I read this to my husband... he's laughing... says it is hilarious. (as he is getting ready to go for an 11pm swim and already went on a bike ride) Oh, and did I mention that I'm typing this in my living room and I'm staring at a tri bike that indeed cost more than my first car ( which was a '66 mustang? )

Over half that list was right on the mark.... and he just started racing last May!

Ha... this is the reason I generally dislike the new year, as this type of thing is often the topic. If I had enough willpower I'd boycott reading blogs during the month of January!

Oh well. Good, solid advice.

This is a timely post.

Not more than 20 minutes ago I opened my first letter from the child I began sponsoring this fall from Compassion International. Yesterday I was "arguing" that I don't like short term mission trips because of various factors. (a group of people from my church are going to Togo next month..... but my pastor doesn't see it as "short term" because my church plans to have a long term relationship with them.... in fact, I think close to (or over?) 50 Togo kids are sponsored by people in our church through Compassion International.

Yet.... I'm arguing that I don't believe in short term mission trips. And then I get this letter. A beautiful letter! I want to meet her. I want my whole family to meet her family. Silly I know. (and what happened to my nice rational arguments against short term missions?)

Sorry.... It just really, really meant something to me, opening that letter from a small child in Togo.

This Help Portrait sounds really amazing and kinda up my alley. . Photography is my passion; truly what I love and I've done similar things like this, only wishing that my photos were better because the people I photograph are truly beautiful.

Love this ministry and I thank you for sharing it. I'm going to find out more about it. Thank you so much and I totally agree with all you've written here.

Ha! Manage my life? Get things done? I've 3 young kids! NOTHING gets done. (at least well)

Ha.... I'm so insane
My recent post Coded Messages

I've not seen this movie either but my pastor twittered that his girls (wife and 2 adult daughters) were watching it at Christmas for the 28th time.

I'm not being very loving or lovable at the moment! I'm in a small vacation house with 17 people and I'm not the extroverted type.

But... that being said, it amazes me that my husband shows me so much love and kindness even when I have such a difficult time in these family situations!
My recent post Gabriel The Elf

Oh, there's so many wonderfully fun things this Christmas for my family! I have a 5, 6 and 10 year old and we celebrate Christmas Eve with my inlaws and then Christmas Day with just our family (and later meet with more extended family later) This can be tough for young kids but mine did well.

I think the most amazing thing for me has been the wonder this year; perhaps my kids are at a perfect age to verbalize and express it. The tree, lights, Santa (btw, a Santa came to our church twice this month for the church service.... he was a stand-in Santa that they send all over the US to relieve other Santas)

My husband and I were planning a simple Christmas this year but somehow wound up buying them some extra presents. We needn't have. My 10 year old requested a gift that was under 30, my 6 yo's fave gift was under 10 and my little girl just wanted a kitten. (of course, she asked for a REAL one but we told her Santa did not bring real cats!) She was thrilled with her stuffed kittens Santa gave her.

Another highlight for me was our Elf on the Shelf. My kids so enjoyed waking up and trying to find Gabriel, and they enjoyed talking to him and making him part of our Christmas tradition. (this is our elf's 2nd year)

A highlight for me was taking the kids to a nursing home for them to sing carols. My five year old did not know most of the words, but somehow, in her antsy, loud, way, she stole the show and the resident's hearts. They were literally in smiles and tears as they hugged and kissed her, and she let them. It really blessed so many people. I enjoyed sharing my treasure with them.

I know, I ramble and I say too much. (sorry)
My recent post Gabriel The Elf

Ah, it's true... whenever 2 or more that own an iPhone gather this is what is always conversed about! Love it. I love my iPhone!

Thanks for sharing.
My recent post Impossible Union

Lindsey, you are killing me with your posts! I've given up on being fit.... I'll just settle for being thin. (which seems like it won't happen either) I'm just not sporty, I've little endurance, etc. My husband so supports me to be healthy and fit but I'm not like him; I've never been talented at sports. I don't think I could even run a 5k. (I tried.. at the track my 10 year old was running circles around me; I was gasping and he could go on forever!)
So, in answer to your question: Nope. I'm not fit at all. There is nothing even close to "what fit-ness" looks like in my life! (but I do desire it..... or if not "fit" to at least be thin!)
My recent post Impossible Union

Lindsey, you're very sweet and yeah, you definitely challenge me! It IS scary to verbalize specific hopes, goals and dreams! I'd rather just not even go there.

:-) It's nice being called a friend, and I appreciate that you seem to do more than just tolerate me on your blog.
My recent post Impossible Union