~* Some New Changes *~

So with a new year started, I am making some changes to this blog!  As you can tell, I sure haven't kept up with the picture a day!  But, that is OK!

Anways, I am excited for some of the new changes!  To begin with....I changed the name and link!  It will now be:  http://www.livinglifesdream.blogspot.com/

I liked Miraculous Memories, but time for something new!  There is a story behind the name I chose which I will fill you in on!  Until then, check back often! 

~* Simple Joy 3 *~

Nothing like the simple joy of a chocolate ice cream cone on a cold winter's night!

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Hebrews 13:5

Simple Joys Day 2

Today's simple joy deals with the game playing again......it is an ongoing tournament at our house with the game Guess Who.  My mom got Garrett the Guess Who Extra for Christmas, so that has tightened up the competition!  Here is Kurt and Garrett hard at it......

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28

~* New Year's InTeNtIoNs? *~

Happy New Year!  I don't have any feelings regarding 2010 and about it being over.....I mean, it always is bittersweet, but it was not a year that I was glad to see go!  I remember counting down the days until 2009 was over, but it was different this year.  2010 was good to our family:  Garrett finished kindergarten and started first grade at a wonderful school, Ethan turned 3 and FINALLY starting using the potty and gave up the BINKY! I took a new position with Franklin Schools and Kurt was continually blessed with all the overtime that he could handle to work.  I am excited to see what 2011 has in store for our family.....with that said, everyone makes these "resolutions".  As I sat and pondered what resolutions I would make this year, just to turn around and break them, I decided that I wouldn't make any!  Instead, I have "intentions" this does not commit me to anything! lol

A few of my 2011 intentions include:

• Of course, the almighty weight thing!  I would love to lose about 20 pounds and I have complete intentions to do just that!  I have downloaded the couch to 5K application on my iphone and that is as far as I have got!  It is my intention to look like this:

• I intend to focus on the simple joys in our life a bit more!  To mark my progress with this intention, I "intend" to take a picture (with my brand spanking new Canon Digital Rebel) everyday of the simple things in our life and post them here!  I get so caught up and only post the big events of our life, but truly it is the simple, everyday pleasures here that make us who we are.
• It is my intention to finish up this ESL certification that I am currently working on and calling it QUITS with taking classes for the rest of the year!  I have this inner voice that speaks to me, constantly telling me that since I have the opportunity for these classes to be paid for to keep taking them.  I am burned out and NEED TO STOP!
• It is another intention of mine to continue with the Bible study classes that I go to on Wednesday evenings and develop a stronger Faith.
• Healthier eating ..... that is all I am going to say about that!

Do you make resolutions for the new year? or are you making "intentions" like myself?  To start this off, I will leave you with my first simple pleasure.....we have done NOTHING over this Christmas break!  I think I got dressed a total of 2 times; once to go get my hair done and once to go to dinner for New Year's Eve.  We stayed home everyday and just enjoyed each other! It was so nice....the big thing at our house right now is playing board games.  Garrett LOVES playing games and little Ethan well, he would like to LOVE to play games.  Here is a picture of him, just so intent on thinking that he is really playing the game well!  Such a simple joy in our house!





 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

Love,

Shawn

P.S.  If you are reading along with me, PLEASE take time to "follow" me on the right hand side!  Thanks so much!