It's a Wrap

2013.

I remember telling myself in January that I needed to be more organized this year. Hmm.

Looking at my filing system (a laundry basket overflowing with papers from the past few years) and my kitchen cabinets (crammed with odd assortments of just about everything,) I can see that "getting organized" did not make it to the top of my priorities after all. And yet--our bills are paid, we always manage to find something to eat, and our sons have grown.

What did I do this year that matters for eternity? Clean out some cabinets? File some papers? Did I print my pictures or dust the hard to reach places in my house? Nope! Maybe some day I will get to those things. I really hope I can. But tonight I am choosing to look at 2013 as the year I supported my husband through lots of changes at work. It's the year I loved watching one son rise to the top at his middle school while bringing his 6th grade brother along with him. It's a year to celebrate Aaron's health, and his little-boy sweetness with snuggles at night and big squeezes for hugs. It's a year I stepped outside of my own little world and asked God what He would have me do for Him.

I have loved this year. Thank you, Lord, for an incredible 2013. It is filled with much love, rich friendships, highs, lows, tests, and trials. I think the song Never Once, by Matt Redman, describes what I'm trying to say.

"Never once did we ever walk alone. Never once did You leave us on our own. You are faithful, God You are faithful."

To wrap it up, I have more Christmas pictures to post. :) Surprise! Tee hee! I noticed I didn't post as often in my blog this year. It's not because of pinterest. I don't like pinterest. It must be because I'm so busy being a mom to 3 growing boys...and maybe I'm on facebook too much? ;) Happy New Year!

Making gingerbread cookies with Aaron

Braylen and Kaleb made almond bark pretzels.

Kaleb called them "barky pretzels."

Aaron was a toy soldier in his school program. :)

The 3rd grade Christmas gift is...

...a handprint rug! Now we have 3!

Waiting for Grammy & Grampy to arrive

A favorite gift this year for Aaron

Eagles vs. Bears :)

Another favorite gift--his own pottery wheel.

Christmas Eve

His last present to open...do you think he likes it?!

We played lots of board games this week--especially Clue. Although the game pictured here is Sorry.

Aaron's air swimmer that he wanted SO badly! It's huge!

My biggest blessings of all, my family.