The One That Started a New Decade

December 31, 2019 - January 5, 2020

Well, this one has to go back to Monday of this week to tell the whole story.  On Monday morning, December 30, 2019, about 8:25am Emma and Lara's Great-Grandmother, Beverly Pelnar, passed away.  While she had been battling heart failure and dementia for years, it was still a tough blow to the family.  We quickly planned a graveside service for Thursday, January 2nd at 2:00pm at the Sunset Gardens Memorial.  Family and friends joined us to say their final goodbyes.

We played "When We All Get to Heaven" by Casting Crowns and Chester Wiswell said a few words.  After the brief service, several family members gathered at Nana's house in Perkins for fellowship  We took a couple of pictures, too (not pictured, Bex Boyd).

Grandma's Biggest Fans

Add the Weavers to a picture and it gets crowded...

But before there was a funeral, there was a celebration as a new year and a new decade dawned.  The girls went in different directions, but the pictures tell a story of friends and laughter.

Lara and her "YEatles" - Annah, Lara, Erika, Kendall

Emma went to a party at the Hatfields

Emma and Sarah

She took Jake with her, too!

Party People!

Emma stayed in Stillwater with us off and on this week, and the girls finished out the week looking forward to their final semester in high school and getting ready for their new classes.  Hanging out with friends, card games with family, and general relaxing with TV and iPhones.  Saturday, they both worked at the Donut shop in Guthrie.  And Sunday was another family day.  So grateful they will go shopping together, take Jake and/or Finn with them occasionally, and generally brighten our days!

2020 is here.  And it is going to be a doozy!  So glad I have this project to keep me moving forward!  Here's to a GREAT semester!

The One That Ended 2018

December 28, 2018 - January 1, 2019

Another weekend stretched into the next week to include a significant holiday!  Emma and Lara are both enjoying the extra time to relax and regroup over the break.  Emma went to Newkirk to her Grandpa Bruce's house to work for him a little bit, and that allowed Lara some one-on-one time with her Dad.  Everyone is making the most of the time we've been given!  Of course, the TV binge watching is still happening.  Plus, we discovered the iPhone app for the game Ticket to Ride, we all downloaded it, and now we are in a constant state of counting trains and making routes...  Mom got an Instant Pot for Christmas as well, so we've been cooking fun meals in that and trying to figure it all out.  So far, the quick hard boiled eggs are the biggest hit.  Great way to spend the break, I think!

Friday was a lazy day of cleaning up from Christmas, naps, video games, and board games.  Saturday, we finally left the house - where there were snow flurries! - to catch and OSU men's basketball game.  We love these games during the holiday break where the attendance is low so they sell tickets at a cheaper rate!  Makes a fun family outing very affordable!  We had a great time, and the kids got a picture with Pistol Pete!

Family Fun

We Love Pistol Pete!

Sunday was a typical church day - even though Lara went with her Dad in the morning she still came with us in the evening.  Monday arrived - NEW YEAR'S EVE!  Our beloved Oklahoma State University Cowboy Football team had a game today - they played the Missouri Tigers in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee, and brought home the victory!  We enjoyed watching the game as a family!  That night, everyone went their separate ways.  Lara rang in the new year babysitting for a repeat client - gotta keep gas in Jett the Jetta!

The New Year started on Tuesday, January 1.  Another slow, chill day.  The holiday break seems longer than usual, but  will take it!  Soaking up all the moments with my precious teenagers and the rest of my family.  Like they say, the days go slow but the years FLY by!

One Word - 2019

2018 is a wrap.  My #oneword for 2018 was welcome.  And BOY HOWDY!  Did we welcome things in 2018!  We were welcomed home to our forever home that we purchased in the Spring.  That was HUGE.  Jake was welcomed on to a new basketball team that has allowed us to welcome a whole new group of friends.  Emma was welcomed into the Metal Fabrication program at Meridian Technology Center.  Lara welcomed new challenges and adventures at school that really stretched and grew her.  And Finn welcomed first grade with a vengeance!  He has broken out of his shell, and truly is a joy of a little boy to be around!  I welcomed the challenge of Grad School, and Britt welcomed the challenges of being a stay at home dad and tackling all of the logistics of running our home and kids all around.  We welcomed 2018, and for the most part, she welcomed us too!  There were bumps and bruises along the way, but each of those was a welcome moment of learning as well!

2019 came up fast!  We have been in warp speed as a family for the past couple of months.  So, unlike some years, I had no thought of my One Word until yesterday.  I read a few blog posts, found a list of popular "one word" choices, and prayed.  It was abundantly clear that God was telling me to LISTEN.  And not to just listen, but to HEAR!  Not just to Him, which has been a struggle here at the end of the year, but to my friends, my family, my co-workers and professors.  My students, my classmates, my kids.  LISTEN.  Listen for comprehension.  Listen for clarity.  Listen for compassion.  Listen to HEAR, not for a space to speak.

I also like to pick a Bible verse to focus on that goes along with my One Word.  I read through many verses yesterday, trying to find the right one that expressed the sentiment I felt for the word.  I had a hard time landing on one, but this one stood out to me.  So, I LISTENED!  I listened to what God was telling me, and I studied this verse.  James 1:19 says "Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry."  Those first 2 statements really speak to me.  And if we can change "angry" to "annoyed," we would be spot on!

I am entering 2019 with a pledge to be quick to listen, and slow to speak.  To listen to HEAR, not to listen for my turn to talk.  Along with that, I want to measure my words when I respond, not just respond with a knee-jerk reaction.  Listen, REALLY LISTEN, and understand what is being said,m instead of jumping in for the answer or the quick fix.  This one is going to be hard.  Pray for me!

As part of my One Word journey each year, I like to look back over the years that I have chosen a word and what that looked like.  I enjoyed re-reading last year's post about Welcome, and reflecting on all the changes we had this past year.  We welcomed so many new things, but the biggest change was our new home.  I know we won't have a year like this again, but I am excited to see what 2019 brings for us.  (And dreading 2020 just a little bit as that is the year my little ladies will graduate from high school, but let's not talk about that now...)  Here is a list of the past posts:

2018 - welcome
2017 - closer  (I was anxious, and blog-averse, as we opened 2017, so it's a short FB post)
2016 - greater
2015 - brave
2014 - joyful
2013 - resolution

So in the vein of today being New Year's Eve, I want to WELCOME all of you to 2019, and tell you to LISTEN to your surroundings in 2019.  Here's to a great year!  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The One Where We Welcomed 2018

December 29, 2017 - January 1, 2018
Happy New Year!  Welcome to 2018!  Due to being on break from school/work, this time of the year is always a little surreal.  No one knows what day it is, what time it is, or what appropriate clothing options are!  And this year was no different.  It was great to be relaxed and enjoy some down time - even if the temps were frigid and going outside required layers and hats and gloves and sprints between the car and buildings!

Emma was at her home in Orlando this weekend.  She had basketball practice basically every day and a scrimmage early on Friday, so it was just easier for her to stay out there.  We did get to see her on Sunday at church, though!  She spent New Year's Eve with some friends - and I know from a Face Time call between the Twisters that she was playing UNO at one point...

Lara spend her lazy weekend hanging around the house, texting with friends, hanging out, and going places with us as a family.   We went to an OSU men's basketball game, and OSU women's basketball game, she saw a movie with a friend (Wonder) on NYE, a movie with me and Jake (The Greatest Showman) on New Year's Day, and did 5 loads of laundry. We cherish this time together!

Here are a few pictures from the weekend:

OSU Men's Basketball vs. West Virginia Friday 12/29/17

Church with Finn Sunday 12/31/17

Lara and Emma - NYE 12/31/17

OSU Women's Basketball Game vs Kansas State Sunday 12/31/17

Random Lara selfie from my phone dated 01/01/18

With Jake and I at the movies 01/01/18

Just writing the Date for today - January 2, 2018 - makes me realize how quickly it is all going.  The girls GRADUATE from high school in 2 years!  2020 is closer than I ever though possible!  Loving every moment I have and so glad I started this project!

2017 Weaver Wrap Up

Here we are at the end of another year.  2017 presented us with challenges, victories, heartache, and long awaited success.  Seems like every year that goes by brings a little of it ALL to our plates, and it is our job to find the joy and the peace with in it all.  Which would not be possible without this amazing family we are a part of, and without the Number One - Jesus our Savior, in our lives for guidance and protection.

If you know me, you know I like numbers and patterns.  Specifically even numbers and predicative patterns.  You know: twins, 4 kids, 4 letter names, things like that...  So, with that in mind, I am setting forward to write 6 sentences about the last year for each member of the Six Dream Weavers family,  I will share the good and the bad.  The triumphs and the set backs.  And you, the reader, will hopefully see God's hand in it all, just as we have.  So, since I like predictable patterns, we'll go oldest to youngest.. Or, Maybe alphabetically?  So may choices!

So, six sentences.  Alphabetically.  Starts with me...

Betsey

(Side bar - it is hard to find a good picture of me!  I either have on glasses, a hat, or a silly look on my face!)  2017 was en experience in personal growth and remembering I am blessed beyond measure - including starting the 2020 project to commemorate the last weekends we have with the girls at home.  This year also allowed me the opportunity to get closer to my family, know myself better, and learn a LOT of new things along the way.  My biggest highlight was earning an amazing promotion with the Oklahoma State University Office of the Registrar and staring my amazing journey as an Assistant Registrar.  This opportunity has allowed me to spread my wings, meet so many new people (that I just love and adore), and advance my career - dreams can come true!.  I think the low points all align with the struggles we have faced as a family including growing pains, financial and job stress, as well as learning to embrace the fact that we can't please everyone all of the time.  God has shown me patience, joy in the moment, and that I have an incredible husband, and 4 extraordinary kids - all who know how to roll with the punches and make every day a joy.

Britt

Britt has had a challenging 2017, but looking back and reveling in the blessings he was able to enjoy along the way truly make us grateful for this season.  While still looking for full time, steady employment, he has had the opportunity to take on the awesome responsibility for the logistics of our big, busy, bustling household!  What a wonderful moment in time where he is able to take the boys to school everyday, meet them at the end of the day, make sure we have groceries and meals, run all the kids to their activities in the afternoons, and be my personal Uber to and from work.  We are all so grateful for his contributions to our family in this way.  We are equally as thankful for the financial support from driving Uber late at night and working his ******** business during the day to ensure health for all those around us.  His lowest point was late in the fall when he dislocated his shoulder in the middle of the night and the subsequent recovery; we are all glad that is behind us now!


Emma

2017 allowed Emma to really spread her wings and fly after she moved away from Stillwater and all the challenges it had for her.  She faced her new surrounds, school, friends, and sports with such independence and grace - we can't help but be incredibly proud of her!  She has remained active in the Mulhall-Orlando FFA, and added another season of Lady Panther basketball to her resume.  Being a sophomore in high school with extra-curricular activities has shown her the importance of time management and helped her get organized. She still loves the outdoors - camping, trail riding, fishing, lake life, you name it - and spends much of her free time chasing those dreams.  The highlight of her year was "finally" getting her driver's permit - it's hard to be one of the youngest kids in your class!


Finn

Finn is still the crazy, unpredictable, surprise he has always been, he's just six now and is able to be more articulate about his chaos!  Graduating from Pre-K and entering Kindergarten has really allowed his personality to grow and shine - and he still charms everyone with that smile (even if you have to be pretty special to coax one out of him)!  He is a veracious reader, loves to collect (hoard?) a new treasure every couple of weeks, sings incessantly, and definitely wins the "screen time" award in our house!  He has taken after big brother in the love of video games department, and has also become quite the little dribbler by working on his own driveway basketball skills - although he is still too shy to play on a team where people might watch him.  We love watching him use his imagination as he plays with his massive collection of toys and games - he is definitely the most independent kid we have when it comes to entertaining himself.  The highlight of his year was probably this past week on Christmas morning when Santa DID come and he brought things on the (edited 20 times) Christmas list Finn had sent him!


Jake

Jake started 2017 playing basketball, and he will end it doing the same - even though there was a team change in there along the way, and a season of baseball squeezed in the middle.  Fifth grade has proven to be a good year for him - even if he says the teachers quit calling on him to answer questions because he "already knows the answers!"  Jake does everything BIG - he is 5'6" tall and weighs in around the 150 mark, his huge heart for others is a gift I hope never gets tarnished, he is the big man on his basketball team and the heavy hitter in baseball, super smart and very talented; he loves big, feels big, and is a big leader in everything he does.  He is a blessing to everyone around him, and he loves to tell stories, play video games, master all things sports related (including incessant statistics), solve every type of Rubik's cube there is, read any book he can get his hands on, and be a wonderful member of this big family.  It is hard to pinpoint the highest moment of his year, because he finds so much joy in everything he does, there is a highlight almost every day!  He is a fun-loving kid who is a patient big brother, a fantastic little brother, the epitome of a "middle child," and truly a treasure to raise and watch him change the world!


Lara

Lara's goal for 2017 was to be more confident, and we think she NAILED IT!  She not only gained confidence, she gained skills that will last her a lifetime including time management, how to talk to strangers, how to assert herself when needed, the ability to see the forest for all the trees, to try new things - even when they're scary, and how to be true to who she is.  The sports medicine program she is in has raised every bar she ever imagined, and brought about new ones she would have never known about if it were not for the opportunity and for taking that giant leap.  This year as a 10th grader she went on her very first solo date with a boy - and it was to a semi-formal dance with a SENIOR boy she barely knew.  Her smile and her giggle are infectious, and she lights up every room she walks in to - that's what confidence will do for you.  I think her highlight of the year was just in the past couple of weeks as well, when she was chosen by the wrestling athletes to represent the women of the Sophomore class as their attendant for Wrestling Homecoming - the fruits of which will happen on January 11.


We ended the year with a very precious time of relaxing and enjoying time as a family.  With the kids out of school, Britt able to use this time to be present with us, and the University closed for me, we have had a very relaxing and refreshing couple of weeks.  We also chose to keep it simple for Christmas this year.  Not only in the gift department (which we always do - 3 per kid (like the Wise Men), and a "fun" gift from Santa), but by staying home as a family of six and having our favorite, low-key, one-dish meal for lunch.  It gave us time to just be; spend time together, play with new toys and gifts, and not worry about making appearances.  I recommend it!

As we throw ourselves full force into 2018, we wish you nothing but the BEST!  Enjoy the challenges and the opportunities the new year will bring.  And never forget to praise the One who made it all possible.

Our Christmas Meal Recipe:

Sticky Chicken 

Prepare a package of frozen popcorn chicken.

While it cooks, mix over low heat:
6 Tbsp honey
4 Tbsp ketchup
4 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp white vinegar
2 Tbsp soy sauce
Salt/pepper

Bring to boil, simmer 3-5 minutes (to thicken slightly)
Toss with cooked chicken, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions

serve it with boil in bag brown rice

One Word: 2016

As 2015 has only a few short hours until it comes to a crashing close, it's time to reflect on the year that's passed, and dream about the year that starts so very soon.  A new chapter in your book.  365 blank pages to fill in any way you can imagine!  Part of my ritual for the past few years  as the New Year rolls around is to spend some time finding one word to focus on.  One word that will be the theme for my year.  What my goals and dreams are anchored on.  I really enjoy the process of finding my word.  I think about what's happened the past year and what I want to see happen in the next.  I think about areas where I need guidance and focus.  And I earnestly pray for God to lead me to my word.  The one word He wants me to meditate on for the next year.  The word God has just for me to stretch me and test me throughout the year.

For 2014, my word was Brave.  I had just ventured out in a new business and I had to learn to talk to people in a way that made them believe in me.  That was a stretch.  In 2015, my word was Joyful.  I felt led to find the JOY in every minute, and to not sweat the small stuff so much.  I had found myself frustrated and stressed by being a parent and the messiness of it all, instead of loving the fleeting moments that all too soon will leave my house spotless, quiet, and EMPTY.  The verse I focused on last year to accompany this new attitude for me was Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope."  I wasn't perfect by any means, but when I asked my husband and kids if I had been more joyful this year, they all agreed I had been.  I feel like I succeeded in focusing on  that one concept and improving my daily outlook.

 

 

That brings us to today.  One the Eve of a new year - 2016.  I have been thinking about my word for a few weeks.  Usually it's just a few days.  As I mentioned in an earlier blog post, the winds of change are blowing HARD at the Weavers house this year, and I wanted to be intentional with my word.  I wanted it to be something I could not only focus on, but lean in to.  Learn, stretch, GROW.  And even lead, teach and inspire!  So, after much prayer, talk with my husband and friends, and thinking long and hard about what this word means to me, I am ready to dive in to 2016 with my focus on being GREATER.

 



I'm not 100% sure what exactly is going to be GREATER.  I know some things in my life will increase.  That's greater.  I want to work hard at being a greater wife, a greater mom, and a greater follower of Christ.  I want my faith to increase.  I am confident 2016 as a year will be greater than 2015.  Our family is on an upward trajectory over the past 4 years and I don't see that slowing down.  But, God's plan for my year might be completely different than mine.  What he wants me to be Greater at may be vastly opposed to what I want to be greater at.  My verse for this year is John 3:30 "He must become greater; I must become less."  I am putting my faith in God for this year.  I can't wait to see what He unfolds before me and my family.

 



If you would like to find your One Word for 2016, I would love to help you!  I can tell you more about how I come to mine each year, I can pray with you, or I can throw words at you until one of them sticks!  LOL  Or, the best way is to just reflect and pray and let God lead you to it.  There is a You Version Bible reading plan designed to help you find your One Word as well.  I have included a link to it here.  Just click, and get started on your journey for 2016.

Treat Every Day Like Chirstmas

It's Christmas time.  And right after that the New Year.  That means its time for reflection, new horizons, goals and dreams.  At the Weaver house, the winds of change are blowing pretty hard this season.  And we're looking forward to a NEW 2016 and all the change that it brings.  But today, I am reflecting on days gone by.  Memories of the people and places and things that made me who I am today and remind me of what Christmas means to me.

Take a look at this Christmas Card picture from our family in 2011.

What do you see?  Christmas greetings.  Adorable kids.  Fun photography.  A tiny baby fighting for life. Cute owl graphics.  Snow, ornaments, family names. A sweet card sent out with love and care to share with family and loved ones the blessings of the season.

Do you know what I see?  Something missing.  Each image shows me a memory, and a piece that's missing.  My sweet friend Gabi made this card for us.  She used those same owls on a sign that hung in our home, and then in my temporary hospital home that year to help keep me focused on a healthy baby.  She used them on a website that helped raise funds for our tremendous medical bills.  And she used them here to convey the hope and future of our family.  Lives get busy, and I don't see her as much as I used to.  I miss that... That bottom picture of the feet is missing somethings, too.  Our talented friend Beth took that picture on a HOT July day in Oklahoma just after we discovered we were having our fourth baby, and this was our Big Reveal image to share with everyone.  This was in the days shortly after we had lost my big brother.  (FYI - standing like that and getting that shot was INCREDIBLY difficult and sweaty - Jake was 4 and the girls were 9: wiggly). Beth has moved on to Texas and is raising her own family now.  We miss her.  This image shows the hope we had for the pregnancy - which was dramatically cut short.  I miss the expectation we had for a more normal gestation and infancy. (Don't get me wrong, so blessed by what we got instead, but I mourn the loss of a dream.) I miss being a family of 5.  It was different; Finn changed everything. For the better, of course, but a definite divergence from where we were going. And my brother Brian.  He wasn't here all the fun.  4th niece/nephew. NICU days. All the holidays, birthdays, milestones and moments from the last 4 years and 9 months.  He missed it all.  And I miss him. He should have been here for that picture, and all that came after it.

And up to the top 2 images.  So much missing.  How hard for those 3 little faces to have to deal with a family torn apart by 70 miles, illness, surgeries, stress and separation for a total of 5 months start to finish.  They were SO BLESSED by all kinds of surrogates to stand in our stead as I fought for 2 lives, Britt tried to be in two places and once and all things to several people, and then as Finn started his journey into this world.  But Emma, Lara and Jake were missing things, too.  Normalcy.  Mommy. Daddy. A brother they were only allowed to see through glass and touch with one finger for the longest time. A baby that didn't get to come home for Christmas. They weathered that storm so well.  Built resilience.  Taught them many tough life lessons.  They are stronger for it.  I miss those tiny faces and those effortless smiles.

And my sweet, sweet tiny miracle baby boy Finn.  He brought joy to our world.  And pain, and stress, and lessons, and LOVE.  So much love. From every corner of our universe.  So many people were touched by his presence, prayed for his life, and loved him without even knowing him.  He spent that Christmas in the NICU.  Santa came to see him there.  We had a Christmas lunch in the car consisting of Lunchables and Capri Sun after we had opened presents at home just so we could see him and hold him that day.  He was missing in our home that morning.  And for the entire 3 months he spent in the hospital.  He was missing from that sunny day picture at the top of the card.  And his siblings are missing from this picture of him.  So much separation!  But so much to be thankful for!  

2011 - NICU

2015 - Santa's Workshop

Little Dream Weavers - 2015
Emma (13), Jake (8), Finn (4), Lara (13)

As we get older and the kids get busier, we realize that the pictures of all 4 kids in one place at one time are going to get fewer and further between.  But we always have the memories.  The blessings. The lessons that made us who we are.  Somethings may be missing, but nothing is missed.  Every detail to our story has been written by the best Storyteller there ever was.  We celebrate His birth and what he did for our world this Christmas season, and EVERY Christmas season.  Thank you God, for sending your son, Jesus, to be our Savior.  And thank you for being a better Writer of my story than I could ever imagine.

Merry Christmas

Hope and a Future: 2015

Christmas is over.  All the presents have been played with and the decorations put away for another year.  The New Year countdown came and went.  The New Year is upon us and the “new” has already started to wear off.  The extended 2 week vacation from work, school and reality is coming to a screeching halt in just a few short hours.  So, now what?

For me, 2015 seems so very full of promise.  So much unlike last few years.  Of course still filled with TONS of unknowns, the things I do know are filling me with excited anticipation.  A giddy expectation.  My ONE WORD for this coming year is “joyful.”  I am looking to be joyful in whatever comes my way, and to look for the joy in all things. To be joyful in the journey, and to spread joy along the way. I am (FINALLY) old enough to appreciate that not everyone is going to like me, and I’m completely OK with that.  I can’t please all the people, and I don’t need to work so hard trying to!  And not everyone is going to like or even agree with everything I do or the way in which I do it.  And that’s just fine!  We all have our own path to follow. Haters gonna hate…  And I’m just gonna… Let It Go!

Britt and I just celebrated out 9th wedding anniversary last night (our actual anniversary is the 7th).  NINE years!  And this next one's going to be great as well! Here are just a few things I am excited about for 2015. 

·         We’re moving.  I know this is happening.  I have no idea what it’s going to look like, but I know it’s happening.  The lease is up on the home we’ve been renting, and we will not be renewing it.  We really (REALLY) want to buy a house here, but the details are all in God’s hands and in his timing.  For the first half of the year, this is my number one prayer.

·         Emma and Lara, my first born babies, will turn 13.  THIRTEEN!  I will be the mother of teenagers.  This boggles my mind, but truly thrills me!  I love watching them become the young women God intends them to be!  It’s a little sad as they “need” me less and less, but it’s so AWESOME to watch them take charge of their own lives and make decisions. Constantly praying for them to listen to the Spirit and make wise decisions.

·         Financial Margin.  We have been working the last 9 months to set the foundation for our business in order to create more wiggle room in our monthly budget.  And it is truly a blessing to watch this process unfold.  We put braces on Lara last fall, and we were just told a few weeks ago Emma needs to start the process soon as well.  And Jake has decided he is a 3 (or 4 or 5) sport athlete, and at the rate he’s growing we’ll need new shoes every 2 months!  Plus, out sweet, miracle baby Finn – always a medical bill or two floating in… We need this margin in our lives!  Praising God for the guidance we have received and the knowledge we are gaining.

·         Britt and I are back to leading a LifeGroup.  I specifically took action in saying “No” to many things last year for a variety of reasons.  I feel like it worked for me and my family.  Late this past fall, we were approached with the prospect of helping our current LifeGroup (that we’ve been members of for 4 years) multiply into 2 groups.  We will be leading a group that will start with 4-5 couples later this month.  I continued my “No” streak by choosing not to host the group in our home – we are meeting at another family’s home.  Praying to be effective leaders and wise stewards of our time in this area.

·         Junior High School.  Back to those red heads of mine.  I was TERRIFIED of them going to middle school.  Paralyzed with fear.  I had heard so many bad stories, seen so many wrong choices made by friends and acquaintances.  I failed miserably by worrying CONSTANTLY about middle school.  It turned out to all be for naught.  Seriously.  The girls have had an EXCELLENT middle school experience!  I know we have 5 more months there, but I trust that nothing much will change.  So, in the fall, it’s off to Junior High.  I’m not scared.  I’m optimistic.  Lord, you know my heart in this area… I pray for continued watchfulness.

·         Time Freedom.  Right now, and for the next few months, we are dedicated to living like no one else, so that later we can LIVE like no one else.  We are dedicating all of our free time to growing and nurturing our ******** business. So that later, within this next year, we can bring me home from my regular day job.  I want to do more, and have better, for my kids.  So for now, we are saying “No” to good things to be able to say “YES” to better things.  Working smart right now will allow me to come home to my babies soon. God help us to make discerning choices in this area and guide us as we work to change our life for the better.

·         ********.  This company and this business have changed our lives.  We started last spring so we could lose weight.  We jumped on as distributors so we could get a discount.  IN the process of the journey, we have learned so much, and our focus has completely changed.  We are loving the opportunity to HELP OTHERS!  Share the knowledge and lessons we have learned.  Show friends and family how they can have what we have.  Our lives have changed, for the BETTER!  We want everyone to have what we have!  To know what we know and to feel like we feel.  Our health is improved, our finances have improved, and our OUTLOOK has improved!  Lord, show us how to be effective with our passion and help others.

·         Health and Fitness.  It seems almost un-American to not include some sort of health and wellness goals in a New Year’s list! LOL!  Britt and I started our journey 9 months ago.  He has lost 72 pounds.  I have lost 42.  We are starting a ** *** ********* (with THOUSANDS of our friends) this week.  This journey is never “over,” it just evolves.  Britt wants to lose about 30 more pounds.  I am only ½ way to my goal, so we still have work to do! 

That’s quite a list!  But can’t you see it, too? This year is going to be so joyfully amazing!  So many promises that I know will be fulfilled.  So many plans unfolding for prosperity!  We serve an AWESOME God, and He will not fail.  This is our opportunity to shine.  Our passion is to help others with their outlook on life.  To help them with their dreams.  To weave the fabric of their lives with joy.  We want to take the things we are passionate about (Jesus, family, health), and successfully share them with others to help improve their futures as well.  We invite you to pray for these things with us in 2015. 

What’s your outlook for 2015?  How can the Six Dream Weavers pray for you?  Tomorrow we go back to the “grind.”  Work, school, lessons, practices, the “daily” things.  Let’s find JOY! 

AdvoKids! Even they are ALL IN!

One Year, One Word, One Verse

As the new year approached, the talk of new year’s resolutions came up – as it always does.  My older kids seemed especially enamored of the hope and excitement that these goals can bring.  I was asked numerous times on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day what my resolutions were.  At first I just brushed them off with “I don’t know.”  Then I moved on to “I haven’t made any yet” and “I haven’t really thought about it.”  All the while I am thinking, “I can never stick to them so why bother.”

But on New Year’s Day I was reminded of something I did last year, somewhat passively and without a lot of follow through (Imagine that!).  I read this blog post from youversion and remembered choosing a word and a verse last year, but I couldn't remember what either of them were.  So you see, I hadn't put a whole lot into it. (It was “delight,” BTW…)

But this year was going to be different.  Forget resolutions.  And even the less stressful word “goal setting.”  I was going to pray, listen for God’s response, and choose one word, one verse to focus on for the year.  To get me started, I searched #verse2014 on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.  I read what people had written, thought about their words, their verses, and prayed for mine.  But, it was New Year ’s Day.  I have four kids.  HGTV had the Tournament of Roses Parade on commercial free! How quickly my focus changed…

Until I was utterly inspired by a commercial I saw!  Not as powerful as the Dodge Ram Trucks  “Thank a Farmer” spot from last year’s Super Bowl, but a great way to start the year nevertheless!  I saw a commercial for the search engine from Microsoft, BING.  With the Sarah Bareilles song “Brave” in the background, here is what I saw:

I believe God can speak to us in many different ways. Sometimes, it is through music and TV commercials.  I left like I had been hit upon the side of my head.  I want to be brave!  I may be a lot of things – loud, opinionated, boisterous – but brave is not a word I would use to describe myself.  I tend towards the non-confrontational, especially with people I don’t know as the outcome may not work out the way I want it to.  I keep things inside just to keep peace.  I don’t go out on many limbs, figuring the safe and known are way better than the scary and unknown.  But this year, I want to be brave!

I prayed, watched the video 10 more times, and downloaded the song.  Set it as my ringtone, even!  Then, I searched for the word “brave” in the Bible.  It’s in there!  About 20 times – depending on the translation. I started reading through the verses, and a lot of them had to do with battle.  While I liked that sentiment, it was exactly what I was looking for to go with the mood of my word and the inspiration I had received.  But then I read this one:

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.”

Yes!  That was it!  EXACTLY!  THAT is how I want 2014 to be!  THAT is my #verse2014.  1 Corinthians 16:13 NJKV.  The version matters here because it uses the word BRAVE.  That’s my word!  That’s my charge for 2014.

So, I do the thing I know I am comfortable with, and I got creative.  I made this Flipagram and immediately posted it to my social media accounts.  I made a cover photo for Facebook and a new profile picture.  I want to be reminded of it daily so I can be BRAVE!  I was to see it so I don’t forget that it’s what God wants for me!  Sarah B says she wants to see me be brave!  I want to see me be brave!

As I see other people share their word or their verse I think about how their word might work for me.  I see several that are about listening, or being still, or love.  I see ones that seem to be about correcting an action or an attitude.  I see ones that are simply inspirational.  And it makes me love mine even more.  I see mine as a call to action.  A charge.  A defining moment for my life.  Will you help me?  Will you push me to be brave?  Will you show me when I need to be brave?

Britt chose a word, too.  His word is trust.  And his verse is Proverbs 11:28.  He shared it with me in several translations: 

Trust in your money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring. New Living Translation
He who trusts in his riches will wither but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf. Revised Standard Version
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall : but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. King James Version
Whoso is confident in his wealth he falleth, And as a leaf, the righteous flourish. Young’s Literal Translation
A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump; a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree. The Message
Those who depend on their wealth will fall like the leaves of autumn, but the righteous will prosper like the leaves of summer. Good News Translation 

I loved what our pastor, Craig Groeschel, said about the word God has for you.  It might not be what you thought it was.  He said his was Rest.  He said he doesn’t want to rest!  He wanted it to be something like conquer, or some other strong word.  Really, ANY word but rest!  Britt said he wanted his to be warrior!  But God gave him trust.  I thought mine would be something softer, like pray, or believe.  God gave me BRAVE.

So, what about you?  Do you have a word for 2014?  What is it?  We would love to hear about it!  And we would love to pray for you and help you live out your word for 2014. Share it with us!

Time Flies... and Stands Still

8 years that feel like 80.  8 days that feel like 800!  Time passes so strangely as a wife and mother.  Days seem to drag on and on, but the weeks and years fly by without a second glance!  Everyday is so full, yet the weeks are long as we wait for some special or specific date to come.  Momma told me there'd be days like this, but it has taken a long time to heed her words.

8 years ago today, I was a bride.  God had brought me my #2 a mere 4 months previous to this date.  I am sure my family thought I was being reckless.  I know outsiders looked at this as a union doomed for failure.  But, I serve a BIG God, whose plans I don't always understand, but he has proven to me over and over again how faithful he is.  I not only married my soul mate, I married the gift God had brought to me.  A man who put my daughters first, who would become the father to two amazing little boys, my best friend, my love.  We have been through bad.  We have been through very sad.  We've done hard.  We've endured painful.  But most of all, we have LOVED!  I love him more today than I did on that warm winter day 8 years ago.  More than on the night of a December basketball game in the beloved Gallagher-Iba area when he proposed to me at halftime.  More than on that fateful day that he told me he loved me for the first time.  Even more that the first "take my breath away" kiss.  All of those moments, while still precious and honored memories, pale in comparison to the love he has shown me as we do life together.  Lucky doesn't even begin to cover it.  Blessed.

And with that thought of time getting away from us..  The last few weeks passed in a blur!  School concerts, class parties, snow days, adjusting to a new job and schedule, office parties, Christmas vacation, Christmas, New Year, rest of the break, frigid cold, and today, FINALLY back so school!  We had a really nice, low-key Christmas.  That's what happens when your whole family lives less than an hour away.  The kids got lots of fun new stuff, and have enjoyed their break - for the most part.  Of course, 17 days with no school or other distractions is a LONG time!  Even with Emma and Lara gone for 6 of those days with their "Other Dad."  We got to spend some good, simple family time together.  Not a while lot to show for it.  I didn't even get a picture of the kids all together. Mainly because at some point during the chaos of Christmas morning, Finn stole my camera.  Then hid it.  And my iPhone pictures are just not very good.  BUT!  When I found the camera and unloaded it, I was pleasantly surprised with these little jewels:

Finn's selfies from Christmas day

Today was everybody's first day back at school.  Emma and Lara (who both got straight A's last semester!  WOOT!) are back to 6th grade, Jake back in 1st grade, and Finn to his pre-school class.  We are so ready to get back into our routine.  Basketball practice started last night for Jake; dance for Lara tonight.  Baseball and volleyball sign ups are soon.  Time to get busy again!  And to just LOVE my family!

In the meantime, our little man celebrated what should have been his 2nd birthday yesterday.  What a wild ride the last couple of years have been.  We've come so far.  So many ups and downs - more than the rest of the 8 years combined.  But oh so worth it.  Such an education!  And so many life lessons learned.  Still many more to come.

Finn's "should be" 2nd birthday

We are so thankful for our brave little man.  And his supremely patient older siblings.  We feel like we don't get enough time with the big kids sometimes due to the responsibility of taking care of our preemie.  But they take it all in stride.  And are such great helpers.  Finn is so lucky to have such loving, caring, patient siblings.We are all lucky he came along to complete our Dream Weaver Family. A family that started 8 years ago  today...