September Evaluation

Spiritual

• Read through the entire Bible in a year following a chronological reading plan- I'm about 10 days off
• Memorize a verse a week (for full disclosure I am starting with verses that I have previously memorized but have lost full memory of)- Not really doing this, but working on verses with my kids and believe this is where I need to focus my Scripture memory right now
• Spend 30 minutes daily concentrated on prayer and Bible reading- I managed this a couple days a week, but not as often as I was wanting 
• Continue to record daily blessings to cultivate thankfulness (Goal is 10,000 things)- Still doing this you can see this months blessings here, here, here and here
• Praying throughout the day for specified things (still developing lists and plan for this)- this did not happen this month, sadly

Personal

• Read a book a month apart from SWI matrerial- Not this month
• Journal 5 days a week- No
• Write (working on books) 5 days a week- No
• Finish my first fiction book- Still seriously behind where I hoped to be at this point- This may not happen not this year either
• Write 3 blog posts a week- I was blessed to get my blessings posted
• Continue to meet once a month with writing group- September was too full so did not meet, looking forward to October
• Have one day a month for personal retreat time to pray, read the Bible and write- Um, no
• Complete Level 1 of Rosetta Stone Russian- This has been put on the back burner this month
• Begin working on a Christ-centered prenatal/delivery/postnatal education- Had my first class on Saturday and it was such a blessing

Marriage

• Go on a date once a month- Yes!
• Go on one overnight trip away- Done in May
• Read together for 30 minutes once a week- Um, No
• Discuss and plan the week to come on Sunday afternoon- Yes

Kids

• Take each child on a "date" once a month- No
• Spend individual time with each child at home once a week (at least 20 minutes)- Sometimes
• Work on memorizing Psalm 23 with Jamey and Lillian- Yes! Both have it memorized as well as Psalm 67 with most of Proverbs 31:10-31 and Psalm 1. We are now working on verse with the school curriculum
• Finish current Pre-K curriculum with Jamey and Lillian- Plugging away with K curriculum
• Continue going to playgroup on Tuesdays- Yes
• (I need to develop more educational goals, so I guess a goal for this year will be learning to do this for next year)

Homemaking

• Begin a garden planting at least tomatoes (hoping to do more)- Our garden is coming to an end as it has gotten cooler. God blessed us with more than I expected
• Try 1 new recipe a month- We tried 1 or 2 this month
• Keep up with cleaning calendar- No
• Develop general cleaning schedule- Did not work on this

Health and Fitness

• Exercise for at least 30 minutes 3 days a week- I've gotten back to water aerobics once a week
• Lose 30 lbs- This is on hold until May

Ministry

• Continue hosting Women's prayer once a month- Yes, still praying for more people to pray
• Email workers once a month- I emailed some, but not all
• Send 2 encouraging notes a month- No, still hoping to catch up and improve in this area

September was a blur. Seriously, I have no idea where it went. With all of our schedules the weeks have flown by at 1000 mph! Some days I don't even know how we got through or what we did. What I do remember is God teaching me more and more about trusting Him and His plans for us and His goodness. Right now God is my Rock and Strength and all I can hold onto during the whirlwind that is our current life. But that is exactly where He wants me.

Did you have a busy September too?

September 23 to 29

5776. Sleeping until 8:30
5777. Coffee with Amaretto creamer
5778. Doing school with the kids
5779. Jamey beginning to put logic statements together
5780. Making connections with history and the Bible
5781. Kids memorizing their verses
5782. Lillian going to the grocery store with Jim
5783. Praying through Psalm 23
5784. Reading 6 chapters of Daniel
5785. Desiring to learn more about what I have read
5786. Seeing God's greatness and faithfulness in Daniel
5787. Reuben bringing 5 books to me to read and listening to all but 1 fully
5788. Chinese for lunch
5789. A short nap
5790. 3 kids napping
5791. Finally getting some lemon drops!
5792. Working on getting notes together
5793. Amping up for Saturday
5794. Working on papers with Jim
5795. Getting everything done before class
5796. McDonald's
5797. Having quick dinner options available
5798. Learning about marriage as an institute of sanctification
5799. Being challenged in growing as a wife
5800. Making it through class awake
5801. Lying down
5802. Everyone sleeping until after 6:30!
5803. Jamey and I both sleeping until 8
5804. Really yummy breakfast
5805. Praying through Psalm 24
5806. Going to playgroup
5807. Helping Gidget find the park
5808. Spending time with Gidget, Silas and Margo
5809. Kids playing well together
5810. Great conversation
5811. Encouraging each other
5812. Getting to know each other better
5813. Spending time with Caroline, Luke and Hadley
5814. Watching kids play and explore
5815. Discussing lots of topics
5816. Lunch at the park
5817. Staying at the park until 1:30
5818. Good rest time
5819. Working on SWI homework
5820. Working on childbirth notes
5821. Shorter afternoon
5822. Some time to talk with Jim
5823. God's grace as He works in our lives
5824. Community Group
5825. Having a full house
5826. Having 3 visitors
5827. Planning things together
5828. Great conversation
5829. Melanie at group
5830. God's goodness
5831. Remembering who God is
5832. Being challenged to always be open
5833. Learning how to lovingly press into people's lives
5834. Writing down ways to pray for each other on note cards
5835. Low key day
5836. Sleeping until 8:30
5837. Finishing up week 3 core with the kids
5838. Jamey doing a lot of extra work
5839. Jamey telling us over and over he wants to learn
5840. Lillian trying to keep up with Jamey
5841. Getting SWI homework and reading completed earlier than expected
5842. Being able to get a printer (ours died)
5843. More prep for childbirth conversations
5844. Resting
5845. God's goodness
5846. Learning to lean more on God every day
5847. Spending a little family time together
5848. Jim having accountability
5849. Becca's class getting canceled
5850. Hanging out
5851. More sleep
5852. Working on extra school stuff with Jamey
5853. Flexibility
5854. Working on notes for Saturday
5855. Resting
5856. Chocolate chip pancakes for dinner
5857. Fun dinner surprises
5858. Water aerobics
5859. Meeting Annie
5860. Talking pregnancy and childbirth
5861. Really yummy sandwich
5862. Meeting with Keely
5863. Discipleship class
5864. Encouraging conversation
5865. Seeing Sisters
5866. Hearing about others birth experiences
5867. Sleep
5868. Working on Science with Jamey
5869. Jamey doing extra work bc he wants to
5870. Reading my Bible
5871. Getting prepared for Saturday morning
5872. Resting
5873. Jim taking a nap
5874. Yummy casserole for dinner
5875. Jim getting to work
5876. Smooth bed time
5877. Relaxing evening
5878. Sleep
5879. Waking up
5880. Bethany and her kids getting here
5881. Becca watching all 8 of our kids
5882. Caroline opening her home for Childbirth Conversation
5883. Having 3 participants who were willing to share their hearts
5884. Bethany being able to speak well into it
5885. Having open conversation
5886. Rachel being willing to come last minute to speak on c-sections
5887. Meeting new Sisters
5888. Speaking a lot about trusting God with everything
5889. It being better than I could imagine
5890. Talking with Bethany
5891. Having a like minded Sister that teaches me
5892. Being able to crash
5893. Jamey and Lillian playing outside
5894. Jim sleeping until 4
5895. Family movie night
5896. Smooth bed time
5897. Crashing
5898. Nice cool weather
5899. Being able to get up with crazy sleep pattern
5900. Cinnamon rolls for breakfast
5901. Coffee
5902. Learning about the purpose of miracles
5903. Learning about who Jesus is
5904. God's graciousness to us
5905. Jesus showing He is the Messiah through His miracles
5906. Worshiping with song
5907. Jesus changing me
5908. Becca getting lunch for us
5909. Good conversation
5910. Jamey singing "We Are Changed"
5911. Jamey admitting he is not changed but wants to be
5912. Growing in speaking Truth
5913. Good rest time
5914. Watching new movies
5915. More Disney movies on Netflix
5916. Pizza
5917. Watching Jim and the kids wrestle
5918. Family
5919. God's gifts
5920. Going to bed earlier

September 9 to 22

I got really behind so I'm doing 2 weeks in 1. Hoping to get caught up this week and stay on top of it.

5276. Being able to get up
5277. Getting out of the door on time
5278. Great doctor's appointments for Gabriel and Reuben
5279. Seeing the Montgomery family
5280. Getting work done before class
5281. Kids sleeping
5282. Going to class together
5283. Having a short date during class
5284. Hearing Jamey explain what Jesus does to your heart
5285. The simplicity in which a child can explain profound truths
5286. Going to playgroup
5287. Seeing friends
5288. Lunch at the park
5289. Kids playing well together
5290. Praying for friends
5291. Community group
5292. Jim leading
5293. Encouraging conversation
5294. Discussing deep truths
5295. Talking about who Jesus is
5296. Girl time
5297. Sharing with sisters
5298. Praying for each other
5299. Sleep
5300. Getting work done
5301. Having little work to do
5302. Having a good doctor's appointment
5303. Nice evening
5304. Relaxing
5305. Spending time with Gidget, Silas and Margo
5306. Great conversation
5307. Kids playing together
5308. Time to rest
5309. Going to water aerobics
5310. Sharing a pizza with friends
5311. Interesting and challenging conversation
5312. Learning more about God's goodness and providence
5313. Learning about praying through the Psalms
5314. Practicing praying through the Psalms
5315. Feeling and hearing God respond immediately to my cries
5316. Having some relief from nausea
5317. MOMSTogether
5318. Getting to know some others better
5319. Hearing more about God's grace
5320. Encouraging the ladies at my table
5321. Opportunities to speak into other people's lives
5322. Meeting new people
5323. Being able to help others
5324. Kids doing well in class
5325. God's grace
5326. Jim doing well in Hebrew
5327. Restful afternoon
5328. Working on getting thoughts together for Childbirth Conversations
5329. Playing with the kids
5330. Watching a movie
5331. Smooth bedtime
5332. Hanging with Becca
5333. Sleep
5334. Getting up and everyone to church before 8:30
5335. Attending the CG Summit at church
5336. Learning more about how to be a leader and train leaders
5337. Chick-fil-A for lunch
5338. Kids doing well with a long day
5339. Getting to know other leaders in our area
5340. Hearing more of Pastor Daniel's story
5341. Talking with Sisters
5342. Seeing how God is moving
5343. Pizza
5344. A little family time
5345. The kids all about giving hugs and kisses
5346. Really nice weather
5347. Walking to church
5348. Talking to Sisters
5349. Fellowship
5350. Being encouraged
5351. Hearing about Jesus and Nicodemus
5352. Worshiping with the Body
5353. Taking a nap
5354. Not much going on
5355. Things beginning to happen for Childbirth Conversations
5356. Wrestling with the Lord
5357. Learning to overcome in His strength
5358. Being reminded that we can always cry out to God
5359. Doing school with the kids
5360. Jamey being eager to learn
5361. Reuben wanting to learn
5362. Trying to figure out how to best teach Lillian math concepts
5363. Learning more about my kids
5364. Opportunities to learn about my kids
5365. Good class time
5366. Learning more about communication styles
5367. Time to talk about communication
5368. Learning more about Jim
5369. Sleeping until 8
5370. Doing some school with Jamey
5371. Playgroup
5372. Beautiful weather
5373. Hanging out with Gidget, Silas and Margo
5374. Kids playing together
5375. Kids playing with kids they did not know
5376. Learning more about people
5377. Seeing Caroline
5378. Seeing Esther
5379. God building my faith as He provides and helps me plan for Childbirth Conversations
5380. Restful afternoon
5381. Jim having a productive morning
5382. Community Group
5383. Encouraging conversation
5384. Learning more about each other
5385. Cookies
5386. Doing a full morning of school!
5387. Working on putting thought together for class
5388. Getting confirmation on space for Childbirth Conversations
5389. Getting information and invites out
5390. God's provision
5391. Not having anywhere to go in the evening
5392. Getting stuff done
5393. Working on homework
5394. Being productive
5395. Kids resting
5396. Having some time to rest in the evening
5397. Sleep
5398. Kids playing outside
5399. Working on homework
5400. Preparing for a busy evening
5401. Having educational movies
5402. My kids loving educational movies
5403. Netflix
5404. The option of technology when needed
5405. Taking a little time to rest
5406. Dinner date with Jim
5407. Little Cheezers (this place is really good!)
5408. Sweet potato fries
5409. Yummy "fancy" grilled cheese (BTW I hate grilled cheese so this says a lot)
5410. Time to talk to the Scotts
5411. Meeting new people
5412. God putting you in the right place at the right time
5413. Encouragement
5414. Jamey's imagination
5415. Being inspired in song writing again
5416. Being able to write (being educated)
5417. Listening to Jamey and Lillian talk to each other
5418. Jamey praying for Lillian and Reuben
5419. Jamey asking to pray more
5420. Getting 3 days of school in this week
5421. Beginning to feel more normal
5422. Time to work on things
5423. Praying through a Psalm
5424. Reading
5425. God's grace
5426. Getting some rest
5427. Really learning what has to be done
5428. Learning to let go of perfection
5429. Learning to let go of expectations
5430. Learning to desire God even when I am tired/don't feel like it/etc.
5431. A low key evening
5432. Getting emails sent
5433. Time to play
5434. Restful Saturday
5435. RAIN!!!!!
5436. Pajama day
5437. Movie day
5438. Being hungry and thirsty
5439. Being able to eat and drink
5440. God's provision
5441. Making it through the morning without extra hands
5442. Trying a new recipe
5443. Napping
5444. Jim sleeping
5445. Reading as a family
5446. Kids remembering the Psalms we have not reviewed lately
5447. Not being on the computer
5448. Smooth bedtime
5449. Rest
5450. Speaking into Becca's life
5451. Learning how to teach and encourage
5452. Getting up
5453. Beautiful cool weather
5454. Walking to church
5455. Talking to people I have not seen in awhile
5456. Talking about Childbirth Conversations
5457. Catching up with Sarah
5458. Being encouraged
5459. Sitting with Cory and Courtney
5760. Seeing Melanie
5761. Being encouraged in Christ
5762. Hearing women being affirmed from the pulpit
5763. Learning how to get involved with other
5764. Being encouraged in mission
5765. Being encouraged to tell others what Christ has done for me
5766. Hearing more about the Trinity
5767. Being hungry for lunch
5768. Low key afternoon
5769. Nothing planned for the evening
5770. Working on more thoughts for Childbirth Conversations
5771. Hanging out with the kids
5772. Stuffed-crust pizza
5773. Spending time with Jim
5774. Smooth bed time
5775. Going to bed

September 2 to 8

5141. Learning to let Jesus be my rest
5142. Becca being with the kids so I could get a little more sleep
5143. God being my strength
5144. God getting me through
5145. Taking a nap
5146. Kids resting
5147. Stuffed crust pizza
5148. Crying out to God
5149. Getting much needed rest throughout the day
5150. A holiday so we did not have class
5151. A low key kind of day
5152. Smooth bed time
5153. Watching some shows
5154. Sleep
5155. Sleeping until 8 am
5156. Feeling mostly rested
5157. Doing some work with the kids
5158. Running a couple errands quickly
5159. Playgroup!
5160. Beautiful cool weather
5161. Learning about more women who might be able to help with panel
5162. God continuing to open doors
5163. Kids playing well
5164. Sweet tea
5165. Lunch outside
5166. Seeing Sisters
5167. Becca getting some sketches done
5168. Relaxing afternoon
5169. Kids all napping (although at different times)
5170. Getting food ready for CG
5171. Getting to rest for a little while
5172. Watching Star Trek: The Next Generation
5173. Becoming a bit of a "Trekki"
5174. CG at our house
5175. Learning more about Brothers and Sisters
5176. Fun time to hang out
5177. Laughter
5178. Finding common connections
5179. The kids doing really well
5180. Jamey lying around reading
5181. Ryan being able to make it for a few minutes
5182. Smooth bedtime
5183. God's graciousness
5184. Sleeping later than usual
5185. Getting some school work done
5186. Science experiments
5187. Magic School Bus on Netflix
5188. Having media when it's needed
5189. Kids loving to learn
5190. Having a good morning
5191. Jim being able to get some work done before class
5192. Nice afternoon
5193. Having a mostly down day
5194. Getting my homework completed for class
5195. Time to read my Bible
5196. Smooth bed time
5197. Quiet and restful evening
5198. Good sleep
5199. Kids waking up later
5200. Yummy breakfast
5201. Coffee
5202. Gidget, Silas and Margo coming over
5203. Kids playing together
5204. Nice weather
5205. Great conversation
5206. Lunch together
5207. Learning more about each other
5208. Being real
5209. Fun morning
5210. God's grace
5211. Learning to recognize God's grace
5212. Taking a nap
5213. Nice quick dinner
5214. Going to water aerobics
5215. Meeting new Sisters
5216. Pizza
5217. Meeting Cade and Amy
5218. Discipleship class
5219. Small group
5220. Learning from and encouraging each other
5221. Pairing up for accountability
5222. Relaxing while waiting for Jim
5223. Sleep
5224. Waking up with little issue
5225. Getting ready in a timely manner
5226. Praying for our workers around the world
5227. God reminding me that I am still responsible to do the work He has given me to do
5228. Sandwiches
5229. Teaching my kids to pray
5230. God's discipline
5231. Learning to be disciplined in Godliness
5232. Jamey taking a nap
5233. Learning from wrestling with the Lord
5234. Jamey and Mama date to the fair at Southern
5235. Riding a merry-go-round
5236. Jamey playing in the jumpy inflatables
5237. Seeing many people we have not seen in a while
5238. Free Chick-fil-A
5239. Ice Cream
5240. Cotton Candy
5241. Having fun together
5242. The weather not being too hot
5243. Taking Jim's dinner to work
5244. Jamey getting to see where Jim works
5245. Meeting a couple of Jim's co-workers
5246. Getting to sleep
5247. Low key Saturday
5248. Watching way too much TV
5249.  Letting Reuben choose what we watched
5250. Reuben turning 2!!!
5251. Cory and Courtney celebrating with us
5252. Cupcakes and Ice Cream
5253. Low key evening
5254. Smooth bed time
5255. Being able to get up
5256. Kids sleeping all night
5257. Getting ready for church
5258. Cinnamon rolls
5259. Getting out of the door early
5260. Hearing about Jesus clearing the temple
5261. Being reminded about being zealous for God
5262. Learning what zeal is and is not
5263. Seeing the shift from the old to new covenant
5264. Seeing people we have not seen in a while
5265. God's goodness
5266. Nice lunch
5267. Restful afternoon
5268. Pizza for dinner
5269. Meeting to pray for Greg and Dawn
5270. Great time of prayer
5271. Encouraging conversation
5272. Reminding ourselves of what God is doing and can do
5273. Remembering Jesus is God and has all authority
5274. Nice evening
5275. Sleep

Reuben is 2!!!

Today our Reuben is 2 years old! Time flies so quickly. He was our first child born in Louisville and life has been that much fuller since then. Reuben is so full of life and laughter. He is strong, active, loud and not at all afraid to tell you what he thinks. He knows that he is cute and uses that to his advantage. He loves to snuggle, read and watch TV. He likes to be outside and explore. I pray that we will foster his adventurous spirit and that God will use it for His amazing plans and purposes.

This year Reuben has started a little preschool with the family. He wants to be just like Jamey and Lillian and wants to learn. He likes to read books and do puzzles in school. He is starting to enjoy coloring, but would prefer to color on the table. He listens well during Bible reading and will occasionally try to say the Bible verse of the week.

I love his smile, his laugh, his eyes, his curls. I love this boy! God gave us such a special gift when he gave us Reuben and I cannot wait to see what kind of a man he will grow into. It's hard to imagine, but I know one day he will be a man living a life away from our home and hopefully in service to our Lord.

Happy Birthday Reuben! I love you! 

August 26 to September 1

5011. Being able to get up
5012. Catching a little extra sleep on the sofa
5013. Getting a school morning done
5014. Kids playing outside
5015. Growing in patience
5016. Jamey saying that Jesus is the only One who can bring us to back to life!
5017. Taking a nap
5018. Getting a little reading done with Jim
5019. Good quick dinner
5020. Getting everyone to school on time
5021. Getting to know couples in our class better
5022. Talking about marriage and mortality
5023. Learning more about thinking about death appropriately
5024. Learning more about death
5025. Kids doing well
5026. Jamey making it through the day without a nap
5027. Smooth bed time
5028. All sleeping a little later
5029. Relaxing morning
5030. Getting ready for playgroup
5031. Going to playgroup
5032. Sweet Tea
5033. Seeing Gidget and her kids
5034. Meeting Gladys
5035. Fun conversation
5036. Kids playing well
5037. Reuben playing in the water
5038. Seeing Carrie and her family
5039. Meeting Noemi and her daughter
5040. Seeing Esther and her kids
5041. Seeing Margaret and her kids
5042. Seeing Caroline and her kids
5043. Kids eating well at the park
5044. Sharing food
5045. Encouraging each other
5046. Rest time
5047. Reading with Jim
5048. Nice evening
5049. Community group!
5050. Being with family
5051. Meeting Lauren
5052. Connecting
5053. Rejoicing with family
5054. Encouraging each other
5055. Praying together
5056. Talking about John 1
5057. Wishing Robinettes bon voyage
5058. Sleep
5059. Sleeping until after 7 am!
5060. Becca getting the kids' breakfast
5061. Taking our time getting up and ready
5062. Taking our time with school
5063. Getting through a lot
5064. Seeing the kids grow in learning
5065. Kids playing outside
5066. Nice relaxing afternoon
5067. Really good sandwiches for lunch (I love sandwiches)
5068. Kids resting
5069. Reading some with Jim
5070. Working on homework for SWI
5071. Finishing my homework
5072. Getting some stamina
5073. Not having anywhere to go
5074. Smooth bed time
5075. Going to bed early
5076. Waking up
5077. Jim getting off to school at the time he planned
5078. Getting some school work done with the kids
5079. Finding a more laid back way to do school
5080. Finding that being more laid back can still work
5081. Learning the balance between structure and laid back
5082. Figuring out what works in this season
5083. Kids playing outside
5084. Taking a nap
5085. Nice early dinner
5086. Getting out of the house early
5087. Going to water aerobics
5088. Seeing Renee
5089. Seeing Lauren
5090. Snack at school
5091. Meeting Cara
5092. Encouraging conversation
5093. Meeting more sisters
5094. Starting Discipleship class
5095. Getting the small group leader I wanted
5096. Learning about Sisters in my small group
5097. God's story throughout all of our lives
5098. Getting home a little earlier than expected
5099. Ability to get up at 5 am
5100. Getting caught up on most of the primary school work
5101. Relaxing day
5102. Jamey making more spiritual connections
5103. Nice rest time
5104. Jim getting a nap
5105. Good dinner
5106. Hanging out
5107. Smooth early bed time for the kids
5108. Relaxing
5109. Going to sleep
5110. Getting up without too much issue
5111. Writing group
5112. Fun theological conversation
5113. Sharing my story
5114. Hearing new hymns
5115. Learning about possible writing opportunities
5116. Catching up
5117. Quiet afternoon
5118. Resting
5119. Hanging out with the kids
5120. Playing with the kids
5121. Yummy dinner
5122. Jim sleeping well
5123. Smooth bed time
5124. Relaxing
5125. Sleeping until 6 am without interruption
5126. Kids getting up at a reasonable time
5127. Cinnamon rolls for breakfast
5128. Jim having a good night at work
5129. Rain
5130. Driving to church
5131. The Whites joining us for church
5132. Seeing Rachel
5133. Wonderful sermon on Jesus's miracle of water to wine
5134. God teaching me consistency
5135. Learning to fight anger through failing
5136. Always being reminded God is my strength
5137. Jim picking up an extra holiday night
5138. Watching a movie with Jim before he went to work
5139. God's graciousness
5140. God's provision