had big plans to build one for them (and still might one day) but time is not our friend for huge projects right now.  We combed Craigslist, ebay, and website after website for new ones and then Zach randomly just asked on facebook if anyone was getting rid of one and wanted to sell it.  Our friend Danielle commented almost immediately that they had bought one from a friend for their new house and then their new house ended up already having one!  The cost of this plus the money we earned selling the old one meant we basically spent the same amount we would have on the slide alone if we built from scratch.  Score for us!  Zach and our friend Zach spent an entire day putting it together while I kept the boys busy so we could keep it a surprise.  They have absolutely loved playing it in.  They call it their fort (or pirate ship depending on the day!).  It needs to be restained desperately but that is an easy and cheap fix that will wait until spring time :)  This is definitely in the top 5 of good purchases we have made!

embrace the camera: January 5th

I forgot my hair dryer and straightener when we went to my inlaws for Christmas which is why I look AWFUL but I love this picture of a rare kiss from Connor so I'm showing it anyway!

My two 'zacharys'

snuggling with my sweet Logi Bear :)

{embrace}

frozen on ice

 After seeing George do it, Micah wanted to try and freeze some water in cups outside last night.  He added a couple sweet gum balls as well.  We actually put them outside yesterday morning so we wouldn't forget and he kept going and checking on them all day and kept saying "yep they're getting there."  He was so excited this morning when it actually worked!

look who

has started potty training!!

 We are on day 6 of wearing underwear and Connor is doing really well and has earned many m&ms.  He has had a few accidents of course but the majority of them are when he is either eating or playing and doesn't want to stop.  I'm trying to convince him that his food and toys will still be there when he's done.  Micah is super proud of him and wants to come and help whenever Connor yells (and I mean yells) "I gotta go potty!!!!!  The newest slugs and bugs CD has a song on it about going potty so Connor and the rest of us are constantly singing..."Where you gonna go when you gotta go?  You're gonna go on the potty!"  Awwww the joys of parenthood :)

goals for 2012

Last year I made a list of goals in 6 different catagories.  I've marked in red the ones that I either accomplished or improved on somewhat.  Looking through the list it cracks me up that my physical goals are what I accomplished the least of.  After getting number 4 done it pretty much trumped all the rest of them!!

Sarah’s Goals for 2011

Spiritual
                *  continue daily bible reading and prayer time
                *  begin day earlier than the boys to spend my quiet times
                *  read at least 6 spiritual grown books
                *  make a list of the spiritual disciplines and concentrate on one per month
                *  make goals for Children’s Church and accomplish them

Physical
                *  earlier bedtime
                *  eat healthier (less Dr. P and other sugars)
                *  regular exercise (try for 3 times per week)
                *  get pregnant and have a healthy weight gain
                *  skin care regiment to get ready for turning 30!
                *  be diligent with taking vitamins

Financial
                *  strict grocery budget
                *  patient with spending $$ on wants
                *  pay off car and student loans
                *  better filing system

Professional/Home life
                * keep up cleaning schedule and weekly goals list
                * refurbish piano and train table
                *  try 3 new recipes per month
                *  work on Micah’s writing letters and numbers  and computer skills
                *  work on Connor’s colors and shapes
                *  spend less time on facebook , blogs and email
                *  read at least 6 fun books

Relational
                *  more special dates with Zach
                *  monthly hangout with Matt and Leslie
                *  keep up weekly goals list
                *  concentrate on words of the year Give and Take
                *  listen more to others words and advice.  Ask for it also.
                *  reach out to the needs of others small or large
                *  learn to make meaningful, friendly small talk
                *  specific prayers for others and myself

Here are my goals for 2012.  There are a lot of similar ones because I still think they are important to concentrate on and a few new ones that make more since in my current life.  

Sarah’s Goals for 2012

Spiritual
                *  complete  bible reading plan
               *  daily prayer time and journaling
                *  set a good schedule for boys so that I am able to begin waking up before them again
                *  read at least 6 spiritual growth books
                *  join a women’s accountability group of some kind
                *  make goals for Children’s Church and accomplish them

Physical
                *  earlier bedtime
                *  eat healthier (more water, less Dr. P and other sugars)
                *  regular exercise- complete 30 day shred at least twice, run 2-3 5ks
                *  skin care regiment
                *  be diligent with taking vitamins
               * engage in physical activity/play with M, C and L

Financial
                * reevaluate family budget and stick to it
                *  patient with spending $$ on wants
                *  pay off  student loans
                * organize paper work with a filing system
               * savings account/retirement account

Professional/Home life
                * keep up cleaning schedule and weekly goals list
                * refurbish piano, coffee table and end table
               * complete one pinterest craft a month
                *  try 3 new recipes per month
                *  summer reading practice with Micah
                *  work on Connor’s letters and numbers
                *  limit time on facebook , blogs and email
                *  read at least 6 fun books

Relational
                *  more special dates with Zach
                *  monthly hangout with friends our or at home
                *  concentrate on word of the year limit/slow
                *  reach out to the needs of others small or large
                * still trying to learn to make meaningful, friendly small talk
                *  specific prayers for others and myself
               * plan a fun weekend getaway with 1) a group or girl friends 2)mother and sister in laws on each side

sunday song

After a somewhat crazy and chaotic last month (newborns and Christmas are an 

overwhelming combo) I am happy to be entering into a new year.  I am even happier that I have a God who doesn't need a date on a calendar to give me the chance to start over or change direction or stop and listen.  Those of you who know me, know I have chosen a word of the year the past two years and last week God totally pointed me in the direction of the next one.  I can't wait to share it and to spend this year reflecting how He wants me to use it to improve my relationship with Him and apply it to the different aspects of my life.  It's a biggie...well for this family it is.  Until then read these words and enjoy the beginning of your 2012 as you continue to seek our Creator.

Create in me a Clean Heart
 (Keith Green)

Create in me a clean heart oh God
And renew a right spirit within me 
Create in me a clean heart oh God
And renew a right spirit within me

Cast me not away 
From thy presence oh Lord
Take not thy Holy Spirit from me 
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation
And renew a right spirit within me