Soul Food

What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth & touched your soul?

(Author: Elise Marie Collins)

It has too be a dinner we enjoyed as a family during our road trip.It was at this truck stop.  Ironically, it had the same name as a local restaurant we had loved that closed down; Russells. 

It was toward the end of our trip.  We weren't sure how the food would be...but the employees impressed us the most. While we were there, one of the employees called in to say they had run out of gas on the way to work.  The manager sent another employee to pick up that employee and put gas into their car.  Who does that?  From their restaurant we also enjoyed a view of a gorgeous sunset.  They also had a museum that contained lots of vintage cars and memorabilia.  It was free but there was an opportunity to donate---not to profit the museum, all the proceeds went directly to a local organization that ministered to & fed homeless in the area.

The travel center also contained a chapel that actually holds regular services, to minister to truckers, shower and laundry facilities.  The place had a small grocery store and gift shop and was clean and in excellent condition all around.

We were quite impressed and felt very comfortable there, good energy.  Being a stranger, a tourist, traveling through, it was a nice respite from the road and a great comfort to see all the ministry that could and did happen in that place....starting with a delicious meal!

Photo

Sift through all the photos of you from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are, or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, where, and what it best reveals about you. (Author: Tracey Clark)

I love this picture.  Ok, sure, I cropped it. My husband shot it.  We were in Long Beach, enjoying a new family tradition we started a few months ago, "Family Sunday".  We had stopped at a candy shop that had the most luscious, juicy looking caramel apples in the windows. Not only does this picture represent a great day...I look fun.  I am having fun.

It also reveals my love for caramel apples. :-)

What can't see from my crop---is my giant sunhat that I adore and my family makes fun of me for wearing. I have thick skin though, so I don't mind...too much. :-D

Everything's ok

What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead?

(Author: Kate Inglis)

It has to be, with out a doubt, those tiny, seemingly insignificant moments, hardly noticeable to anyone else, when I catch a glimpse of my children.

When K was maybe just a few days old, I was at the store for no reason but to experience civilization again (lol) and a stranger approached me and asked how old K was, clearly a new born. She told me that no matter how awful life seemed at the moment, she was always able to look at her child and just *know* everything was going to be ok.  Looking into her son's eyes and seeing his smile, she said, made everything else in the world, minuscule. I'm not sure I had ever experienced that personally, when she told me.

Since that time though, it has proven to be true.

I have been in extremely low moments, when it feels as if 'my' world will end and K has approached me or simply been standing near by and I see him, his smile, and just *know*, that God put him in my life to bless me and show me that everything will be OK.  When you are surrounded by such love, true love, how can it *not* be OK? No matter where you are or what has happened, the love of family is immeasurable. 

Or when my 2nd son, who is very keen and sensitive to the feelings of those around him and currently 10.5 years old....never fails to have an encouraging word.  He truly believes that no matter how rough today might have been, tomorrow is going to be better.  Although, according to him, %99 of the time, the current day is "the best day of his life". Seriously.  How can things NOT be ok when so often, it's the best day of your life!?!

I think that phrase alone, is going to be my new thought or motto for 2011.  I am going to strive to create the BEST day of my life every day.  Why wouldn't it be? Why shouldn't it be?

Each day awakes with the potential to be better than the one before. I LOVE it!

New Name

Let’s meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why?  (Author: Becca Wilcott)

I've been thinking about this a lot.  I really can't think of any good reason to have any different name.  My name has been imprinted on my soul, since before time began, before I was a twinkle in my mother's eye, a thought in her mind or a heart beating under hers.

It has taken on so many different tones and inflections, how could I imagine responding to any other call? 

The tone my mother would use as she hollered up the stairs.  Or the way she {occasionally} attached my middle name to create 4 quick syllables that were more to the point than if she was only using the 2 syllables in my first name. Any other name would not have allowed her the opportunity to sing to me, as a young child, an old fashioned song of cacophonous syllables that mingled with the words that called me beautiful.

Then there is the way, that only my husband can say it, when he shortens my name to one tender syllable that rolls off his tongue.  

If I was forced to choose, I could choose for no other reason than it's a pretty name: Eden.  Representing God's paradise.  Where we long to return and dream of being.  The place where eternity ended and mortality began....

All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.  
Psalm 139:16b

Travel

How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year? (Author: Tara Hunt)

Actually, we *really* traveled in 2010!  One client my husband did a commercial for hired him and his co-star (star?) to do a public appearance for their owners convention, in Ohio.  Well, I have an aunt, uncle and cousins in OH so naturally, I suggested we make this a family affair. I think vacations, especially the non-cushy type, like camping, are especially beneficial for families.  I knew this would be a great opportunity to build some amazing memories and get some truly needed bonding time in.

My husband had an all expense paid trip and we decided to drive to meet him and he would drive the rest of the way with us.  We started with me and the kids leaving a few days before him at 5:30 am! It was dark.

We met up with an E-friend of mine in UT and had lunch.  We ended up staying the night at a KOA in UT.  From there we headed to Indiana to meet up with another E-friend.  We had dinner, went to the fair and stayed the night. My uncles home was only 3 hours away from there, which was a nice change from the long stretches of driving we were doing.

We also experienced a rain storm that kept following us.  As we drove through Colorado we felt lots of positivity and high energy as we witnessed activity every where.  River rafters...in the rain!! Colorado didn't just rain either, it *threw* the rain at us.  We also witnessed a full double rainbow.  It was beautiful!!!  I received my FIRST ticket EVER...in Nebraska--the most boring state to drive through EVER! Really.  The state trooper even told me so. ;-)

Beyond that, we realized just how much America was made of CORN! We met up with 'daddy' at 'work'--a really nice hotel and stayed the night.  As I rolled into the parking lot, my tire went flat! After all those miles, God was still good to prevent that tire going flat on a long deserted road.

We visited Hershey, PA.  YES it smells like chocolate and the streets were chocolate colored.  We weren't sure if we were going to be able to make it into New York but we were SO close...we couldn't resist.  Of course we visited Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty AND Dylan's Candy shop and Central Park.  

We stayed the night in New Jersey and then headed to Washington D.C.  It was the most humidity we've ever experienced in our lives. I've never sweat so much just standing still! We then headed to Maryland to meet up and stay the night with another sweet E-friend.

We made an intentional stop in TN to visit & reconnect with some great friends that moved away a few years ago. We relaxed all weekend and enjoyed the best fellowship.  Our visit was too short and with tearful goodbyes and reconnected hearts, we were headed toward home.

Our final scenic stop was the Grand Canyon.  It was absolutely breathtaking and the perfect 'last stop' to our "Great American Adventure".  

We had so many exciting, adventurous, funny and memorable moments along the way. 17 days of driving, camping, motels, and CORN!

In 2011, we hope to travel back to the Grand Canyon and take my mother-in-love.  I would also like to take another road trip up along the coast to visit my other Aunt & uncle in Oregon and see other friends up north.  

I believe life is too short to dream of 'going places'.  Just GO! Especially if you have a family.  I know my ktbunch will never, in their entire lives, forget the summer of 2010.  No matter how little $$$ you have, there is plenty to see on the cheap.
 
The memories are priceless.

Future Self

Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?) (Author: Jenny Blake)

It's a little easier to write to myself 10 years ago cause, obviously, I already know what has transpired. 

For this year ahead, I think mainly, what I would tell myself,  is to enjoy myself, enjoy the process and to be present in each moment.  The time is going to pass by quickly, in a blink, and I will not regret if I have cherished each possible moment.

To myself, 10 years ago---I know exactly what I would say: YOU'RE SO PRETTY!!! Seriously.  It sounds funny but I have realized though, from looking back, that often times, I looked GREAT!  I looked young and fresh, vibrant and happy.  I would tell myself to FEEL that way. Enjoy those moments.  Stop fretting. Katy--you WILL be fine! You're life is going to be great, even in those really rough moments, you are going to SURVIVE & you are going to thrive.

You are going to have a great life, a joy filled life. You will learn lots of new things and be good at them. You DO have the capacity to forgive, even if you think you don't. You are much stronger than you think. Pray even more.

Knowing a bit more about life 10 years later, I would also add: save more, spend less.  You really need a lot LESS than you think. Start drinking ACV, have more tea time, hug little ern A LOT more too--cause you're gonna blink & he'll be an adult--actually hug EVERYONE more.

Oh--& be nice to your mother.  She really is a great mom, keep spending that time with her that you do.  You won't regret that!

xoxoxo

love yourself. No really, LOVE yourself.

PS: it's NOT your fault. 

Healing

December 19 – Healing.

What healed you this year? Was it sudden, or a drip-by-drip evolution? How would you like to be healed in 2011? (Author: Leonie Allan)

Most of my healing has been through insight given straight by God. When I have been hurt and wounded, I can trust that my creator will gently remind me of who I am, in Him and who I am meant to be.  It seems for me, when I feel hurt it is because I have forgotten who I truly am or who I am meant to be.

Only when I am walking in my true identity, do I experience true healing, emotional health and wellness.  He has also given me intelligence to do research, seek out knowledge for other ways to attain healing, physically and mentally.  Paying attention to how I am treated my body, my self.  Learning about diet and proper nutrition along with other elements the body needs to operate in optimal condition.

Inspiration also provides creative outlets for healing. Also, looking at the faces of my four sweet blessings melts all my cares and concerns away.  In y darkest hours I see the and feel the warmth and loving presence they bring with them where ever they go and it heals me from the inside out.  I hear the laughter and how can I not join in?

For 2011 I would like to continue to heal from broken relationships because I would like to have deeper relationships with out barriers.  I hope to be able to open my heart more toward forgiveness and have opportunities to speak love into those with who relations are strained.

Try

What do you want to try next year? Is there something you wanted to try in 2010? What happened when you did / didn’t go for it?  (Author: Kaileen Elise)

I have pretty much tried everything I've really cared about trying....maybe run a full marathon.  That would be nice. That is one thing I'd like to do that I have not actually *tried*.  I know I could do it if I did try.  It's getting out there and training. 

Nothing really happened when I did not go for it.  I simply didn't do it.  I did not make time for it.  I did not make it a priority.  I would like to train properly and set it as a goal for 2011. 

I feel I cannot accomplish a goal like this on my own.  I have too many people that need me on a daily basis at any given moment.  But I can not blame that or them. I *could* set a time daily, probably early in the morning, before I am 'needed', to train.

The only person really holding me back then, is me.

I'll have to think about this a bit more & explore if there is anything else I would like to try.

Life Lessons

What was the best thing you learned about yourself this past year? And how will you apply that lesson going forward?

(Author: Tara Weaver)

 I think that what I have realized is how lovely life can be.  How lovely I can *make* it.  I have the opportunity *every day* to create a life I *want*...a life that is lovely to live.  every day is a fresh opportunity filled with potential to be lovely.

Some days I might fail but I know that once the day is over--so is the failure.  The next day begins with success, creativity and inspiration.

I learned that *I* create the life I want to live, regardless of extraneous circumstances or environment.  

Going forward, I want to hold on to each moment more and remember that I have a choice.  A choice to live lovely & create a lifetime of lovely moments.  A lifetime of lovely memories. I do not need things to create a lovely life.  Things will not produce the satisfaction of a life well lived.  

What makes life lovely for me is to be surrounded by loveliness, smiles, laughter, love of family.  Even greater loveliness is achieved when I am giving the same back.. Smile at the cashier, even after waiting in the longest line.  Realizing that life need not be rushed.  I can let my toddler walk around the block and stop and inspect every nook and cranny...I do not need to hold him to hurry along.  I can relax on the teen-man, I can admit he's a great guy...I can admit that I enjoy my family and being around my own kiddos, it does not mean I am *only* a mom.  I can forgive the minor and the major offenses, no need to hold a grudge.

I learned creativity gives me joy.

Creating loveliness.

Choosing loveliness is the best choice.

Friendship

Friendship How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst?  (Author: Martha Mihalick)

After thinking about this for a few days I have finally concluded that the most influential friendship I have is the one I share with my husband. It's been quite awhile since I've been able to look at him as a 'friend'.  my 'husband' sure, lover, of course.  But friend? Really? Really.

He is the one who challenges me the most on a day to day basis.  Challenges me to be a better wife, a better mother, a better human being over all.  Sometimes the challenge is in how I relate to him.  Sometimes, the challenge comes through observation, how *he* treats others. He is very generous and hospitable, supportive and encouraging.

It would be easy for me to turn to a girl friend first for all things chatty in this life. My number one relationship, though, is him, day in and day out.  When I thought about this prompt I realized the one I turn to most often (besides my Lord & Savior, Jesus) is my husband, above all others.

It was not always this way. It was a pleasant surprise to realize this. I would say then, that this has been a gradual process of change. The way my friendship with him affects my perspective on the world is by giving hope and seeing the wold through his eyes.  I am the only one that knows him so intimately and he is the only one that knows me as well.  I know his strengths and weaknesses and he knows mine.

But he remains my friend, despite *knowing* me.  There is a dance of give and take that we know so well.  We make a great team.  We've developed this friendship through almost 2 decades of knowing each other.  We've known each other for longer than we've *not* known each other.  

The mere existence of his friendship inspires me, comforts me and blesses me within my soul. It allows me to face the world at large with confidence, knowing that, at the end of the day, there is at least one person on this earth who's 'got my back'!

5 minutes of 2010 memories

5 Minutes Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010. (Author: Patti Digh)

What I want to remember about this year, in 5 minutes:

My son's 17 birthday bash! We had a live band--his friends--& a fabulous time.

My youngest very 1st birthday--it was frog themed.

A road trip across the country stands out the most.  Was it 23 states + Washington DC?  The most fun summer ever and one for the history books.  

Ellis Island

seeing the Statue of Liberty--up close & personal w/ my daughter, named Liberty!

Dylans candy shop in NY & the way my middle son's eyes sparkled with excitement to be in the presence of so much candy--& FUN!

Singing in the car, like crazy w/ the kids while driving.

Colorado *throwing* rain @ us.

camping all over the place.

Seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time & losing my breathe in awe.

visiting our dear friends in TN!

the humidity in Washington DC

seeing my husband in numerous commercials on TV! especially Stanley Steemer & Wells Fargo!

Visiting my aunt & uncle in Ohio!

Finding our first geocache with my cousin Chelsea.

Mourning with E-friends through baby loss.