My Brother - my friend

I consider myself extremely blessed to have had a friendship with my "big" brother Chuck.  My brother was 13 years old when I was born.  I'm pretty sure we started our friendship on that day.  He was always my defender & protector. You didn't want to mess with him, if you messed with me.  

Chuck was always the life of the party, cracking jokes and just plain silly.  He reminds me so much of my dad, a compassionate and loving person.  The instant you met my brother, you'd become a life long friend. I will miss our daily chats on the phone.  He'd call just to say hey...or check on the kids.  My brother was always there for me and my family.  I know my kids will miss their uncle and his kindness.  To my kids he was more than their uncle...he was their buddy and at times I think he was also tried to fill in for my dad.  To John, he was a brother and friend.

Chuck, I will miss you so much.  I miss your hugs, smile and laugh.  Thank you for being a great friend and brother to your little sis.  Thank you for being you.  You have touched so many people's lives.  I love hearing the stories about you from others.  The stories are usually about something funny you did or  something you did unselfishly.  

We will always remember the goodness of your heart.  We will remember you always.  

Goals and resolutions for 2011

Thought if I posted these it would give me the push I need to do and finish them:

• Read 6+ books
• Read a chapter in the bible every day / find a study that I can understand and follow
• I'm not saying exercise but to at be active in my daily life
• Call or even write family and friends instead of texting and FB
• Pray with my husband and friends
• Take (more breaks) time for myself at least once a week and hang out with friends without feeling guilty 
• Continue to show my children and husband that I love them in special ways

2010

Instead of blogging about the year 2010, which would have been an extremely long post, I decided to do this on wordle.net.  This was quick and easy.  It gets my point across, I hope. 

2011 - I'm ready for you.  

On being a "mommy"

On Being a Teacher (change teacher to Mommy) (by Emma Brown) A careful teacher/mommyI want to be A little girl follows me I do not dare to go astray For fear she'll go the selfsame way I cannot escape her eyes; Whatever she sees me do, she tries; Like me she says she's going to be The little girl who follows me. She thinks that I am good and fine Believes in every word of mine; The base in me she must not see The little girl who follow me. I must remember as I go Through summer's sun and winter's snow, I am building, for the years that be, For that little girl who follow me.

Joy:

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.  He freed me from all my fears.  Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.  (Psalm 34:4-5)

Nap Mat (for Charlie)

Made a simple nap mat for Charlie.  He and his kindergarten class take naps everyday.  His nap mat was getting a little dingy, so we picked out some cute fabric to make a new one.  I had no clue where to begin, but I think it came out ok for not having a pattern.

Cute dog theme. Batting in between, nice & comfy.

Audrey testing out the final product.

Rolls up like a sleeping bag.

My Little Girl:

Wow can't believe my Audrey is 2.  Forgot to post something on her birthday.  She has been keeping us busy.  She talks more and more clearly everyday.  I thought we'd do something special today, just her and I.  So after we dropped the boys off at school, we headed to Disneyland.  We both enjoyed the morning by going on a few rides and having lunch together.  I know she might not remember today, but I sure will.  God has truly blessed me in so many ways.  My daughter is my little buddy.

Mommy and Audrey time at Disneyland.

With her pal Dumbo. One of her favorite rides.

Her new jacket mommy embellished.