Here's to 2013

Obviously my resolution of 2012 to keep up on blogging did not go well...here's to hoping 2013 brings better updates.

The 2012 rundown:

We continue to work on our property. This, I am sure, will be a neverending task! We had our first official garden, but stuck to the basics. We only planted tomatoes, lettuce, green peppes, jalapenos, and peas. I hope to have a bit more variety. I honestly did not realize how much space I actually had in the raised beds. I am working on my garden wish list, and will be more prepared this Spring. A few more trees were taken out. They were dead or diseased, so it is good to have them out. We also added to our little orchard by adding two cherry trees. Now, we have 2 apple trees, 3 pear trees, a black walnut, and 2 cherries. Hopefully, we have fruit this year...

Our home continues to evolve. Over the winter we finished an additional space in our basement and made our littles a toy/play room. It is wonderful to have a home for all the Barbies, cars, and dinosaurs. J.W's room received a makeover. He (finally, ahem!) graduated to a big boy bed. We scored a beautiful log bedroom set for his room, so we are going with a rustic/outdoorsy theme. The furniture is sturdy and perfect for our rambunctious little guy.

Our big plans right now are for a great room addition off the back of the house. L and I both agree that the only thing we do not like about this house is the location of the fireplace...silly, I know. The house is a little older, perhaps that is why it has an awkward location. It is located in the dining room area, which leaves little room for it to be enjoyed on chilly winter nights. There isn't even space for a small sitting area. We really want to be able to enjoy our fireplace and incorporate it into our main living space. Also, the kitchen needs updating. I think the cabinetry is original, and it is definitely showing its age (i.e. falling apart). We shall see what this renovation brings...

As for our precious family...

CJ is in 1st grade this year (what?!) She loves it! She is reading like crazy (every book in our house...) and excels at math. CJ is constantly asking questions. I have to be honest and say that I am so grateful she has a love for learning. I especially love that she loves to read (just like me!). We have just started to venture into reading some classics together (Little Women, may favorite!).

CM is in 4 year old preschool, and she loves to go to school as well. However, I think her love for school is deeply associated with her love for social gatherings. She loves to be around people. She wants to be the first one at school so she can greet her classmates. She knows so many kids...we walk through the school and even the "big kids" say hello to her...I think we are going to have our hands full with this one. ;-)

JW, oh man, he is a handful. Little guy is so different then the girls. He is into everything, I repeat, everything! Running is his favorite too. On the flip side, he still likes to cuddle and I try to soak up every moment. These years are flying by...

L is busy, busy with the agency and just took on the role of Jaycee president. This will be an exciting, and challenging, year for us balancing our family with his commitments.

As for me, 2012 brought many amazing gifts into my life. The most important being peace.I finally feel more content with this life God gave me. I was given an amazing group of women that have provided so much comfort, humor, and grace. As a mother, I feel as though I am really doing things
"right." I stumble, often, and yet feel as though I am finally getting it. I am at peace with the fact that these years are fleeting...my home will have clutter, toys underfoot, and dirty laundry. All too soon my littles will be in school and won't be home to leave all those toys, papers, and crayons laying about the house. This leads me to my goals for 2013...

Spend time each morning with the Lord. Thank Him for my blessings for they are many.
Be more intentional with my littles. Stop and snuggle, read a story or play. Time is flying...
Be intentional with my time. Do things that give me joy and happiness.

I have so many goals and ideas for this year (and coming years). So here's to 2013...The world didn't end....so let's do this!

Welcome Back...

*phew* blows dust off blog...this poor little blog was left quite unattended over the last 6.5 months! Those months have flown by as we live and enjoy this new home. The last several months have been busy but blessing filled. We look forward to what 2012 will bring us as we enjoy each new season in our new home.

One of my resolutions/goals for 2012 is to keep up on the blogging! Hopefully it goes well!

Have a joyful and blessed day!

Welcome!

Welcome to Rathbun Road! I hope this blog will turn into a place to enjoy our journey as we create a home in this new (to us) house. Please follow along as we unpack, decorate, create, and enjoy this new adventure!