Its Almost a New Year! (He's always been faithful to me.)

On the verge of 2011, I have to say I am very excited! Not for any particular reason...there are no big vacations planned, no babies expected and no big purchases that I forsee...but I am looking forward to this year. Really, I have no reason not to! Life has been good! Matt and I were just saying to each other tonight how much we are enjoying our little family and the stage of life we are in with them. I have nothing but good thoughts for the year to come! I'm sure there will be bumps along the way (there always are!) but we are learning more and more to trust God with whatever comes our way (or doesn't), to support and love each other and to be content no matter the circumstances.

But to begin sharing thoughts for the year to come, I thought it would be nice to take a minute to look back on the past year and all we have to be thankful for...

-Matt recieved his B contract this year which was huge! No more worries about employment now! We were also grateful for the opportunity for him to work summer school this past summer!

On the homefront, my sweet hubby has over and over again shown himself to be a fantastic Daddy to our girls and my greatest support and encourager! I love watching him grow in these areas in ways that have far exceeded my expectations! (I love you, babe, and am so happy to begin each new year with you!)

Daddy/Daughter date night!

Daddy plays the best games!

-Piper has been growing and learning so much! It has been a delight to watch! Her speech has improved immensely to the point that we have very few worries about it now! Her and Taitum also took their first trip to Newfoundland this year and were amazing little travellers! Piper has also taken on several new athletic challenges of which her favorite is dance! (No surprise there!) As well, Pipe has made a big change by trading in her nap times for 'quiet time'. She reminds me on a daily basis that she is a big girl!

Piper and I in Rocky Harbor, Newfoundland.

-This time last year, Taitum was a new baby so 2010 has been chock-full of changes for her! Solid food, walking, being weaned and several wardrobe changes to name a few! Her own little personality is emerging which is so beautiful to see! She is our sensitive, silly girl who's learning to hold her own...but she's still Mama's baby!

Tait in Norris Point, Newfoundland

Taitum's first steps!

-This year has been packed with changes and improvements for me! I`ve gotten a better handle on housework by weekly making a schedule and meal plan. I`ve also been learning to cook a variety of different things AND have even enjoyed it! I`ve been successful in cutting out a lot of waste and saving money too by making everything homemade - thats right! 2010 is the year we said goodbye to Delissio, KD, Campbell`s Soup, disposable diapers and haven`t looked back (well, ok, maybe once...). And, of course, my biggest accomplishment this year - commencing our homeschool journey!

The beginning of our little homeschool classroom!

My first ever homemade bread loaves!

So now, looking ahead to the coming year, I look forward to more personal growth and the joys of watching my little family as it continues to blossom! I can't wait to hear Taitum say new words and maybe even talk in sentences! I am excited for Piper to learn to identify all the letters in the alphabet and know their phonetic sounds! I`m already marking the calendar for the mini getaways Matt and I have planned! I am super excited for the winter unit I am in the process of putting together for the girls and to try out some of the recipes from my new Kneadlessly Simple: Fabulous, Fuss-Free, No-Knead Breads book I got for Christmas! Such simple things but I can't wait! This is life at its finest!

"What about resolutions?" you may ask. I don't do them. What I do do is take on challenges when they present themselves especially if it means that the end result will be worth the task at hand. For example, starting Monday I'm taking on the Read the Bible in 90 Days challenge at Mom's Toolbox...I know, I'm crazy. But there's nothing like a huge challenge to ring in the New Year! Besides, that's just how I am - go big or go home! Matt's joining me in this endevour, too, which will be nice!

Secondly, I've recently signed up for the 365Project where you take a photo a day. I'm not much of a photographer but I do like the challenge of summing up each day with one particular picture. As well, I am thoroughly looking forward to the end result - a picture journal of an entire year!

God has been faithful for the past 26 years of my life and I know He will continue to be no matter what comes my way. That's why I'm excited about a New Year - Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

So here's to 2011 and all that it holds!

I'll leave you with one of my all time favorite songs, one that I will sing year after year until all my years are done.

Sara Groves: He's Always Been Faithful Lyrics

Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

Morning by morning I wake up to find

The power and comfort of God's hand in mine
Season by season I watch Him, amazed
In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways

All I have need of, His hand will provide

He's always been faithful to me.

I can't remember a trial or a pain
He did not recycle to bring me gain
I can't remember one single regret
In serving God only, and trusting His hand
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He's always been faithful to me.

This is my anthem, this is my song

The theme of the stories I've heard for so long

God has been faithful, He will be again

His loving compassion, it knows no end

All I have need of, His hand will provide
He's always been faithful, He's always been faithful
He's always been faithful to me.