Ava turns 5

Seems like yesterday that girl was tiny and yellow.  She had a terrible case of jaundice when she was born.  Now she is all grown up and ready for Kindergarten.  Time flies!!  We celebrated with a trip to Cincinnati.  The plan was shopping and the zoo.  Ava's request was a hotel with an indoor pool.  The zoo was a flop due to the rain.  Instead we visited the Cincinnati Children's Museum.  It was such fun.  Ava's cousins came along and we had a great time.

Our group shot!  Sam looks happy, huh? 

 

Pretending to be a Vet!

 

My favorite.  Chris and Sam goofing off in Ralph Lauren.

Good times!



We are building a house!!  The planning started last fall and finally it looks like a house.  We have a contract on our current home with the closing scheduled for the end of the month.  We are all excited and nervous.  The new house is in a subdivision with sidewalks and street lights.  The children will have a huge yard to play in (if we can get grass to grow :).  Picking out things for a house is fun in the beginning, then it turns into somewhat of a chore.  Hopefully we are almost finished with the technical stuff and I can start decorating!  Stay tuned.

Goals for 13'

My goals for 2013.  Better late than never :)

Personal:

• Read through the bible using an ESV reading plan
• Memorize Proverbs 31
• Exercise at least 4 days a week
• Run 1 5k race
• Eat/Prepare well balanced healthy food

Marriage:

• Read two books together
• One overnight trip away
• Date night each month

Mothering:

• Verse of the week
• Each child read each day
• Swim lessons for the girls
• Gymnastics for Anna
• Date with each child 6 times during the year
• Better chore responsibilities for each kiddo

Ministry/Friendship/Extended Family:

• Continue our Bible study in our home weekly
• One trip away with Vanessa and fam
• Continue attending "Come Aside" ministry twice each month
• Lunch dates with a friend monthly

Financial:

• Pay off our car
• Sell unwanted furniture
• Buy new furniture for new house
• Stay on our budget

Work/School:

• Send three courses for "Quality Matters" review
• Complete final class in ph.d program
• Take and pass comprehensive exam
• Begin IRB approval for dissertation

I am amazed at our little family and where we are.  I am thankful for God's blessings on us.  I look forward to 2013 and vow to be more intentional in my decisions.