2011-Thank God for another year

I am so thankful for another year to spend with the one's I love. We had a great and relaxful time ringing in the new year with the Burkhardt's.  Sometime's going to huge ginormous New Year's parties wears me out. It was nice having an cozy and intimate time sharing with our families. And Cooper got a chance to romp around with the Burkhardt boys before his bedtime.  It's amazing to think in a few years Cooper will be asking to stay up til Midnight, asking "When do we Party, and toast?".  (Beth you know what I mean, lol)

2010 was a good year, full of Cooper's firsts.  But I anticipate 2011 to be amazing.  We are a few weeks into our marriage lifegroup at Level13. I am so excited for what is to evolve from our relationships we have made and how much he has blessed John and I with such and amazing group of people.  I expect life changing things to happen as a result of our study and our drawing nearer to God and his plan for our lives.

This year I haven't really made any resolutions.  Those always seen to fade away after the excitement of it all.  But I have promised myself something, to be joyful.

Here are a list of the things that bring me the most joy and I have committed to in 2011:
1. Spending time daily with God-I seem to be in a happiest when I am in tune with God.
2. Spending QUALITY time with my husband- without Cooper
3. Being transparent with my closest friends-letting my guard down and allow people to surprise me, I need to let go of things and realize that people are human, including me.
4. Creating as much art as time allots me- being in the creative spirit always makes me in a better mood.
5. Be the Best Mom I can be- Just being a Mom brings me so much Joy, I need to stop comparing myself to others and accept that I am doing my best for Cooper and our family.

This is one of the most Joyful photos of Cooper I could find.  Children seem to be able to find joy so much easier than adults. One of Cooper's favorite things to do is to jump on the couch.  Even though I try to put tabs on him walking on the furniture, every once in a while I can't help but laugh as I watch him jump around, frizzy hair and all. It's theraputic to break the rules every once in a while...I think.

So that's it, keep it short and sweet.
I'll let you know how all of those things are going for me throughout the year.  So Happy New Year Everyone! I pray that God's Love consumes you this year and that he reveals to you Joy like you have never imagined.

The Best of Christmas 2010

 The Fam spent Christmas at our house this year which will probably become a tradition from now on.  We a a great time eating, doing presents, and just enjoying each others company. Here are a few of my favorite photos from our first Christmas celebration.