Why I am blogging......

I started this blog to up-date others on the day-to-day events of our family. As the children grew older, and I grew wiser, I realized I wanted to change my direction, and the children wanted to be ommitted from the blog completely. I hope to still manage to include them from time to time but perhaps just through pictures. I am searching for my niche, and way to help lighten the load of others and perhaps lead others to my savior, Jesus Christ. I am focusing on "What really matters" and hopefully, I can help others in some small productive way. While I am changing gears, I will still be throwing in random thoughts, recipes and etc. I am glad you stopped by and bear with me, as I begin to grow and span my wings and fly in a new direction!

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Reflecting 2009 in review

A lot, as always, has happened with the Haley family in 2009. Kallie started college, Kyle began 10th grade. We were at the lake every weekend along with D & D. We always have the best time, just swimming, grilling, talking and delaying coming home especially on Sunday evenings when we know Monday morning is lurking! The kids were usually along too, Kallie and Evan and crew in their boat, Kyle seldom in our boat but very often with someone. Great times and great memories have been made at the lake. We have our favorite spots, mine being Cedar Creek, which is a long boat ride from Ragland but in my opinion well worth it. Eagle Creek is good also but tends to get crowded and I get nervous with everyone in the water and all the boats coming through. I thought I wanted to tube one day but decided quickly I am not up for that and returned to the boat abruptly. Kallie laughs and loses patience with me and Kyle of course, rolls his eyes and says "Mama no" get in the boat, which I did!! We most always go to eat with D & D on Friday nights, and usually the whole family plus friends come along. I love that we can catch up from the weekend before and tell "war" stories of the week. I do KNOW for Sure family and friends are the MOST important part of life.

Dan Miller died this year, along with Farrah, Michael, and many many soldiers and loved ones. The memories they have left are daily reminders of their journey on earth.

Many prayers were answered for a sweet young lady, Gracie. God on his terms and time took "care" of a lot of people when Bill and Michelle were awarded full custody. I am thankful for my friendship with Michelle as well as answered prayers.

It is funny to me that as I began reflecting on 2009 I thought most of the lake and not the things that bothered me the most. I guess that goes to show good times definitely out weigh the bad. It is a matter of attitude and gratitude, huh, maybe I am gaining wisdom along the way.

I plan to share my experiences in Chicago soon. Kallie, Alesha and myself had a great time one weekend. More to follow. Happy New Year. love and peace to all

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

A New Year

I am just blown away thinking 2009 has almost slipped away!!! Yeah I know as we get older time flies and etc. But really it was just last week or so that I was thinking about starting a new year 2009!!!

Of course the same ole things are reoccurring on the list to conquer and achieve-lose weight, exercise, be a better person, count my blessing. But as I grow wiser I think of things that I have never thought of before. For instance, how God works in his own way, time and things just don't happen. His hand is in everything, I just have to be in focus and see it. It is my responsibility to grow and mature in him. With that being said, no I am not on some religious high horse, I am just reflecting and seeing I have a LOT of room for improvement. I am thankful for GRACE. (God's Riches At Christ Expense) I am starting to realize I am NEVER going to be good enough or smart enough to enter heaven but I must try my best and let God handle everything else.

I am going to become a better blogger-this is the only way I can stay in touch with others as well as myself. love and peace to all