My Top 5 Posts of 2011

Wow, I can't believe that 2011 is coming to a close.  It's been a wonderful year filled with lots of great accomplishments...

One other accomplishment that I'm particularly proud of is starting (and keeping up with) this blog.  It was been such a fun way to creatively express my thoughts on life, marriage, motherhood and music.  I would like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has encouraged and supported me throughout this journey.  I hope to see you again in the new year!

In case you missed some of my blog entries, here is a list of My Top 5 Posts of 2011 (based on the number of page views):

1.  One Thing Remains
2.  This One's For You, Babe
3.  "In my end is my beginning." - T.S. Elliot
4.  So, What's On Your Goal Board?
5.  Closer

Have a great weekend and a very Happy New Year!

With love,
Lori

Jingle Bells

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!  For your enjoyment, here is William singing Jingle Bells!

A Heart Like Mary's

It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of the Christmas season – decorating the tree, buying presents, going to holiday parties, and riding around the neighborhood to see which house has the best Christmas lights.  I enjoy all of these things and more during Christmas, but I always want to remember the reason that I celebrate Christmas, and that is to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  

Each year, when I read the birth story of Jesus, I usually imagine myself as one of the shepherds who heard about Jesus being born and wanted to go and see him.  This year, however, I read the birth story from the perspective of Jesus’ mother, Mary.  

Now that I am a mother, I can only imagine what Mary must have been going through as she had to travel with Joseph while she was pregnant and about to go into labor.  Not only that, but Mary knew that she was carrying the Son of God.  The angel Gabriel came to Mary and told her that she would be pregnant with a son who would be called the Son of the Most High.  What an extraordinary responsibility to bear.  

I have no idea how I would have reacted if an angel came to me and told me something like that.  Knowing me, I would have said something along these lines: Well, how can this happen? I’m too young! And plus, I haven’t even accomplished all of the other dreams that I set out for myself. Can you give me some more time, please!?  That may have been my reaction, but let’s see how Mary reacted:     

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled."  (Luke 1:38)

Even though I know this story, I always find myself in awe of Mary’s humble response.  Mary heard what the Lord has planned for her life and she basically said, "Okay, may your will be done in my life."  Oh, how I long to have a heart like Mary’s – a heart that says “yes” to the plans of God!

There are times when God has placed something on my heart – either to do something or to not do something – and I had a very hard time being obedient.  I sometimes believe that I know what’s best for my life, so I want things to go my way.  I’m sure Mary, too, had plans for her life, but she was wise enough to know that God’s plans for her would be infinitely greater than what she could have planned out for herself.  

The very talented Amy Grant sings a beautiful song titled Breath of Heaven.  There’s a line in the song that says, “But I offer all I am, for the mercy of your plan.”  That is the heart of Mary, laying down her plans and picking up God’s plans for her life.  I imagine it wasn’t easy, but she did it anyways.  

William's 1st Christmas Program

It's Friday!  I'm always excited about Fridays, but today was an extra special one because William sang in his very first Christmas program at school.  I was so nervous for him!  He is always singing when we're at home, but there are times when he won't sing out loud because there are a lot of people around (hmmm....sounds a little like me!).  So, I just prayed that he would be at peace and sing his little heart out - no matter how many people were listening.

William's class sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.  I could barely see him because he was standing in the back, but I was so proud to see him holding up his little star as they sang, "up above the world the high, like a diamond in the sky."  It was so adorable.

At the end of the program, all of the kids sang We Wish You a Merry Christmas.  It was then that we waved to William, and he was so excited to see us at first, but then he just started crying.  Poor thing!

Once the program was over, we went back to his classroom to enjoy some yummy snacks.  I just can't believe how big William is now!  I mean, I remember when he was just a little baby who drank from a bottle and needed to be carried around everywhere.  And now, he's a handsome young boy who can walk and talk and eat and drink (and sing!) all by himself.  I'm so proud to be his mommy!

Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!

A couple of Friday's ago, Jason and I took William to see Yo Gabba Gabba LIVE!  In case you don't know, Yo Gabba Gabba is a fun and quirky show on Nick Jr. that kids (and adults) just love.  So, when I heard Yo Gabba Gabba was coming to Houston, I knew I had to get tickets.  And, I'm so glad I did because the show was...AWESOME!!

As you can see, William was really enjoying the show.  I loved seeing him laugh and smile and dance around.  So much fun!

My favorite part of the show was when Biz Markie came out.  Oh yeah!

The whole evening was so incredible, and I can't wait to see them again next year. Until next time!

Sunday Quiet Time

I always learn a valuable life lesson when I'm watching Oprah’s Lifeclass.  On one particular episode a few weeks ago, Oprah said something that caught my attention in a big way.  She said that she spends at least one day a week by herself; a time for her to be quiet and just be with her thoughts.  I couldn't even remember when was the last time that I took time to just be with my thoughts.  However, I was inspired to find a little time, once a week, to spend with just me.   
         
Yesterday evening, after all of the good football games were over and there was nothing else to watch, we turned off the TV, turned on some soothing instrumental music, and enjoyed our very first Sunday Quiet Time.  I snuggled on the couch with my big comfy blanket and started reading the new O magazine that I had just received in the mail a few days earlier.  (And yes, in case you can’t tell, I’m a huge Oprah fan!)  When I usually read a magazine, I read it so fast that I don't even remember what I read the very next day.  This time, however, I read slowly.
 
I made sure to pay attention to each word, each paragraph and each article.  I even read the articles that I didn’t think I would be interested in, and to my surprise, those turned out to be the ones that I connected with the most.  I was also inspired to journal some of my own thoughts and ideas, which is something I have not done in a very long time.
 
After about an hour of reading and journaling, I felt refreshed and re-energized, like my empty cup had been filled back up again.  I was refueled to give of myself again and to take care of those that I love most.  I was able to truly enjoy some playtime with my son right before he went to bed, and I kindly asked my husband if he wanted a glass of water while he was working on a project.  I know that may seem like such a small thing, but it is something that I often overlook when I'm too busy or too tired from doing other stuff.   
 
Sunday Quiet Time turned out to be huge success, and I can't wait to incorporate it into our future Sunday evenings.  I believe that I will be a better wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend and employee if I take an hour a week to just sit and be.  Yeah, I may miss out on watching Kourtney & Kim Take New York on Sunday nights, but hey, that's what DVR is for, right!?           

Weekend Fun

Hey everyone!  I was going to say Happy Monday, but I just realized that it is now past 1 a.m., so I guess that means I should say Happy Tuesday instead!  I hope you all had a lovely weekend.  My weekend was great!  On Friday night, we took William to see Yo Gabba Gabba Live, and we had an awesome time.  I have some pics that I will share soon, I just have to download them from my camera! 

Also, my mom and my step-dad, Jim, came into town and we got to spend lots of quality time with them.  I feel incredibly blessed to have a great family that I truly enjoy spending time with.  What a gift! 



Me, Mom and Jim

Pittsburgh - June 2011

It's All About the Details {Christmas}

Our home is all decorated for Christmas.  Here are a few of my favorite details.  

Happy Friday, and I hope you all have an excellent weekend!