#7

It's fun looking back at my Top 10 memories of 2013.  But it's also so hard to choose!  God has been so good to us and so to narrow it down to 10 memories is really difficult.  2013 will definitely be one of those years that I look back on with a lot of gratitude & thankfulness in my heart.

2013 was a fun year for the hubs & I.  Since he works in production...lighting, staging, & set design...going to concerts has always been something we've loved to do together.  So when we had the opportunity to go see Justin Timberlake & Jay Z, we jumped at the chance!  I took the night off work & we drove up to the Rose Bowl...us and half a million other people!

These were the seats we payed for....

...these are the seats Steve got us upgraded to...it's good to have friends in high places....

So much talent on one stage...it was such a fun night!  And even more fun to spend it with my Babe!

Steve's favorite band of all time is Match Box Twenty...I know, so 1998.  But he LOVES them...actually, he loves Rob Thomas.  So when we had the opportunity to go see them in concert, we couldn't pass it up!  It was the 2 of us, 2 friends of Steve's, who also love Matchbox, & a bunch of 40 & 50-somethings.  Awesome!  But we had a great time.

We've already purchased tickets for 3 concerts this year! I can't wait! 

on my heart.

 

This week was rough.  It was one of those when-is-this-week-going-to-end kind of weeks.  One of those weeks where I probably complained too much, I know I didn't always have the best attitude, and was feeling sorry for myself for a lot of it.  Yuk.  I don't really like myself like that (who does, really?!?).

I had to be at school each day by 7:15, which means Claire had to be there by 7:15.  She was so tired by the end of it all, she was an emotional wreck! 

My students just know that Christmas break is around the corner.  They were chatty, and rude to each other, impatient, and said a lot of unkind things.  And that exhausts me.  But I can't really blame them...we all kinda need a break.

We had our school Christmas program last night.  We've been practicing for weeks.  All week, it felt like our part was just falling a part.  The kids were tired of rehearsing, so they were pushing each other in their rows, not singing, shout-singing, and just being kids!

I feel like I have a completely unorganized classroom, which overwhelms me.  I missed a couple deadlines this week and just felt like I was letting people down by not pulling my weight.

My house is a disaster.  Laundry desperately needs to be done.  Dishes stayed in the dishwasher for days, which means dirty dishes stacked by the sink.  Homework's been an afterthought. Papers need to be graded because I sure don't want to grade them over Christmas break!  Christmas cards have been addressed, but now need to be stuffed and mailed.  The last few gifts need to be wrapped so I can clean up my wrapping mess.

But this morning....the morning I could actually stay in bed a little later and sleep a little longer...I woke right up at 5:30 and couldn't go back to sleep.  All the things of the week were whirling around in my heart.  I kept thinking of little moments from the week.  And all of a sudden, I knew it was all from the Lord. I have so many thoughts going on right now...I'm trying to get them all written here...

My first thought was...even though I couldn't wait for this week to be over, if I had to, I'd do it all over again.  Through all the crazy overwhelmingness of this week, I realized how much I care for and love my students.  Each of them.  Right where they are in their little lives.

Our Christmas program was incredible last night.  I didn't get to see the whole thing, but I did see my 4th graders belting out Christmas songs about Jesus, our Savior...Joy to the World, The First Noel, Carol of the Bells...yes, these songs, at the PUBLIC school where I teach.  And they were awesome, I feel so proud!

Even though Claire had a long hard week, we were able to spend a lot of quality time together.  She loves talking about Christmas, and wants to keep reading the stories of Jesus' birth in her Jesus Storybook Bible.  It makes my heart so happy to see her falling in love with Jesus, understanding the reason for His birth, and daily thanking Him for the blessings He's given to her.

Steve has been amazing this week...helpmate.  That's what he's been.  Never complained once about the million tasks I've asked of him.  Patiently listened to me complain.  Daily made my lunch and took care of Claire's schoolwork and schedule.  I am so grateful.

This year, at the beginning of 2013, I asked the Lord for a word for the year.  I felt the word Ready laid on my heart.  The Lord told me that there were going to be a lot of changes in my life in 2013, and He wanted me to be ready for any and all of them.  So I knew this year would be hard, I shouldn't even be surprised at how difficult this week was for me.  But I got through it, each day with the Lord.  I made mistakes.  But I also ministered, loved the unlovable, tried to be very patient, had tough conversations with people, talked about character, read the Christmas story, inadvertently shared my faith, and tried help students think of others besides themselves.

If I had to do it all over again, I would.  I'm so thankful for His new mercies, for me, my family, my class.  And I'm so thankful that my mercies can be new next week when I do all these things again.

we went to Florida

Claire & I had the last week of October off from school....so we planned a trip to Florida to see our family.  My cousin's son & Claire totally hit it off when they met in September, so we wanted to go see him again and give the kids another opportunity to spend time together.  It was fantastic.  Claire & Lincoln truly love each other and I'm so thankful we took this opportunity to GO!

We went to "Mickey's not-so-scary Halloween Party" at Disney World.  I haven't been to DW since I was 9, so I loved that we were able to take Claire there.  We have Disneyland passes, but it was fun to compare the 2...to her it was all the same!  

We went on Space Mountain 3 times...Claire braved it with us the last 2 times...that's my girl!

Autopia...old school...it's been updated at DL, but it was fun to ride the vintage, original ride.

2 minutes before this pic, she was literally melting...this ride gave her the second wind she needed!

Daddy & Rapunzel

waiting for the parade....another meltdown in the works

Cinderella's castle...and fun Halloween fireworks show

 Claire's been into mermaids lately, so when we decided to go to Florida, I knew we HAD to take her to Weeki Wachee to see the real mermaids!  My sis Holly & I LOVED this show when we were kids. 

highlight of the trip...

we went and saw Despicable Me 2 at the $1 theater...I wish we had one here in SD!!

hubby got to go wakeboarding 2 different times at the OWC.  I seriously wish we had a cable park in San Diego...this would make Steve's life complete!

we got to pick Lincoln up at school one day...obviously Claire was excited about that!

 Halloween...with a cute ladybug and Ross Lynch.

 We had the best time...and when we got home, we got the news that Lincoln and his parents would be spending Christmas and New Year's with us this year!  We're all so excited.

Friday's Letters

Dear Husband...I miss you!!  I am so thankful you've had work...but 8 days is a long time to be a single momma.  Come HOME!  And PS...thank you for sacrificing so much to take care of us!!  I love you so much more for it & am always so blown away by your creativity & lighting skills.

Dear Claire Bear...your little missing tooth is so darn cute, but PLEASE stop growing up.  It's seriously going by way too fast.  I am so proud of the little lady you are becoming.  And I love getting to watch you at school...you are blossoming & becoming so confident in your own skin.  I love it!

Dear Gavin...thank you for another amazing album.  Seriously...I think this one is my fave.  Especially Need.  So good!

Dear Claire...yes you get two this time...I love snuggling with you, but I don't sleep well with you.  As much as you are a snuggler, you are also a thrasher!  Good thing you're so adorable in your sleep!

Dear 4th grade...you're kicking my booty...but I'm loving (almost) every minute of it!!

Linking up with Ashley at the sweet season

this week...

...I'm really thankful for my hard working husband.  Since we've moved, he's been everyone's muscles and tech support, and he hasn't complained one bit.  He's stayed up super late, and woken up really early to help me get Claire read for preschool.  Finally on Monday, he had a day to himself to set-up his garage space and finish the surround sound in the family room, but he put it off to spend the day with Claire and me...and still never complained.

I love his "hard-worker" ethic and mentality.  I love that he wants everything to be done perfectly, so instead of getting to his projects he takes his time with everyone elses.  I love that he loves serving people.  I love that he finds joy in helping others.  I love that he's not a complainer.  I love that he puts others before himself.  I love that he's intentional in the way he spends time with Claire and me.  I love that he's smart enough to set up the internet and Apple TV.  I love that he's out in the jacuzzi right now finally taking some time for himself!

I love my man.  And I'm thankful for him.

Family Day

So we're all moved and mostly settled.  On Friday Steve & I were talking about how we've been spending our time...unpacking, organizing, breaking down boxes, etc...and realized Claire wasn't mentioned in any of that.  Feeling a little guilty, but mostly just in need of some quality family time, we decided that Monday was our day...or Claire's day...to choose our schedule and we'd do whatever she wanted.

4 year olds sure know how to make an awesome family day schedule::

• swimming naked in the morning...this was an activity JUST FOR CLAIRE!!  I got to lay by the pool in the warm sunshine and read!  
• Build-a-Bear
• Pet Store
• ChuckECheese

 ...last time we went to B-a-B, Claire saw a Hello Kitty stuffed animal so when we told her she could pick the Family Day schedule, the first thing she said was, "I want to go to Build-a-Bear and get Hello Kitty!!"  She's been saving her allowance for awhile now, so we told her she could spend it on that if she'd like.  Clearly she agreed!

 ...before we went to Chucks, we stopped by the pet store...and oh.my.word...all of us wanted to walk out of there with a new puppy.  We held and pet as many as they'd let us.  Claire wanted the tiniest little dog...but he resembled Jack a little too much...anyone remember that little beast?!?

 ...so gross, but I guess if you're 4.5 years old, it's awesome!  I think she'd forgotten about Chuck's, but when she dumped her allowance out of her piggy bank to get her Hello Kitty money, she found like 10 ChuckE coins...ok, we'll go...and I'll challenge Daddy to some ski-ball!!

 So I didn't beat Steve in ski-ball...but for those of you who've seen my man shoot hoops, you know he didn't stand a chance to beat me in Street Hoops...and yes...I hold the current HIGH SCORE of 151 points at ChuckECheese in Escondido...pretty proud of that!! 

the list:: february

January 2013 was::
**the month we brought in New Year's with our good friends in their home...it was casual and laid-back and I loved every minute of it.
**when Claire got asked to be a flowergirl in my dear friend's wedding and about had a breakdown from the anxiety!!  Ok...so we need to practice!
**the month we went on a Caudill family vacation without the hubs.
**the month the hubs was the lighting programmer/director for the Inaugural Ball and the Presidential Ball on the day of the inauguration (& missed our family vacation).
**when my sister got to come on our vacation with us in Steve's place.
**when we looked at like 10 different houses to move into knowing we had to be out of our home by the end of February.
**was the month we found an amazing home to move into on Top O' the Morning Lane...how cute is that?!?
**was the month I told the Lord I was READY for all...I mean like ALL...good and bad...He's going to give me and ways He's going to stretch and grow me this year.
**was the month I really connected with sweet Stacy, who I met through a blog gift swap in November.  I never imagined gaining friends from my blog...but I'm so thankful the Lord brought her into my life!

I want February to be::
**a month where I continue to be READY for everything the Lord puts in my life and thank Him for it.
**a time when I'm super organized...I hate packing and moving...but I need to stay on top of everything so it can be a smooth move.
**a time to connect with some of my amazing friends.  Literally just set up a time to get together with my friend Christin, who I met on a mission's trip to Haiti in 1998.  I always have so much fun with her and feel so encouraged every time our visits are over.  Wish they were more frequent...
**a month when I continue to be diligent and faithful with my time in the Word.  I got back into a good routine in January and it needs to keep happening.
**the month when I start working out again...ugh!!
**a month of making intentional dates with my girl.

  on the cruise without Daddy

linking up with erika

just some thoughts

This week has been kinda hard.  So many great things are happening...so I think satan is trying to get some discouragement in to bring me down.   LAME!

First of all...we are planning 3 weeks of Stewardship lessons at church for the kids.  They are going to be awesome...we're talking all about how to be a Guardian of THE Truth.  But of course, there have been bumps along the way...plans have changed...ideas have not worked out....so it's been a week of having to be flexible & working LONG hours.  The first lesson begins tonight...and I'm already SO tired.  I kinda have a knot in my stomach...wondering how it will all some together...will the kids catch the lesson...will parents encourage these ideas and lessons at home...

It's going to be awesome, though.  God is faithful.

A lot of you know it's been a tough few years of "lack of work" for Steve.  We've been praying for a long time for consistent work.  And it's starting to happen...God is bringing amazing opportunities to Steve.  It's still not as consistent as we want it to be...but we're trusting God's timing in it all.

That being said...Steve has an amazing opportunity to go to Washington DC on Monday for 10 days and be apart of the production team for several of the inaugural festivities, including the inauguration....we know...awesome opportunity, too bad it's not for someone else!!  Oh well...we're thankful in spite of it all!! 

But...we're supposed to leave tomorrow for a 7 day cruise to Mexico with the Caudills...our Christmas present!  So he doesn't get to go.

But...our cruise got delayed a day because of something they're fixing on the ship...really?!?

But, I guess it's good it's delayed a day because Claire has a 101.8 fever.  Seriously...this has been the weirdest 48 hours of my life...so many highs mixed with lows.  Not all all how I'd plan it, but God is so faithful.  Trusting Him...knowing His plan is always better than out own.  I know we'll look back on all of this in 12 days and totally see God in all of it.

 my poor girl :(

{thankful} for my man

This week, I'm extra super thankful for my husband...for several reasons.  A lot of you know that we have been trying for baby #2 for over 3 years now.  Well, we FINALLY found out that the problem might not be completely with me, but with both of us.  Several years ago, Steve had a back injury and now has several herniated disks in his back and neck.  He gets several shots every 4 weeks of steroids to help with the pain so he doesn't have to take any painkillers.  THANK the LORD for an alternative!!  Anyway, our doctor and the main management doc wanted him to try not getting the shots to see if that helps our infertility issues.  Which means Steve is in A LOT of pain.  Like pain I can't even understand...all.the.time.pain.  I am so thankful that he loves our family enough to do this...and not complain.  Seriously, the only time he says anything about it is at night...after a long day of working with no relief...when his head hits the pillow, he lets out a long sigh of relief...still not even complaining.  I am so thankful for that kind of love and sacrifice.

I am also thankful for my husband's smartness.  When it comes to technology...any kind of technology...he just gets it.  This weekend at church, we are having a band come and lead our 3 weekend services for the kids, and I'm in charge (I'm the elementary director for children's ministry at our church).  Sounds so great...I can get a hotel room, meals planned, schedule worked out for a band for the weekend...but I have NO IDEA what kind of needs they have to actually perform.  That's where my awesome husband steps in.  He's been contacting the band for me and getting it all sorted out...so I can go back to getting a hotel room, meal planning, and schedule planning for the band to come.  I seriously had no idea how much my husband would be able to help me with this...and again...no complaining....just jumping in to serve however he can.

My man also loves helping me with my crazy projects.  He doesn't have a lot of time to do them...but he does...without complaining.  I always say, "we should do this or that," and what I really mean is, "you,"...so he does...and I love him for it.

This week I am extra thankful for my amazing husband who is not a complainer, but such a servant...I want to be more like him in that area...always giving to others, never expecting anything in return....always willing to help wherever needed.  I am blessed.

Friday's Letters

dear fellow mommy...thank you for the advice to keep a "bed" in our room for Claire.  it's perfect!  and she LOVES it!  now when she comes into our room in the middle of the night, i don't get hit in the head & kicked in the shins, i don't have to share my pillow & hang on to the edge for dear life.  this solution works for us...and i am truly grateful!

dear pottery barn kids catalog...thank you for making me wish i could buy everything in you!  even claire bear wanted to sit down and look at all your beautiful pages!

dear asher...thank you for reminding everyone how immature i am by making laugh so hard i cried with your armpit and leg fart noises.  oh my...can't wait to see you again!!

dear claire...thank you for being so creative!  i love the outfits you pick out...especially when we get to go out in public with them on!  i love seeing you imagination come through the clothes you pick out and the styles you want for your hair.  and i love all your silliness!

dear sister...thank you for always keeping me stylish with my cute haircuts...that's the only stylish thing about me...so thanks for ALL your hard work!  plus, it's just extra time we get to hang out and talk!

dear husband...thank you for being so awesome!  i love you and couldn't think of a better person to go through this crazy life with!  thank you for loving me the way you do.