I've been thinking a lot lately about the paths that I have chosen and whether or not I want to continue down these same paths.  Some paths have been perfect just the way I've travelled them:  For instance, I would definitely choose my husband and kids all over again. I would choose the narrow way and not the wide path. I would not choose the convertible car, but I would choose the minivan (even though it is SO non-sexy!).  I would choose the English/journalism major again.  I would not the law degree.  Do you get the idea?

The cool thing about paths is that you can always deviate from them.  Just be sure that in your trailblazing you keep you eye on the final destination.  In my case, I am not sure of the path, but I AM sure of the final destination: that place where I am able to give my God and my family the best me that I can give.  I can see that place.  I am not sure of its name, though.

I am not on the right path yet, but I have my maps, books and a good GPS.  I have every intention of finding my way.   And I am looking forward to it!  Happy Trails to you!

Change of Direction

I have decided that I need a change of direction.  I have felt the gentle (and sometimes, not so gentle) nudge in my spirit to simplify, declutter, and toss things that are draining to me and my family.  In doing so, I hope to get myself and family to a healthier place.

A big part of getting there involves reworking this blog.  I am not the speediest person on earth - I tend to move slowly on techno stuff.  BUT, with that said, stay tuned for changes...'cause they are a'coming!

I didn't expect that!

I am about 3 weeks into Project 333.  It has not been as difficult coming up with 33 pieces as I had first thought.  I didn't expect that.  I discovered that I actually have fewer than 33 pieces that I regularly wear. I also found that I need to add some key pieces to my wardrobe in order to have some variety.  I didn't expect that, either.

I also did not expect that I would have such fun coming up with outfits!  I have stretched my comfort zone in some of the outfits I concocted.  Some were hits and some, well, not so much.  Probably my biggest fashion mistake (according to my fashionista friend, Debbie) is wearing extremely casual khakis with a nicer blouse.  But that is a minor faux pax.  I can live with that. And I did expect that!

I am enjoying the process of finding my style.  It is not something that I will discover overnight, but over time.  Maybe I will get the nerve up soon to post some outfits - but I expect that will be a long time coming.

Project 333

Project 333 - It sounds mysterious, doesn't it?  But it isn't a nefarious plan by aliens to overtake the world.  It is really a lesson in simplicity.  Simplicity in dressing.  (More can be found on Project 333 by clicking --http://www.theproject333.com/)

Several have taken the challenge to make do with fewer number of garments.  I admit that less is not a word normally found in my lexicon.  I am a "more" kinda girl.  If one is good, two are surely better.  It has taken me quite some time to rethink my idea of what a well thought out closet should look like.  Used to be that I thought I had to have a different outfit for every possible event.  Three to four outfits for church - ten different outfits for work - clothes to work out in - clothes to knock around the house in.  You get the idea. 

In comes Courtney with her Project 333.  Three months wearing 33 items of clothing.  Not 33 outfits but 33 items of clothing.  The idea of winnowing my clothing choices down to just 33 items seems daunting, if not plain impossible. Thirty three

I started making a mental checklist of my closet.  The number of slacks I had.  How many blouses, tops and shirts were hanging in there.  Belts, scarves, jackets and what-nots.  There were items in that closet that I had not worn in months, if not years.   I also discovered treasures I had long ago forgotten - like my cowboy boots!

I am taking stock now to determine by 33 pieces over the next three months.  If you should decide to join me in doing the same, I would love to hear how it is working for you!

It's a Brand New Year

Every January 1, I reflect on the previous year.  A lot has happened in our family in just 12 short months - some really small changes, some really big changes, some really small things that WERE big changes.  Here is 2010 in review:

• Received news that our family had been approved to adopt Jackson.  We were so happy!
• Celebrated being a family with our dear Scarlett and preparing to become a family of four.
• Welcomed our son Jackson into the family.  Having two children is something I always wanted but never dreamed that would come true.  We are complete.
• Learned about cleft lips and palates - as well as the obstacles that Jackson would encounter along the way.
• Saw our daughter off to First Grade.  Our little girl is getting so big!
• Crossed the biggest hurdle of  palate surgery.  Glad that is behind us.
• Celebrated Jackson being able to use a straw for the first time!  So happy!
• Hearing TWO children laugh and play - priceless!
• Added a small Yorkie to the mix.  Sarita is such a fun dog!
• Celebrated Scarlett's 7th Birthday with several parties given by friends- she is so loved!
• Saw Halloween in with two kids more interested in giving OUT candy than going Trick or Treating.  
• Thanksgiving - so much to be thankful for.
• Mourned with our brother-in-law, who lost his mother 3 days after Thanksgiving.
• Mourned with my step mom and sister, who lost their mother/grandmother a few days later.
• Rejoiced remembering the Christ Child who was born so that He could die and pay my debt.  
• Enjoyed a rare Christmas snow.  Magical!
• Ate way too many cookies.  But man, the were good!
• Enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  God has been good to us!

I am looking forward to 2011.  I generally don't make resolutions - I never like to see them broken! :)  But I do want to try to be more organized and write more.  I hope to spend more time having fun with my children - they grow up way too fast!  I hope to grow even closer to God.
But most of all, I hope that my friends and family remain healthy and have a wonderful 2011!

Santa sent some helpers!

Yesterday when we finally made it home in the torrential rainstorm, we noticed that something was slightly amiss about our Christmas tree.  It had gained a couple of small elves!  They were quite friendly, and came with a letter of introduction from Santa himself.  Santa had sent them to make sure Scarlett and Jackson were not naughty, but were nice!

The note Santa left stated that the elves were youngsters and needed to be named.  So, Scarlett named her elf Caroline, and Jackson named his Alex.  The kids played with them until bedtime, when they promptly forgot about them.  That is, until this morning. 

Those elves are quite the mischievous pair!  I've been told that there could be another elf show up to watch Alex and Caroline.  We shall have to wait and see, I suppose. 

Can't wait to see what happens next!

Thanksgiving - I am so thankful for...

Thanksgiving will be here in just two days!  It is hard to believe that this year is flying by so fast.  In all the hubbub of everyday life, sometimes I forget to thank God for all that He has given me.  I know that I should never take these blessing for granted.  I am so thankful for

• my salvation.  It is the most valuable thing that I have.  And to think that God gave His only Son to die for my sins so that I might live. 
• my family.  My husband and children keep my life interesting and fun!
• my friends.  I have some of the most wonderful friends that a person could ever hope to have.  They have helped out during times of sickness and during times of celebration. 
• my Church.  A lot of my friends are also part of my church.  I don't know where I would be without the encouragement and sometimes admonition of my church family.
• my job.  I am fortunate to have a job during a time when so many are without work.  I am even more fortunate that I work for such an honorable man and with such fun coworkers.
• my health.  I still have good health and plan to do all that I can to remain healthy for as long as I can.
• my cars.  They are paid for and reliable.  They get us where we need to go.
• my sense of humor. Because without it, life would be dull!

I am also thankful for those of you who take the time to read my thoughts and opinions.  Have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!