HOLY-cow, I have been one bummed-out mama this winter. I spend my days wishing for things I can't have. I would love to live closer to my amazing family- I miss them daily. I, also, would love to have warm weather, a beach nearby and a constant tan (for now, the tanning booth will have to do until we go to San Diego in 2 weeks!)! I have always wanted a mini dog, not a huge slobbery St. Bernard;), who could follow me around the house and sit on my lap at night! I would love to have more money (or airmiles)... just, so I could travel to the most interesting locations. I dream of going to my old stomping grounds (Indonesia) with my family. I need a hobby other than; shopping, sippin' mochas and relaxing pedicures. I wish I could inspire my 2 yr. old to talk, so he could communicate his frustrations. There are so many other things I would like in life and these are the things that I have been focusing all my attention on since I moved to Alaska.
But, I do not want this for me or my family. I want to be completely joyous in ALL the numerous blessings God has given me. I have known that I need to find my JOY from God alone, but now I am actually pursuing it! You see... today was our first Young Mom's Bible Study, led by my super-duper-multi-talented friend, Amanda. I am so happy that God has inspired her to start this study where we study a different theme each month. This month, she felt led for us to study "JOY" and that is exactly what I needed! I am excited to see how God is going to use this month to inspire me in my walk with him to discover that through Him alone I can find JOY even when:
- my kids are fussy,
- I feel alone,
- the weather is lame,
- I'm "bored" with "life"...
- and, the list goes on but I don't want to bore any of you!
So, as I study God's Word and find complete joy... I am also trying to change my attitude on a daily basis. I desire to be joyful with the things God has given me.
I am joyful that God has given me a family that loves the outdoors. This is a GORGEOUS day of our whole family taking a walk across the frozen lake to Popeye and Mo-mos home. Not every day in Alaska has; blue skies, humongo shadows, pure snow, and sparkly mountains... but, it is my goal to still find joy even on the not-so-gorgeous wintery days.
I am also finding joy in the fact that God gave me 2 adorable boys who LOVE to imitate their dad. Here they are on a frrrreezing/dreery day (I'm in the car!) but they are still outside trying to ski with their dad.
I know God gave us children to help us remember to find JOY in the little things. The boys were thrilled to be able to wax their skis, just like daddy. That would have been so boring for me but my 3 boys constantly teach me lessons of how to be thankful and joyful.
Savannah is such a smiley one! We are so thankful for her addition to our family. God knew that I needed a happy little sissy.
Oh Noah! What a crazy little boy! He can try my patience like no other but I know God gave him to me for a reason and I am determined to focus on all of his positive traits. This is how he fell asleep today- it's so Noah-style. He's just such a silly little guy that brings a smile to everyone's face. I, so badly want to be a more; loving, patient, joyful, wise and sensitive mama to Noah's needs.
So all of this to say, that so many people think I have it altogether... I do crafts with my kiddos, we do cool outdoorsy things, I help plan MOPS and other mommy things...but inside I have really let my joy be focused on these worldly things and events. I have, also, been spending too much time on my laptop instead of playing with my kids. So now, when I open my laptop I have a sticky note hanging down that reads, "Find JOY in God and give JOY to your family before you spend time on the web". You see, I have failed to let my joy be focused on God and taking time to truly be joyful for all His blessings to me. This month, I am super pumped to let His joy be my inspiration.
PS: One last thing... after I got home from our wonderful Bible Study, I opened up my email to read today's devotion. Once again, it felt like I was reading something written just for me. The devotion went perfectly with what we talked about in this morning's Bible Study.
Proverb's 31 Ministries devotion from today.
Here's our giddy little guys totally jazzed to go sleep in a tent with their dad! We bought really warm sleeping bags for them at the REI Winter Clearance and since the bags are red, we decided to wait and give them as their Valentine's gift. Whoa- that was the "hit" for our boys, we had no idea a sleeping bag would be a cool gift. The sleeping bags are super warm but Kep still bundled up the boys, to satisfy mom! I'm sure he ripped off at least one layer once they were safe in the tent!!!
Aren't the 3 of them so cute!?! I wish I could be a little mouse in their tent as I'm sure they are super entertaining!
Noah was pumped to wear his daddy's headlamp!
I LOVE being with my hubby. And, yesterday was so refreshing as I had him all to myself! I wanted to do something special for Kep on Valentine's Day, since he's been so patient with my stinky attitude all winter. So, I surprised him with a day of skiing at Alyeska while Popeye and Mo-mo kept our children. 
I am joyful that God has given me a family that loves the outdoors. This is a GORGEOUS day of our whole family taking a walk across the frozen lake to Popeye and Mo-mos home. Not every day in Alaska has; blue skies, humongo shadows, pure snow, and sparkly mountains... but, it is my goal to still find joy even on the not-so-gorgeous wintery days.
I am also finding joy in the fact that God gave me 2 adorable boys who LOVE to imitate their dad. Here they are on a frrrreezing/dreery day (I'm in the car!) but they are still outside trying to ski with their dad.
I know God gave us children to help us remember to find JOY in the little things. The boys were thrilled to be able to wax their skis, just like daddy. That would have been so boring for me but my 3 boys constantly teach me lessons of how to be thankful and joyful.
Savannah is such a smiley one! We are so thankful for her addition to our family. God knew that I needed a happy little sissy.
Oh Noah! What a crazy little boy! He can try my patience like no other but I know God gave him to me for a reason and I am determined to focus on all of his positive traits. This is how he fell asleep today- it's so Noah-style. He's just such a silly little guy that brings a smile to everyone's face. I, so badly want to be a more; loving, patient, joyful, wise and sensitive mama to Noah's needs.
Here are some pictures of what we have been up to! I bought this big foam heart, wrote on it, cut it into 14 puzzle pieces and then put magnetic tape on the back of each piece. Every day, I put one puzzle piece into that mailbox and then the boys put it on the fridge... they have no idea what it will say or look like until February 14. Now, I know a puzzle piece isn't super exciting mail, so they also each get one red peanut M&M (gotta start the day with chocolate!). They also get one post-it note with a verse of God's love written out and we are posting these on our door. Finally, they get an extra little "craft"... today I had their box of Valentine cards to write on and yesterday they made bear/heart/foam bookmarks.
And, of course sugar heart cookies are the best way to start all Valentine festivities!!! Noah agrees!
I have always thought it comical how many people comment on "who your children look like". The funny part about it is everyone's opinion is different. And, the frustrating part is I usually don't get any credit... in Alaska, people always say our children look like daddy. Even though, Savannah and Noah are totally my side!!! :)
My dear friend, Amanda, had a fun idea to share the 8th picture in your 8th file. I was all excited to see what cute picture I could post of our kiddos... but, not so much, in my case! I thought about cheating and choosing a cuter photo... that wasn't blurry and dark... but, I will not cheat!!!