"Amateur Night"

Hello Everyone,

Happy "Amateur Night"! That's what Tim calls New Year's Eve. It's the night when people drink more than usual, and those that usually don't drink and drive, do. It's the night we choose to stay home, and stay safe. The scariest thing we have to worry about is someone in our complex hitting a carport pole.

I plan on being asleep before midnight, but I'll see the Tempe Town Lake fireworks from our window at 10pm (to coincide with New York's midnight celebration in Times Square). I plan on welcoming 2008 with anticipation, hope and joy for all I know God's going to do in our lives this year.

A tradition here is to watch Rudolph's Shiny New Year with popcorn. We did that last night. Now the year's complete.

May you all be safe, healthy and blessed.

2008 Resolutions

Every year I write resolutions, and by mid-June, I've forgotten what they are and where I put them. Sometime around September I come across them, and see which ones I still have time to complete. I never lose the extra weight I'd like to, I always read enough books to hit my goal, I may finish 1 or 2 things that were undone when I made the list, but for the most part - I don't get much done (on the list, anyway).

This year, I'm going to work on less tangible things. Instead of focusing on tasks, I'm going to work on relationships.

This isn't my final list, but it's a start of putting ideas in writing:

1. I'm going to find someone who needs a friend and choose to make the first move to befriend her.

2. I'm going to be a better listener. I don't need to be thinking of what I'll say when it's my turn, if it's important, it'll come to me. I'm going to look in their eyes and really listen.

3. I'm going to anonymously bless someone in need in a way they'd never expect.

4. I'm going to make or create something for a friend to let them know how special they are to me.

5. I'm going to spend more time playing with my kids instead of everything being task-focused. I'm going to play football and soccer with my boys, color with my daughter, play board games that THEY pick, and I may even be willing to learn how to play one of their multi-button chaotic video games.

6. I'm going to really watch what I say to Tim. I'm always working on self-improvement, so I tend to offer tips on improvement on the right way to do things. I married Tim because he was so smart, so when did I start thinking I was smarter anyway? I don't harp, insult, make fun of, or disrespect him - but I could do better to NOT complain over stupid little stuff. I give him plenty of reasons to criticize, yet somehow, he just never does - really - never.

7. I hate the phone. Maybe it comes from years as a telemarketer? I prefer emails and text messages. They're short, to the point, and I don't have to endure a long, drawn-out story for the tenth time. One of my resolutions is to use the phone more. People have just as much to say as I do and I could learn a lot if I just give them their chance.

8. I'm going to become more involved in my community. I've been here almost 5 years now, and if I want my city to be a better place, it's time to stop waiting for someone else to fix it. I was given certain gifts, talents and abilities. How dare I not use them to help others.

Well, that's a good start. See what I mean by not being task-focused? So what are your resolutions going to do for your life?



7.

Getting Back to Normal

The tree is down and put away, along with the lights, ornaments, and knick-knacks. The Christmas Dinner leftovers are just about gone. The relatives have gone back home. The Christmas cards are down, the photos from friends and family are in a pile to be scrapbooked.

I eagerly await the first of the new year - every year. I set goals for what to accomplish, how many books I'll read, you know how it is. And this year, I look forward to bringing in the new year full of hope, plans of changes for us.

Tim and I are praying and hoping we'll be in a position to buy a home we want, for half the asking price. In it, the kids get their own room, we'd have a grassy back yard, walled for privacy and safety, and a floor plan condusive to teaching not only my kids, but tutoring others as well. I'll be able to help single Moms who wish they could have their kids homeschooled. I'll be able to help families that homeschooled but Mom needs to work now. I'll be able to help teach students who's parents don't have the confidence, time or ability to teach a high schooler. It's a win-win situation.

We also will be continuing our study of Spiritual Gifts with our small group friends, "Urban Tribe".

Tim wants to change jobs but until the house thing is either a yes or a no, we can't really do anything. Not sure what he wants to do, but he's exploring all types of avenues.

I'll be starting a new Bible Study on Tuesday mornings. We'll be studying Stepping Up by Beth Moore. I'll also be supporting my boys in drama and running my daughter to soccer practices and games.

Adam will be starting up his second session with his Small Group Bible Study. He meets with other teen boys his age and a mentor who facilitates the study. He also will be in The Music Man this spring. They perform the weekend of April 24th.

Logan also will be in The Music Man, hoping for a lead. I wonder if he remembers he can't sing well yet?

Jordan is done dance until she qualifies for the next level at age 12. She's switching to sports rather than repeat level 1 or 2 dance classes for the next few years. She'll try soccer in March.
We've been cooking a lot together lately. She has a scrapbook cookbook we started on her last birthday. She cooks something, and we take 2 pictures. One of the finished product, and one of her cooking it. We include the recipe. When she's older and on her own, she'll have a book full of memories as well as a cookbook full of recipes she's already tried to make.

Our cat is still fat and lazy. When we move, she'll be an outdoor cat once again. Maybe that'll help?