Happy 2011!

   Wow that is the first time I have written 2011.  Seems like just yesterday we were getting used to 2000, and now it's another new decade!  This last year has just gone by so quickly.  They seem to go faster and faster the older we get! 

   2010 was the year of all the baby's Firsts.  All those first holidays, as well as first teeth, first steps, first words.  Wow, so much growth and development going on!  All four of the boys are so sweet and lovable and it is such a joy and a blessing to watch them grow.  When they are all here, it is noisy, chaotic, and wonderfully exhausting.  Here they all are on December 18th, when we had our "French Christmas."
    Trying to get them all in the same picture is difficult, but not impossible.  Getting them all looking the same direction involves several people behind the camera, all jumping around and yelling, which would be a funny picture in itself.  Getting them all looking the same direction, and smiling too, IS impossible.  We settle for all within the frame of the same picture. 
    The sequence of all the pictures is hysterical.  I have many series of shots that just crack me up.  Someday we should make a video of our photo shoots.  It would be great laughs down the road.
    So what will the New Year bring?  I am looking forward to sharing another year with the family I love.  Do I have any goals?  Why yes, I do. 
1.  Finally lose that 30 lbs I need to shed.
2.  Eat healthier (lots of fruits and veggies every day!)
3.  Get in the best shape of my life for my 55th birthday (exercise program!)
4.  Organize, declutter and simplify in all areas of my life
5.  Thank God every day for the blessings of my life
    These are mostly external goals, but I want to change on the inside too. I want God to continue to shape and mold me into the person He wants me to be. That is often painful, but I welcome it. 
  [ Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.    James 1:2]
   So come on 2011, I am ready for you!  The good stuff, the bad stuff, and everything in between. 
   [I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13]
   And don't let me forget that!