Happy January!

Just because.

Because we've gotten nearly 50 inches of beautiful sparkly snow here.  It is a big fat pain, but it is pretty and wintery and just how January should be.  It is also colder than I think it has been since we moved up here.
It really makes me want to curl up with good books.

Because my baby boy is learning so much!  We are trying to ignore the fact that his birthday is 2 months away!  He can crawl, he can climb stairs, he can do patty cake and rolly rolly and throw it in the pan!  I've been teaching him the sign for "milk" since he was born, and he finally did it!  He can do twinkle.  He says "Da-da" and can't get enough of his daddy or his big brothers.  He can scan a document and turn off the computer.  He can pull up and cruise around things.  He can turn off the light.  He tries to say "light".  Today he tried to say "water".  His babbling seems so much more intentional than the other kids.  He's really trying to share what he's thinking.  He eats baby food unlike my other children. He still growls all the time, and we love it!  He can dance.
Our favorite, though, is when he sings.  Anytime he hears any kind of music, he begins to hum or coo along.  Heart melting!

Because I am learning that Christ's main purpose is to save us from our sins, not our circumstances.
Because as I have changed my prayers to reflect that knowledge, I have experienced miracles.
In the throes of being tired, sick, depressed, frustrated, or annoyed, I've found that I do not have to give up on my day.  I don't have to give in to those feelings.  I can ask for strength right now.  I can ask for peace right now.  I can ask for help to endure right now.
And it comes.  It comes right away.  Not in the hours or days or months or years or never that it takes for our situation or circumstances to change.
He wants to help me right now.
He wants to save me from the sin of leaving the light, turning away from God.
I am so glad I am learning this!  I am really learning where to turn for peace.
There have been times in my recent past where I have been so desperately frustrated by the fact that I am in over my head and I need things to change and why isn't He helping me when I need it so badly?
I sense those times are gone for good.

Because I'm reading a book with Brandon that we're both enjoying so much. 
Because Brandon and Ruby both "caught the reading bug" this week.  They wanted to go on reading past their allotted time or chapter!  You have to realize that this is a dream come true for a concerned homeschool mommy!

Because my menu plan is beginning to be useful:  I have 6 weeks of meals planned with shopping lists printed.  I have a list for the big monthly shop and lists for each week.  If I get the stuff for the whole list each month, I will be building up my food storage again.  I won't ever have to plan meals again.  We'll be eating more fruits and vegetables. I can use the same shopping list each month.  I'm still figuring out which stores to shop at and if and how to afford it.  It is still a work in progress, but it has borne some fruit this month. 

Because life is hard.
Because God is good.
Because I love them both.


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