Getting ready for 2010

Looking back at 2009 and thinking about the wonderful times, the changes, challenges, and victories, I am so grateful that we made it through! This was a trying year...big decisions, lessons learned, relationships forever changed. 2010 is a chance to start over, do things differently and I am determined to do all I can to get off to a great start! A good friend of mine recommended Managers of Their Homes to me and I got it for Christmas from my fabulous mother in law! I am so excited about using her ideas and techniques for running my household. Even though I am not in my own house right now I still have to manage my little people, school time, meals, etc. I am doing an okay job but I want to do a great job. I think this book will really help me. (Thanks T!)

Managers of Their Homes by Steven & Teri Maxwell

So, yesterday John took all three boys into town and I stayed home to get things organized!!!! I turned up my Pandora station and started cleaning/tossing/organizing. It was amazing. I got everything accomplished on my To Do list and even had a shower before they got home. Ahh, it was a beautiful day! So here's what my desk area (#1 on the list). I should have taken a Before pic...nah, too embarrassing!This was a maybe around #6 on the list but really glad I got to it. (Just for the record: I didn't actually make a list just sort of made it up as I went.) It's the boy's "free time basket" I stocked it with coloring books, games, cards, puzzles, art supplies, etc so when I need a minute to stir the soup, nurse the baby, rotate laundry or whatever, they can easily grab something to keep them occupied for a few minutes.

(Side note: basket = $1 at the thrift store!)

John and I also sat down and set goals, some financial, some for our family, and some personal. I feel good about where we are starting and hope that this will establish a good start for the new year. I am excited to see where this year takes us. It's always an adventure, no doubt. I wish you and your family a VERY blessed and adventurous 2010!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you many warm, sweet memories this Christmas!

From the Amelang Family!

The Lone Ranger, Cheryl, Bumblebee, John & Tyler

I like....

...when Hunter says "do you want to talk about dinosaurs?"
...that Jay and Hunter always save me a chair between them at every meal
...kissing Tyler's feet while I nurse him
...when Hunter says that I'm beautiful
...when Jay says that my cooking is better than Chili's
...Tyler's baby kisses
...their laughs that are all different but all amazing!
...morning snuggles
...playing "chef"
...when Jay rolls his R's

I'm one happy mama! =)

Thanks Dr. Woo.....

Psalm 127:1
Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.

John and I have been facing a huge decision and trying to figure out what the "right" move is. We sold our house back in August and have been living with his dad since then. It's still going fine. Our original plan was to build a house on the acre of land that we own out here. The idea was never totally appealing to us as we really rather be a little closer to town (it's about 15 mins out), not be quite so close to dad, we really want more room to do what we need/want to do and last but not least, this land really needs a lot of work to be the type of place we really want to be. So having some savings and profit from our house we starting looking around for other options. We put an offer in on a house that is about 6 mins from here, a little fixer upper on an acre and actually quite perfect...we thought. We didn't get the house and were quickly back to the drawing board. The whole time in the back on my mind thinking "I know we are going to end up back here...that's just not what I want to do" We used to live here. When Jay was born. We built a tiny little house and it was fine for the time. Buying a house in Brenham was a big step forward for us and I guess I feel like we are regressing if we move back here. John and I really don't want to build a house...anywhere. Ideally, we would find a house and make our home there, but that's not how it's playing out. This past weekend we went to my dad's and had a lot of car time to think and talk about what we need to do...what our next move is. We finally made a decision and today it was confirmed. We will build a house out here on our acre. The confirmed part was made tonight when I checked out Casey Cease's blog and he was talking about why he and his family moved to Brenham and he said that Dr. Woo (not sure who he is...but sounds quite wise) says "When you have several options in front of you, God is usually calling you to the hardest one." This is the hardest one...
I keep saying that this isn't what I want and shouldn't I get what I want? (HA!) But what if this turns out to be exactly what I want? There are worse places to be. We will have very little, if any debt, be close to family, live in the country on land that is paid for. Come on, what am I complaining about? I am looking for the bright side. I am trying to be thankful and know that God's in control. No one said we will live here forever (hey, maybe it'll turn out that I want to live here forever....who knows) This is a season...like any other. So, here we go.....

Pictues....

John uploaded pictures from his phone on to my new laptop as my slide show. I have been enjoying them so much! Here's just a few of my favorites. in no particular order....

The Lil Cutie!

John and I celebrated our 9th anniversary on Wednesday and he surprised me with my own lappy! We named it the "lil cutie" because it's exactly like his only small and adorable!
Thank you honey for 9 wonderful years and my own little lappy! I love you so much! Thank you for all you do for us, taking care of us, and loving us! You are the best...ever!

(picture taken by Jay and "lil cutie" modeled by my other little cuties, Hunter and Tyler!)

Amelang 12 days of Christmas

We are off to my Dad's for the weekend! Our first Christmas celebration of the year. I love spending time with my family. While in the car and thinking about everything we have going on in the next few weeks John and I came up with our own 12 days of Christmas.

12 gifts to give (actually that's not acuate! More like 120 but this song doesn't go that high...)
11 hours of driving
10 packed bags
9 books to read
8 cups of coffee
7 bathroom stops
6 assorted beers
5 Amelangs
4 new tires
3 kids in the back
2 laptops
1 bottle of champagne (for when we survive the holidays!)

Hope your holidays bring you MUCH joy, happiness, and warm memories! =)