So now that we've finished reflecting on 2008, it's time to focus on 2009!

A friend of mine challenged her blog followers to choose a word for the year. Just one word that will be a guide or focus of sorts to remember and work on throughout the year. She explains it much better than I so check out her blog: Daily Pleasures.

Not long after reading her blog, I was washing dishes and decided that I, too, would choose a word for 2009. Before I could start my prayer for the word God wanted for me, He threw it in my lap. I guess He was too excited about it to wait for me to ask for it! Isn't that just like a Father with a special gift for His child? :)

So my word for 2009 is FAITHFUL. It was so clear that this was the word He chose for me but at first is was a bit unclear why. As I prayed about this, He shared a few things He wanted me to focus on throughout this year. He wanted me to not only understand how faithful He is but to truly live it in every area of my life. So much so that I don't have to remind myself that He is faithful, but I am already walking in it. Also, He spoke to me about my faithfulness ~ to Him, to my family, to others... He chose specific areas of my life where I need to grow more and dedicate myself more. Areas that require special faithfulness only He can give... and does give.

Now that my word is chosen and the new year has begun, I'm anxiously looking forward to what this year has to bring and the growth I will make. I am anticipating faithfulness in many forms to me and from me as well as a faith-full life! Praise the Lord!

Other random things on my resolution list...

Getting back into shape. This body is having a hard time now and then keeping up with two busy boys and I don't want to miss a moment of their lives so it's time to get in shape, girl!

I also need to get more organized. I used to be organized... then I had children. I know you moms know what I'm talking about! And with homeschooling starting soon, I need to get my ducks in a row so I can stay on top of things, keep things running smoothly and have the time/energy to enjoy every moment of it!

I also wanted to work on friendships more. I have hidden myself under a rock for too long (for too many reasons) and need to get myself out there more to reap the benefits of the fellowship of my amazing friends. So if I fall off the face of the earth again, please come looking for me!

As a mom, I want to be more loving. I find myself getting better and better at disciplining (which is not neccessarily a bad thing with a 4 year old around) but I find that even my loving words may come across a little less sweet than they used to. I do see Jeremiah speaking kind and loving words he hears but I also hear my harsh words spew from his little mouth from time to time and I want to hear more loving than not around here. Sometimes all the snuggling and cuddling and "I love you"s each day just aren't enough, right?

As a mom, I also hope to learn how to work with Jeremiah's needs better. Learning how his complicated mind ticks has been tricky this past year as we see how much of him is not like the other kids. I pray that creativity falls on us in how to work with him to help him overcome some obstacles and challenges he faces each day. I see how he's come so far but want to help him go even farther to succeed because he's such an amazing kid and I want him to be able to enjoy every part of his life!

As a mom to Joshua, I want him to sleep again! Once he discovered the world and how to grab a hold of it (literally), he decided that eating and sleeping is for wimps! He is just too busy during the day to each a nice long meal so he'll just stock up at night every few hours. *sigh* He's such a good baby, not fussy at all so I'm counting my blessings even though I'm still praying for the blessing of him sleeping all night again! As tired as it makes me, it's still sweet to get more cuddle time with my little squishy Josharoo!

As a wife to John, I see the stresses that he faces each week and sometimes we don't guard ourselves enough from letting them creep into our home. I want to foster a more peaceful sanctuary for him to come home to... to relax and leave the craziness back at the office. This may include throwing the phones away so if I don't answer when you call the house, you'll know why! haha!

I'd also love to see my photography take off but somehow still fit into our lives. My family will always come first and I'm hoping for a nice balance of the two (and the selfishly materialistic part of me would love to get a Canon 5d this year!).

And since a post is just not much fun without a picture, here is a snapshot of my little man donning another little hat I whipped up with the leftover yarn...

Don't you just love that drooly little grin?!?!

Mommy Moment: While we were getting ready for bed Christmas night, we found Jeremiah by the tree, inspecting it's new look with no presents underneath. "Did you have a good day?" we asked. He sighed a big sigh and said, "Yes..." Then excitedly added his bright idea: "Oh! We need to do it all over again!" He then directed Daddy to get more presents and Mommy to wrap them!

I'm just not getting around to all the Christmas pics so even though it's well past time, you'll get to relive our Christmas memories soon! haha!

Happy New Year!!! Make it a good one!