Small Successes and Thankful Thursday - "New Year's Edition"

I can't believe this is the last one of the year! WOW!!!

Happy Almost New Year! I almost forgot about the small successes today. I'm trying to work on a post/entry/reflection on the end of 2009 and the goals I had for it, and then looking forward to 2010 with new goals. I also do resolutions, but usually it works out better for me if I "resolve" to do goals. But, we've been so busy with small and big successes that that post might not get done! The kids are down for a nap (I should take one) so maybe I'll get it done before resting!

For now...here are some successes from the past week!

1. By far my biggest one - making it to 20 weeks with our baby.....(click HERE to see the big ultrasound reveal!!)

2. We've spent almost every day purging items from our house to either donate, or to just clean out our home (yesterday alone we had 6 boxes of clothes and items to donate!). It feels good to get so much done. The days off from school enable me to do this, and it feels really good. I've been wanting to do it for a while, but needed the time off AND the generosity of family with gifts, etc for the kids made it a need! So, now everything has a place. Lovely even picked out HERSELF...4 bags of childhood toys to give to needy children. I was SO proud of her. To me, that is another side of Christmas - for kids to really get what's important.

3. We had a FANTASTIC Christmas. We spent it with family at my sister's, and it was wonderful. It was nice to come back home and be a family and do Christmas traditions (we got our lights put up, etc) and really focused on the reason for the season. We're playing carols in the house, doing crafts....welcoming friends in town to spend time with us...it is great. I've been trying to make up for a more busy advent than I had planned, so this has been nice. Please click here, here, and here to see what we've been up to. It's been really fulfilling!

Our Family wishes yours a wonderful Christmas Season!!!!

Thankful Thursday
This week I am thankful for...

1. being able to look back over a year (2009) that has been safe, healthy, fruitful, and challenging for our family. We're really blessed!
2. My God - who gave us 2009, and each single day we have to live to the fullest!
3. For our baby Savior and all the fulfilled promises.
4. my husband - who is ever patient and loving to me and our family.
5. my precious daughters and son on the way - they are everyday miracles.
6. my family - even in the craziness of the roller coasters our lives take us, that there is glue holding us together.
7. my amazing friends....each a gift...each part of my family, I'm indebted.
8. being so rich in what matters - not my bank account :)
9. being grateful for our home, able-ness to be there for others, a loving church community, and helping God take care of our family.
10. for the opportunity to embrace 2010 and see where it leads us, God willing!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!