Feeling Content

   So, as some of you already know, our family recently joined John Wesley United Methodist Church. Its a first for me (I even got baptized.) and Neil switched his membership from the Catholic church he grew up in. We've been attending Sunday services on and off since April, not too long before Ethan was born, but we have been having trouble going regularly. Neil and I are both inherently lazy, and Sunday mornings have always been a time to sleep in for us, or at least to get up early with the babies and not have to shower or get dressed right away and just loll around. Thus we found ourselves going almost a month without attending our newly joined church! Shame on us. So we finally went yesterday, despite trying to make excuses and talk ourselves out of it repeatedly in favor of sleeping in. It just figures that both Ava and Ethan sleep in LATE on the one day we have to get up and go somewhere.
   We are SOOOO GLAD that we actually went. It sounds cliche, but we truly do feel at peace with ourselves and our family after going. Everything really just works out so nicely. Ava is getting more used to the church nursery and is actually starting to have fun, Ethan slept through most of the service in his carrier, and Neil and I actually enjoy listening to the sermons and music - our church has a really amazing choir. Even the whole rest of the day just seems better. We are less irritable, more productive, and feel closer as a family.
   The hard part is going to be going back week after week without making excuses, but we are both very serious about this and are going to make every effort to go when we don't have scheduling conflicts. We are also thinking about joining a bible study class and possibly even get involved in some of the groups and ministries offered. Next on our churchly agenda will also be scheduling the kids baptisms - hopefully before the end of the year!
   We love our new church more and more every time we go. I can't wait till next Sunday!

Belated Birthday Post

   So caffeine withdrawal headaches are no fun at all. I miss my soda.

   What was a lot of fun was Ava's 2nd birthday party almost two weeks ago. It was a nautical themed party, complete with anchors, sailboats, themed food, a photo booth, and outdoor water fun. The weather was hot, but perfect for the occasion, and a good time was had by all. The only two things I could complain about are the broom that was left out in the middle of the kitchen during the entire party (that NO ONE seemed to notice?!?!) and the discovery of a giant wasp nest inside the back porch fan that STILL has not been destroyed.

My little girl sure is growing up fast (how is she TWO already?), as is the little man in the sailor hat. My babies aren't going to be babies much longer!!

Hello Everyone!

   First off, I have no idea what I'm going to write about here. Originally I intended to start this blog as a means to share pictures and stories of my children with friends and relatives as a way to keep them updated on our little family. Its hard to stay in touch these days, even with all the social media, and proud Grandmothers and diligent gossiping can only reach so many people.

   I guess I didn't end up doing that, but I've been making new goals for my life and I figure that having something that holds me accountable - even if no one but me reads this blog - will help me accomplish those goals. My main goals are :

1. Get In Shape : this mainly pertains to trying to eat right, cutting out sodas, and exercising - possibly even using my gym membership that steals money out of our bank account every month despite the fact that I haven't walked through those big glass doors in over 2 years. Neil is joining me in this goal, so I might get a tad bit competitive.
2. Organize My Life : I'm starting a Home Management Binder to aid in this, but I'm still in the building process of that. Yep, I have to organize my binder to help me organize my life. But I actually am working on it, and even though it's not quite finished, I'm going to start using the sections that are further along. 
3. De-clutter The House : I'm a pack rat. If there's even a slim chance I might possibly have need for something in the far-off distant future, I'm going to squirrel it away somewhere, even though there isn't actually any room for it. It also doesn't help that I have way too many crafty and cooking hobbies, and most all of them require "stuff." Sadly, my goal is to say good-bye to some of that stuff. Maybe even more than some.
4. Family Time : So many day to day things seem to get in the way of just being with my husband and children and enjoying our time together. Hopefully we can set aside more time for each other to play, talk, and make new traditions and keep up with old ones. 
5. Pictures! : I have a nice camera and beautiful children - I need to take more pictures, and then actually do something with them when I have them - print, frame, scrapbook, anything! I have stacks and stacks of empty frames just waiting to be filled and hung on the wall or placed on a shelf.
6. Social Stuff : Having a toddler and a new(ish) baby makes it hard to keep up with social commitments, but I can do it if I try. I just need to motivate myself! This means more play dates, more girls day outs, trying to visit out of town friends and family when possible, and calling, writing emails and mailing actual letters when I can't.

   Those are the main goals, and I think most of the small goals fit under one or more of those. I think it's enough to keep me busy for a while, and will give me plenty to share on this blog!

   Your tips, comments, and encouragement would be much appreciated!