ENOUGH

Expectations. The very word can evoke a sense of failure, disappointment, and insecurity. I often set expectations, knowingly or unknowingly. Then more often than not they are unmet, unreachable, or inconceivable based on the situation. Sometimes my expectations are based on the norm, based on dreams, or on convictions. Lately I have found myself in this funk of personal disappointment. Be it my prayer life isn't "long enough," my daughter isn't physically strong enough, by marriage isn't fun enough, my friendships aren't deep enough.... but who is to measure.

I have been so focused on measuring "enough" that I haven't counted the many blessings that God has given me. I am striving to shift my focus. What has God done to bless me beyond my worth? He has given me the most wonderful man to grow old with, to challenge my faith, to complement my weaknesses, to partner in parenthood. He has blessed us with a beautiful, fun-loving daughter. I have family and friends who love me more than I deserve. Ultimately, he desires a relationship with me. The creator of the universe, the God who saved me from myself, wants me. ME. Shouldn't that be ENOUGH!

So I am challenging myself to be thankful in all I do, and put things into perspective. Everything I have, every relationship, each new day day, every material possession is an undeserved blessing. God is enough.

Goals of 2012

Each year, as the seemingly majority of America, I reevaluate, restart, and redo my list of goals. This year, rather than making a list of well intentioned goals, set myself up for failure, and throw in the towel January 2nd, I have committed myself to a manageable plan. A plan that allows me to make lists (something I cannot function without), and alter as necessary.

I have organized a list of things I hope to accomplish in the year 2012. The following is not inclusive, but a general overview:


Spiritual Goals:
Bible in a Year (Have been doing this in 6 months, but want to stretch it out)
Memorize 100 Verses this year (2 a week)
Find a church (have been searching for 4 months)
Complete our Personal and Family Mission Statements
Continue our prayerful search for mentors
Pray for ministry opportunities outside of home (ideally through our new church)

Relational:
Date night twice a month
Family/Friend visits once a month minimum

Motherhood/Parenting Goals:
Consistency in Discipline
Continue to add scripture to Bailey's heart training
Patience
Eliminate pacifier
Independent Play
Potty Training----maybe.

Homemaking:
Reevaluate our Menu Plan/Meal Budget
De-clutter: 30 items in 30 days at least twice this year
Evaluate and update Household and Emergency Binder
Compile a 3-5 day survival kit

Personal Growth:
Exercise 4 times a week
Read a minimum of 1 book a month



While the list is very manageable, I cannot succeed by taking it all on January 1st. So each week/month, I will be evaluating the list and chipping away bit by bit. With that said, the objective for January is the following:

8 Verses Memorized
Genesis and Job read (utilizing a chronological reading plan)
2 Date nights
1 Play date
Complete 1 Book
Exercise for 20 minutes 5x's week
Reevaluate food Budget

Full of Fun!

What an amazing and relaxing Sunday. For Michael's Father's Day celebration we ventured out to Ouabache (Wabash) State Park for an afternoon of exploring. We hiked (little difficult to do with a large stroller btw), played tennis, watched those swimming, and took the best paddle boat ride EVER!! Little Miss had the time of her life!!

Bailey - anxiously awaiting her ride 'round Kunkle Lake!


Little gal in a big coat (Sing it, Tommy Boy!)..... check out her little hand waving hello to you all!
Love You, Daddy!!!

Beautiful and Serene!


Thank you, Michael! You are such an amazing friend, husband, and father to our baby girl! Thank you for allowing us to celebrate with you!

Father's Day

To my dear Husband,

• 11 years ago: Our introduction was made, a friendship ensued, and your girlfriend I became.

• 8 years ago: You graduated from a boy into a young man; To college you went.

• 6 years ago: A bridge we crossed, a ring on my finger.

• 4 years ago: Two united as one.

• 2 years ago: Through loss we cried, we mourned, we questioned and together we grew.

• 22 months ago: New life was preparing to enter the world.

• 1 year ago: I watched as you were vulnerable and full of love, adoration, and wonderment. A FATHER you became.

I love that I have spent these last 11 years watching your transformation. I love the way I can hear you smooch our daughter 3 rooms away. I love the way you play peek-a-boo. I love your "Daddy-Daughter" time. I love the way you read aloud. I love the annoying wind chimes. I love being the mother of your child. I love your passion to grow. I love that you are striving to become a Godly Father to our daughter. Never have I loved you more. Thank you!

Happy 1st Father's Day!!

Date Night

What a wonderful Sunday at the Towne house. :)

This afternoon, Michael and I went on our first of two dates for the month. Thankfully, due to gift cards, we didn't pay a dime for the entire afternoon!! We went out to dinner at Applebee's, browsed Barnes and Noble, and ended the date with my all time favorite Cinnamon Dolce Latte. It is a Valentine's Day Delight! My belly is happy!

While standing in line for our drinks, Michael and I were talking about how both of our favorite Starbucks specialties are seasonal. Sad, I know. After doing some digging, I found that our favorites are made with the same syrup. This has prompted my quest to find, purchase (with another gift card), and perfect our delights. So....stay tuned for some recipes!

Valentine's Day

My Valentine:

This year will mark the 11th Valentine's Day with my sweetheart! While I love receiving gifts, flowers, chocolate, and getting to spend time with Michael, I feel the day has been taken over by commercialism.....and the pressure to, quite literally, "buy into it."

I love mushy, melt your heart, make me swoon, sweep me off my feet moments......but I want them when I least expect it. As a women, I need to feel loved and adored all year, not just when the calendar demands it! Michael has captured my heart multiple times when I least expect it. I am one of the blessed who can say I love and respect him more today than the day before!

This year we will be staying home, having a quite dinner, maybe watching a movie and cuddling on the couch. It probably will not be on Valentines Day, and I couldn't be more excited about it! Ladies, Please tell me this isn't one of the most treasured times with your husbands?

What are your plans for this Valentine's Day??