Our Jewel

So, I am a little late posting this and the only excuse I have is "Motherhood". Haha! It's been a crazy busy time of year, but oh SO fun and full of precious memories! It was Miss Rilyn's first Christmas and she was excited and intrigued by every new thing. A week after Christmas, she turned a year old! We had a milk & cookies party with a few friends & family, but even though we celebrated, the reality of it still hasn't hit me yet. She's grown so fast and yet I feel like we welcomed her into the world a couple months ago.

Rilyn Kaylee, you are:

a spunky piece of sunshine -

a sugar coated steam roller -

2ft.7in.(95%h) -

 22 lbs (76%w) -

in size 18mo.-2T clothing -

in size 4 shoe -

walking! -

 saying, "Dada", "Mama", "Nana", "Good-girl", "dog", "kitty" -

signing "More" & "Please" -

a love to any & all stuffed animals -

speedy, stealthy & silent -

a stair master(up & down, you go...over & over, with ease) -

very aggressive; rarely gentle -

mimicking your sisters & wanting to do and have everything they do -

a daddy's girl -

mama's jewel -

in a stranger danger stage -

in love with the outdoors -

a sweet snuggler -

very strong willed & stubborn -

a solid eater & sleeper -

clapping your hands -

dancing! -

teething(9 teeth already) -

a giver of great hugs & sloppy kisses 
full of life & laughter -

loved beyond measure, Darlin' -

Welcome 2014!

I have to say, although some pretty amazing things happened in 2013, I am ready to say goodbye and move on to a new year...a new chapter! Every year has it's blessings, struggles & times of growth, and I'm sure 2014 will be no different.

Y'all, I am not one to establish new year's resolutions, because the moment I "decide" to do something, I always "fail" at following through. So I prefer to call it, "New Year's Intentions". By daily referring to my list of intentions, I hope to turn them into determinations! Below are a list of said intentions, some major and some minor, but all in all, I believe that improving upon these things or adopting them into my lifestyle, will be very healthy and worthwhile!

I intend:
1) to make my Savior a bigger priority (find Him in the Word, in His world & through prayer)
2) to be more loving & respectful to my husband
3) on being more gracious with my children, have a longer fuse and not yell
4) on making relationships with my family & friends grow deeper
5) to listen more
6) to talk less
7) to sing more
8) to stress less
9) to laugh more
10) to drink more water
11) to find a big book I like & read it (big deal, as this lady don't read)
12) on being a better steward of my finances & time management.
13) to hug more
14) on adding things to my blessings jar on a regular basis
15) to refine a few spiritual disciplines
16) to apologize more
17) to enjoy a hobby
18) to intercede for others on a regular basis
19) to go on walks
20) to be on electronics less (computer, iphone, television...)

Lord, help me be intentional & purposeful in doing these things!

I have also been reflecting on how truly blessed I am. I am so grateful to the Lord for His goodness to me. I see Him in my husband's embrace, in my children's smiles...and I know He is here with me. I'm thankful that He's been with me this past year and He will take my hand & lead me through another!