Stopping for snow

Last week's snow/ice storm here in Georgia gave me time to sit back, relax, reflect and enjoy my family.  I think it was God's way of making everyone hit the 'pause' button after the chaos and craziness of the busy holiday season. 

Yes, the snow made traffic bad.  Yes, we got hit by a sliding car (the ONLY other car on the road on Sunday night as it was snowing like mad) on our way to my in-laws with our baby girl and dog in the car.  Yes, the ice made the roads even worse.  Yes, my husband had to work two 24-hour+ shifts in the middle of all the madness.  Yes, schools were out and businesses were closed. 

BUT, wasn't it nice to feel like a kid again?  To enjoy the beautiful, pure white snow.  To listen to the quiet stillness that only snow can create.  To play with your kids, go sledding, build snowmen, throw snowballs, laugh, play, run.  To take time out from your busy schedule to get some things done that have been on your To-Do list for way.too.long. 

I personally am very thankful for the pause that we were given and feel that we were all blessed with some of the gorgeous work of our Heavenly Father during those few days.  I am also thankful for those, including my amazing husband, who work tirelessly as first responders, firefighters, police officer, and medical personnel to ensure our safety during treacherous conditions.  I am thankful that he came home from each shift unharmed and that my family was also unharmed in our car wreck.  I wouldn't trade a precious moment from last week.  So thankful for pure, white, peaceful snow and the memories that were made.

Drop Your Debt Challenge

Drop Your Debt Challenge

We've been using mint.com for several months and highly recommend it - not only b/c of this Drop Your Debt Challenge where you can win CASH, but b/c it is so easy to use and really gives you an eye-opening look at WHERE your money is going each month.

Welcome 2011!!!

I'm starting out the new year by "borrowing" some ideas from a friend (thank you woollypeaches!).  So far, so good on reading my daily Bible (yes, it's only day 3, but hey, I'm still doing it) and just as a side note, the Wii Fit Plus is KICKING MY BUTT - who knew doing yoga on a simple balance board would prove so difficult?  I'm finding out very quickly just how tight my muscles are from taking up running recently and how much my body has missed yoga and pilates :(

So here's my list of "Things To Do" in 2011 (NOT resolutions, because who actually keeps those anyway?!?!)

(1) 11 Days of Prayer and Fasting throughout the year (11th of every month)

(2) 11 minutes with God everyday

(3) $11 per month to feed and clothe the homeless in our community.

(4) 11 dates with my husband (not necessarily involving money, but definitely a DATE NIGHT w/out baby!)

(5) 11 dates with my family(specific time set aside to do things together)

(6) 11 dates with my friends (GIRL TIME!!!)

(7) 11 verses to memorize this year

(8) 11 minutes of exercise every day

(9) 11 new family memories  (places, things, people, adventures, learn something new, etc.)

(10) 11 books to read

(11) 11 things crossed of my own "Bucket List"

I think it's super-important to set goals and I also think that unless someone knows about them, no one can hold you accountable to achieve them but you...and we all know how far we get in life on our own, haha!  So here's to 2011 and to accomplishing goals, love, joy, peace, health and happiness!!!