2017...

Well, here we are 3 1/2 months later to my dear, neglected blog...  Where does the time go?  And now it's 2017!  It's going to take a month or so saying and writing 2017...  It just doesn't seem possible. 

Now the resolutions start; like limiting the number of Diet Dr. Peppers I consume on a weekly basis - (It's bad when the carhop at Sonic knows your name), drinking more water, less reality TV that does nothing but kill brain cells like Vanderpump Rules, but the Bachelor is here to stay even with good, old Nick:( - avid, loyal watcher from the beginning, eating less carbs and bean burritos with extra cheese and sour cream from Taco Villa, working out on a CONSISTENT basis (I can find EVERY excuse these days for not working out:), MANY MORE.  You get the idea...

But this year, I want to focus more on meaningful goals and resolutions.  To worry less and give up control (Oh boy - this one is going to be a DOOZY.  This chic loves some control - Poor Brad), to do more random acts of kindness, to become more actively involved in our church, to live in the moment with my two favorite guys, and ultimately putting God in control of my life and "my" timeline (or lack their of)... 

2016 was a great year with many highs and some lows...  Our first full year being back in Lubbock where it so close to family - (An hour and a half from Bob and Bebo! - SCORE!), and so close to DeDe, aunts, uncles and cousins...  Besides the nasty wind and monstrous tumbleweeds, we are so happy to be back!  Trash and teaching have been amazing this year.  Brad and I are so happy and blessed with both of our jobs...  Ledger is healthy, still the worst sleeping toddler in America, but thriving and we are so happy with his school and his amazing teacher Kelli.  She has been a total Godsend, and nothing makes a mother's heart happier as when you drop off your child in the morning and he literally sprints into his classroom, waves and says, "Bye Mommy! I love you!"  The best feeling...  And my friends; I have been blessed with the best girlfriends a girl could ask for...  Whether in Canyon, Lubbock around the corner, in Dallas or back in Louisiana, these girls are my rock... 

I have a hopeful expectation of the future; 2017 to be exact.  The last part of this year I feel as though I focused more on what I could fix or control or selfishly asking the question "WHY ME?" rather than praying to God for his wisdom and guidance. 

After spending MANY months trying to get pregnant, then finally becoming pregnant this fall, being elated was an understatement.  We were thrilled...  But exactly 43 days later we found out that dream was shattered into a million pieces and a couple's worst nightmare was now our reality.  This was definitely a valley that Brad and I trudged through this fall.  A heart-wrenching and confusing time for sure, but here we are.  I have learned that I have zero control over this (or anything for that matter) and through this sad season,  I am now starting to slowly understand that there is only one person I should be running to....  (Not my Mom - She is at the top of my list:), but God. 

2017 is going to be an amazing year...  I just know it!  I have so much to be thankful for and I choose to focus on the positive;  the laughter, my family, my amazing husband, my healthy independent, stubborn, lovely 2-year-old that seems to be going on 9, my other spunky 42 children in Room 215, my amazing co-workers that I call friends, my health, God's grace and a fresh year with new beginnings and opportunities.

SO I leave you with my favorite pics this fall and winter....

 Trunk or Treat Fun

These girls...

  Ledger finally getting to meet Dexter; aka Brad's dog that lives with Dede in San Antonio.  After months of watching Dexter videos and chatting via phone, they finally met.  Kind of like online dating.  It was love at first site:)

We love our Dede...  

 I love this special relationship so much...

We loved escaping to this place over Thanksgiving...

 Meltdown #256 

 Sweet, sweet relationship and bond these two share.

 This lady I get to call Mom...

 Trying out for the Family Feud in Dallas with these crazies...  Sad to announce that we have not heard anything, so it looks like our 30 minutes of fame are long gone or our postcard got lost in the mail.  Boooooo!!

 Meltdown #765

 Gets me every time....  Hahaha.  Every time we drive past the corner where Santa's house was, Ledger says, "No Santa - Bye Santa!"  Maybe next year.

 Uncle Cody reading the advent with the four oldest bebes...

LOVE!

 Christmas cookies with these sweet girls. Aka "Tessie and Tameron" in Ledger's vocabulary.

 My two guys...  My heart!

 These two.  5 weeks a part. Already partners in crime.  Lordie!

Ellis and Ledger - Perfection.

2016 Christmas 

Hodges - Wainscott

Couldn't ask for better people to go through life with!

Happy New Year All.  Bring on 2017!

~H