Letting Go

I asked for a Mom's Devotional Bible for Christmas, and got it, so I've been using it for my quiet time.  While I still receive online devotions on a daily basis through Today's Christian Woman and Family Life, there's just something about flipping through the physical pages of the bible and reading the Word (I guess that's why I haven't really explored getting a Kindle or any kind of eBook devices.  I just like holding a book and turning actual pages!). 

The daily devotions in the Mom's bible is concise, so it wouldn't require a lot of time.  There's a passage that you have to look up to read (again, I enjoy flipping the pages!), accompanied with additional scripture readings if you have extra time.  This is followed by a brief devotional or lesson.  Even though they are short, all the lessons pack a punch, and I love how it pertains to life as moms.  Hence, the very reason why I wanted to get this bible - it's applicable, relevant, inspirational, encouraging, and even in the margins of scripture, you'll see a little "heart" symbol next to a particular verse.  The heart signifies that this verse is a reference to mothers, grandmothers (and mother-in-laws, too!).  I appreciate how the devotional readings are in sequential order, meaning it's going through the bible starting with Genesis.  And I love how even stories in the Old Testament have life lessons for us today. 

Anyway, I didn't plan on being so descriptive about the Mom's Devotional Bible, but really wanted to share with you last Thursday's lesson on "Letting Go".

The passage for the day was from Exodus 2 - the birth of Moses and how his mother had to "let him go" down the river in the woven basket, in order to save his life.  I love the beginning sentences of the devotional:

"It's been said that a mother is not to lean on, but to make leaning unnecessary.  It's also been said that a mother's lap is the best place from which to launch life."

The devotion goes on to say that...

" Letting go is a heart-attitude that begins at birth.  It begins with recognizing that children are a gift from God.  They are merely loaned to the parents for upbringing and nurturing in the Lord.  The process requires a daily choice to relinquish a child to God's care, God's instruction, God's control."  (p.60, Mom's Devotional Bible, Zondervan)

As I read this devotional, my heart ached a little...okay, a lot!  Most of you know that I'm a pretty sentimental person.  I treasure little keepsakes from my children, tuck away meaningful letters or notes from friends, scrapbook significant moments, and enjoy creating memories with my family.  But these moments that are given to us are so fleeting.  And while I tell myself to enjoy them, which I do, I have to confess that there's a part of me that is anxious.  Anxious that time is moving too fast, anxious that my kids are growing up and I'm not "there" to capture the moments, anxious that I would miss out on things, anxious that I'm not doing enough for them as a mom in this growing stage of life, anxious that I'm going to mess them up and already have, anxious that they will forget these fleeting moments.  I know these are silly thoughts, but they are real thoughts that creep into my mind, and cause my heart to tremble sometimes.

Then reading this devotion of letting go, if I'm honest with myself, this will be one of the hardest things that I will have to do.  I don't see myself as someone physically hovering over my kids.  You can ask any of my mommy-friends when we go to play areas, half the time I don't even know where my kids are!  (okay, don't report me to DCFS please!)  The challenge will come, and has already occurred, when I have to let go emotionally and sometimes physically too.  If you've read my previous posts about the first day of school, you'll see why I have such a hard time.

I can't explain it, but I'm sure I'm not the only one, right?  It's a heart language between mothers (and fathers, or any parental figures) that can't be articulated.  Or at least, I can't.  Yes, it could be that I'm sentimental and want to hold on to the precious moments and stages of life.  Maybe if humans could develop at the same rate as turtles, then childhood wouldn't fly by so fast! (BTW, the American Box turtle lives a minimum of 100 years)

Or maybe it's because I enjoy being a nurturer, teacher, and am not ready to finish this "job". 

Or maybe it's a control issue...

Because relinquishing the last donut in the box, is a lot easier than relinquishing your children.  I'm still amazed and somewhat baffled that the God of the universe would bestow such an important responsibility as parenting to us, to me.  I've heard from so many people, personally and in the media, that they wished that children would come with an instruction manual.  But they don't.  And yet, God still chooses us to care for His beloved babies.  He has called me to be mom to Joshua, Jenna, and Becca.  And He has called you to be mom to your precious little ones too.  And with this calling comes great responsibility, even though this is the hardest job I've ever had to do, it is the best one!  And it is a priviledge.  For a few more decades, I'll get the opportunity to teach, nurture, love, and point my children to the one true God who really is the one who gave them to me in the first place.  I get to influence their decisions, encourage their growth, mold their minds, assist in the navigation of their paths, teach them life lessons, point them to true beauty, show them the real meaning of love, and attempt to shield them from harm. 

After all these investments, the thought of letting go is hard.  But it is something that needs to be done...sooner or later.  I'm given this one life with my children, and I want to make it count.  I want to be a responsible steward of the little ones whom God has entrusted to me.  It is my responsibility to raise them, and when the time comes, to let them go.  And in letting them go, I give them back to God and then need to trust that God will take care of them.  Someone said "Let go, and let God."  True, but it's probably easier said than done.  I know that I don't have to cross this bridge for a while, but I feel like every day is a practice day for when it actually happens.  Saying goodbye to Joshua in the mornings as he goes to school takes on new meaning, especially after the Newtown incident.  Nevertheless, I need to trust that he is in God's care...come what may.

I find it comforting to know that Moses' mother's act of letting go came full circle, because she was reunited with him when the Pharoah's daughter entrusted her to be Moses' nurse-maid.  Similarly, I know that it will come full circle for me too.  For I know that there will always be a piece of me with my children wherever they go in life.  Letting go is temporary.  But because of our mutual love for Christ, I know there is eternity waiting for us! 

 

I love my babies!  And love it when they want to read together, especially in their pajamas!

 

The List...#3

#3.  Celebrate my birthday with a girls' weekend!

Okay, I know these first 3 things on my list are about my birthday.  But I really wanted to ring in my new decade with the people I love the most.  And every girl needs her posse of girlfriends.  I don't know where I'd be without mine!

So a year ago, I had a conversation with my good friend, Jolinda, about going to Cabo for my 40th birthday.  She was all on-board!  And I even have a friend who has a condo in Cabo, and she was willing to let me use it.  Unfortunately, as the time got closer, it didn't work out that we could go.  Boo!  Maybe another year...

Since I couldn't go to Mexico and enjoy the warm weather there, God blessed me with a gorgeous weekend in Chicago!  On Friday, January 11th, we checked into the Palmer House in downtown Chicago.  But first, we visited my friend, Amy, who just recently moved to the city.  Her apartment was AH-MAZING!  She was so kind to let us park our car in her parking garage, and this saved us a lot of money! 

After our tour of her beautiful apartment and apartment building, she graciously drove us to the Palmer House.  We were able to get an early check-in - another praise!  Our bedroom was divine, and definitely girly - yay!  We had our spa appointments later that afternoon, so we had time to go get some lunch.  Thanks to Amy's suggestion, we walked to Pizano's, which is a pizza place owned by the Malnati Family (as in Lou Malnati...yum!).  Can I just say that it was so nice to be able to order my own favorite kind of pizza!?  Rather than the usual just cheese, or wanting to order something different only to be met with whining and pouting!

The Palmer House

 

Our room!
 

My bed 

 

The elevator waiting area on our floor

 

Pizano's Pizza

 

After lunch, we walked back to the hotel and got ready for our afternoon of pampering at the spa!  If you read my previous blog post, you know that I already had an amazing spa day the Friday before in Lake Geneva.  So, I'm feeling extra special and super excited that I get to do it again!  I had a 50-minute massage, which almost put me to sleep, followed by a spa pedicure.  I know, who gets a pedicure in the winter time, right?  But I love it!  The last time I had a pedicure was when Becca was born, and it was at the hospital (here's my shout out to Good Shepherd...the most awesome place to have a baby...and yes, they give you a mani/pedi after you deliver, AND a prime rib dinner!).  After the pedicure, we were ushered in to the "relaxation room".  It was a room with comfy couches, tea/coffee station, magazines to read, a place to just hang out until your nails are done or when you're done relaxing...whichever comes first!

Jolinda and I getting our pedicures!

 

View from where I was sitting

 

My cute, painted toes!

 

We had a couple of hours after our spa before we had dinner.  We made reservations at Flat Top Grill.  I've never been there before, and it's kind of like Stir Crazy.  Again, we walked there (yeah, we're cheap...we didn't want to have to drive anywhere and have to pay for parking!).  We had a great time eating and talking.  Remember how I mentioned that God's gift to me was a great weekend in Chicago?  Keep in mind we're talking January.  It's usually bitterly cold or snowing.  After dinner that night, we were able to go for a walk!  It was a ridiculously gorgeous night out!  We walked to Macy's to look at the windows, we walked along State Street and looked at the lights.  And what do girls love to do the most?  (well, at least my girls do)  We love to get coffee and sit and chat for hours.  You'd think we'd be able to find a Starbucks in downtown Chicago, cos there's literally one at every corner.  But they weird thing is, all the Starbucks' were closed! 

Me and my BFFs, Jen & Jolinda, walking around State Street

 

Coffee in the lobby

(I have another picture that I wanted to post.  Both Jen and Jolinda were my bridesmaids, and I wanted to include a picture of the 3 of us 10 years ago at my wedding.  But, I can't find my wedding pictures!!)

So we headed back to the hotel and had our $6 coffee in the lobby.  I think we paid for the ambiance, which was great!  We ended our day in typical girl fashion - we watched a chick flick in bed...uh, just to clarify, we were in separate beds!

We slept in Saturday morning - hooray!  That's 2 Saturdays in a row!  We took a leisurely walk along Michigan Avenue, and were trying to find Hannah Bretzel's, a place that we'd been to when we went on the Chicago Chocolate Tour a couple of years ago.  But we couldn't find it, and ended up at The Water Tower Place.  We had our brunch there, and walked around for a little bit.

I love Chicago!

Near the Tribune Building

I wanted to go to the Disney Store, just for fun.  So, on our way back, that's what we did.  Didn't buy anything - I just like to pretend that I'm back at Disney!  Then, we walked back to the hotel and got ready for the next exciting event of the weekend - Afternoon Tea!!

My good friends, Ruth and Amy, joined us for tea (I was so bummed that my friend, Leslie, couldn't join us!).  Our server took us to the second floor and our table was right by the balcony, and we could look down into the lobby area.  It was pretty neat!  Again, the ambiance was great, and the food was delectable!  We were also able to witness two separate weddings that were taking place.  It was beautiful - one of the weddings was like out of the movies.  Gorgeous outfits, amazing traditions with lots of fanfare.

Amy, Jolinda, Ruth, and me

Our yummy Afternoon treats



The lobby of the Palmer House

The entrance to the ballroom

 

This was one of the weddings we saw...it was a Jewish man marrying an Indian woman.  Lovely procession and traditions!

We spent 2 hours talking and having "tea".  I have to say that this whole weekend, I just felt so blessed to be surrounded by women who know me, have been with me through the different stages of my life, and have been my constant encouragement and support through the years.  These women have known me even before I was married, before kids, and before the unfolding of God's plan in my life over the last 10 years or so.  Good and bad, they've stuck by me, prayed with me, cried with me, and lifted me with words of love, affirmation, and prayer.  They see me - the me without the façade; the me without any labels.  And as true friends always do...they love me, warts and all.

MY GIRLS!

To these amazing women, I'm eternally grateful for the role you've played in my life.  You are blessings from God, and you're my sisters, both this side of heaven and the next.  I love you all!

"A friend loves at all times." (Proverbs 17:17)

The List...#1 & #2 of 40

As I mentioned in my previous post, I created a list of 40 things that I would like to do in my 40th year.  I'm not sure if I'll get to all of them, but I hope so!  Honestly, I don't have all 40 yet, but I'm excited that my "fun and fabulous forty" has begun!  So, here goes...

#1. Have a phenomenal day with Jared and the kids on my birthday.

And I did!  I had the best birthday ever with my awesome family!  The day started off great with Jared and the kids allowing me to sleep in (till 8am!!  Whoo hoo!!).  They made me breakfast in bed, and they gave me their gifts...a Les Mis CD and a DVD with a collection of 8 British movies (very Downton Abbeysque!). 

My gifts!  And you can see my breakfast-in-bed tray in the background too!

We then got ready for the day, and packed the kids in the minivan and headed downtown to Navy Pier.  I've always loved downtown Chicago.  I guess growing up in major cities has left a mark on me.  What do they say?  You can take the girl out of the city, but you can't take the city out of the girl.  I love the vibrancy, the eclectic blends of culture, the exploration of new things/places, the explosion of colors, the endless possibilities of things to do in the city. 

Before heading out to Chicago, I HAD to make a quick stop at Caribou Coffee, where I was able to redeem a free birthday coffee (whoo hoo again!).  We then drove down to Navy Pier and spent most of our day there.  We arrived pretty close to lunch time, so we bought McDonald's for the kids.  Jared and I were not hungry and so we waited to have lunch till later.  We have the DuPage Children's Museum membership, which gives us free admission to the Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier.  It's one of our favorite places to go as a family.  If you've never been there, there is a spectacular view of the city in the "Water Works" area.  Needless to say, we all had a lot of fun.

There are these amazing stained glass displays at Navy Pier.

 

At the Children's Museum...the kids love to climb!

 

Trying to build a house!

Around 2:30pm, we left the museum and went to Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant for Jared and my lunch.  I've never been there, and have always wanted to go.  So, today seemed like the perfect opportunity.  Jared and I shared the gumbo, jambalaya, and the drink of the day which they called a Merry Margarita.  I don't particularly like margaritas, but this one looked intriguing.  We kept the kids busy with a basket of fries and games on our iPhones!

Gumbo and Jambalaya!

 

Merry Margarita!

It was an impromptu decision to go to the John Hancock building.  I've always loved going to the Signature Lounge for afternoon tea or coffee.  So, I mentioned to Jared that if we were able to find on-street parking fairly close to the building, then we should go to the Signature Lounge.  And oh my goodness!  We had a stellar parking spot, less than a block away from the building!  So, we went all the way to the 96th floor, had our coffee and oohed-and-aahed at the amazing view of the city and suburbs beyond.  We went at the perfect time because all the lights came up and lit up the city streets.  It was gorgeous! 

At the Signature Lounge

 

The city lights just came on!

 

Family pic

We still had about an hour to spare before our meter was up, so we decided to walk across the street to The Water Tower Place.  I've always wanted to go to the American Girl Place, so I took Jenna with me, and we were both enthralled!  Jenna kept pointing out to dolls and exclaimed "Oh, that's me!".  I guess you can pick out dolls that look like you!  It was a pretty amazing place...with a hair salon for the dolls, and a "hospital"??, and I guess you can make reservations for "tea time" at an actual cafe there.  Whoever thought of all this is making a butt-load of money!  But I don't think could bring myself to buy my girls a doll that costs over a hundred dollars.  That's just insane.   Maybe I can find one on ebay or craigslist.  But I can see how this could be a fun experience for mothers and daughters.  While Jenna and I did our AGP thing, Jared took Joshua and Becca to the Lego Store.  So, everyone was happy.

At the American Girl Place

We finally left the city around 5:30.  I am so amazed and proud of my 3 kids for doing so great that day.  They adapted well to going from one place to another.  No one had any meltdowns.  Whining was at a minimum.  I don't remember them fighting or arguing (I think this was God's birthday gift to me!).  And I think they all genuinely had a good time!  This gives me hope for if and when we ever go to Disney! 

We had such a great time, and I think I love the energy of the city the most.  It definitely is like being at Disney.  You go,go, go!  But at the end of the day, there's nothing like the desire of slumber and rest.  Likewise, with the outpouring of energy as we went from Navy Pier to John Hancock to the Water Tower Place, there was a satisfying welcome of heading home at the end of the day!  And as we were driving home, I was feeling incredibly blessed and happy to be able to spend my 40th birthday with my most beloved and treasured people.  My heart was full and content.

Josh and Jenna helping me blow out my birthday candles.

#2. Birthday weekend away with Jared

My wonderful husband took me to Lake Geneva for the weekend to celebrate my birthday.  Lake Geneva is one of my favorite places!  It's far enough from home to consider it a vacation, but close enough that it doesn't take forever to get to.  It really is a great get-away destination for us.  Jared bought a Groupon (yes, I've trained him well in the fine art of Grouponing!), and was able to get a good deal for a weekend at the Geneva Ridge Resort. 

The view from our window

We left Friday morning.  We first dropped the kids off in Elmhurst with Jared's parents, and then we headed to Wisconsin.  Our first stop was actually to the Outlet Mall in Pleasant Prairie.  Both Jared and I LOVE outlet mall shopping!  And since I hadn't bought any new clothes for myself in 2 years, I was giddy with excitement when I walked into the LOFT store.  Needless to say, Jared left me there while he shopped the rest of the outlet!  I bought a couple of new tops and accessories, and so I think I'm all set for the rest of the year. 

We arrived at the Geneva Ridge Resort (which is actually right on Lake Como, a few minutes west of Lake Geneva) just in time for my spa appointment.  This was Jared's birthday present to me...an afternoon at the spa, and it was glorious!  I had a spa package which included a herbal bath, a wrap, a facial (all of which I've never done before!), scalp massage and a Swedish massage to cap it all off.  Seriously, I could've just taken a nap right there and then.  I felt so relaxed that I floated up to our room.  I didn't want to do anything else but go to bed.

Saturday was an AWESOME day!  I slept in till 8am...whoo hoo!  8:30 for Jared.  While I love my kids, it is such a treat to not have to wake up to tend to little human beings who depend on you.  After a leisurely shower, which is a treat in itself, Jared and I drove into downtown Lake Geneva to a breakfast restaurant called "Simple Café".  I am telling all my friends about this place!  The food is divine!  This will be one of our "must go to" places at Lake Geneva from here on out.

Eggs Benedict with chorizos

 

Apple Crumble French Toast

 

My most favorite thing to do whenever we're at Lake Geneva is to go to the library and spend a few hours reading.  I know it sounds boring, but for someone who can't seem to find the time or place to rest, this is MY place of rest.  At the library, there's a reading area that overlooks the lake, and it is so peaceful, and the view is gorgeous, especially in the winter time.  In the summer time, there are benches right outside where you can sit and look out at the water too.  No matter what the season, when I'm at the library, I can always connect with God there.  I can always find that peace that I need, and I'll read, and journal, and worship.  And before I know it, hours have gone by, and my heart is full, and my tank, filled.

The view of the lake from my favorite reading spot in the library

 

After our reading time at the library, we went to the movies to watch Les Mis.  Jared hadn't seen it, and this was my second time.  I cried like a baby...again!  I don't think I can handle watching it again till a little later.  It's so good, but emotionally draining.  We've been listening to the CD pretty much every day!

Our perfect day had a perfect end - we watched the Packers defeat the Vikings in the playoffs!!

Sunday morning was pretty much the same as our Saturday.  Since the library was closed, we went to Caribou Coffee instead, and did our reading there.  We also did some antique shopping, and then headed out of town.  We retrieved our kids and hurried home so that we could put them to bed and watch the highly anticipated Season 3 of Downton Abbey.  What a great way to end the weekend!

I'm so blessed, and so thankful for a wonderful weekend away with my husband.  Jared and I had great conversations, and just appreciated the time we had to connect with each other and to connect with God.  Jared knows me so well, and since quality time is my love language, I indeed felt deeply loved this weekend!  This is by far the best birthday ever!

This is 40!

There's a movie out with this title (though I haven't seen it), and I thought it appropriate to use it, cos after all...today, I am 40! 

I AM 40! 

I thought that I would cringe saying it, or not really want people to know.  But honestly, I think I would rather embrace it, proclaim it, and praise God for 4 decades of life!

It's weird to think that half of my life has been played out, but let's try to look at the positive.  I have half (or over half, God-willing!) more to go!  I'd like to aspire to be a "cup half full" type of person!  The term "mid-life crisis" never occurred to me until someone mentioned it.  I really never saw myself as a "middle-aged" woman.  When I think of that term, I think of my mother.  But then again, she's grown up too, and isn't quite middle-aged anymore.  It's my turn.  But "middle-age" sounds so...old.  So...geriatric.  Gray hairs (ok, I have them.  But that's genetics!), pronounced muffin tops (I'm working on that!), sagging underarms (working on that too!), and just a loss of zeal for life and a sense of resignation that this is as good as it's going to get. 

Then, I googled "mid-life crisis" and this is what I found:
- did you know they have a club called Midlife Club?
- the term "mid life crisis" was only coined in 1965...not too long ago.  Why do they have to label everything??
- Wikipedia defines it as:

"a time where adults come to realize their own mortality and how much time is left in their life. A midlife crisis is experienced by many people during the midlife transition when they realize that life may be more than halfway over. Sometimes, a crisis can be triggered by transitions experienced in these years..."  (like death of a parent, menopause, empty nest, and even a "zero" birthday!)

- I like what one site calls this season a mid-life "transition" instead of a crisis, because crisis conjures up such negative images.  And really, the transition isn't all that bad.

(I also googled celebrities who are 40, and I am definitely in good company!  I could see myself being girlfriends with Jennifer Gardner (and Ben Affleck is 40, too!) and our families could hang out since our 3 children are the same age! (one can dream!)  Also, Cameron Diaz, Alyssa Milano, Jenny Garth, just to name a few gals who are also 40.)

Emotionally, I don't feel like I'm there yet, mid-life.  I mean, I still have a 16-month-old at home.  I don't feel 40 (I was carded at a restaurant the other day...whoo-hoo!), and a lady at the post-office called me a Baby Mama, I guess she meant that even though I have 3 kids, I look like a baby myself.

It's true when people say that age is just a number.  I think that half of it is mental too.  I want to stay in good health, not only for my own benefit, but also for the benefit of my husband and children.  I want to be able to run around and play soccer with Joshua 10 years from now, I want to be able to travel with my girls and show them all the neat places that I've visited.  I want to be able to still go hiking with Jared in the Rockies, and maybe audition for "The Amazing Race" (hint, hint, honey!).  And I suppose it helps that I stole the cradle and married someone a few years younger than me.  Jared will keep me young!

I believe this scripture verse to be true...that our "body is the temple of the Holy Spirit...therefore, honor God with your bodies" (1 Corinthians 6:18, 20).  So, it is our responsibility to take good care of it.

While being young at heart is a good thing, I want to be able to act appropriately too.  While it's fun to see some biker grandmas in their leather, and tattooed up the wahzoo, I somehow can't stop to wonder if their "mid-life crisis" hit them a little late!  I think there is a difference between aspirations and doing something a little different.  Breaking out in leather and getting tattooed is not my cup of tea (and I'm not saying this is wrong, I just want to be a cool granny in a different way!).  But we all have our definition of fun.

So in honor of my big 4-0, I decided to create a list of 40 things I'd like to do this year.  I started this list last year, and only came up with 21.  Some are fun things, like learning how to make GOOD ribs (I stress good, cos I'm a bit of a ribs snob.  Can't find good ribs anywhere!), or going to watch a movie in Grant Park this summer; some are from my personal bucket list, like running a half marathon, and connecting with an old friend from primary (elementary) school; while some are more serious, like sharing the gospel with non-believers.  So, if you have suggestions of what I could/should do (granted, you probably need to know me first!), please send your suggestions my way!  I plan to blog about each activity that is on my list, so you can join in on my fun!

At 40, I know that God isn't done with me yet.  I know that He'll continue to grow me and teach me.  I still have so much to learn, about Him and about myself.  I'm still the clay in my Potter's hand, and am being molded into the person that He wants me to be.  I want to be a better wife and mother - to be more patient and loving.  I want to be a better friend, and a selfless servant.  I want to love my God with pure abandon, and to be a light for Him wherever I go.  Ultimately, may my life be a song of praise to Him, and may all that I do bring Him glory!

Last week at church, we sang the song "Lord I Offer My Life to You" by Hillsong, and the lyrics truly resonated with me.  The chorus goes like this:

Lord, I offer my life to you
Everything I've been through
Use it for your glory
Lord I offer my days to you
Lifting my praise to you
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer you my life

"Everything I've been through...", even though I've had many difficult seasons in my past, God has redeemed it, and has used it for His glory.  And may He continue to do so in my life.  There are days when I feel incredibly blessed, and almost feel undeserving of all the blessings, all the grace and mercy that God has chosen to bestow upon me.  When people ask me what my dream is, I can undoubtedly say, I'm living it!  20 years ago, I would never have imagined living my life right now.  I dreamed of a loving husband, healthy children, a warm home and family to call my own.  Who am I that God would choose to bless me with my heart's desires?  If He called me home tomorrow, I am pleased to say that I have no regrets (except that I would be leaving my loved ones behind!).  But I truly believe that there's nothing that I could've done to earn God's love and blessings.  He chose me!  He chose me!  And I'm going to choose to honor my God the best way I know how...to love Him, and to offer my life to Him.  May this song (above) be my anthem!

I am excited about 2013!  It's kind of nice to have a birthday early in the year...it literally is a new beginning, a new slate, with hopes and aspirations.  I am looking forward to all that He has in store for me!

I want to live life fabulously at forty!  Forty...fun and fabulous!  I think that works!

My greatest joys and blessings!

Jared

Joshua

 

Jenna

 

Becca

 

My girls!