Bundle of Emotions

Cayson is 5 months old today. Oh. My. Gosh. Time is really flying by. And for some reason, this was really hard for me to handle. I guess because it's almost 6 months. And that's half of a year. So, anyway, I've been pretty emotional this past week. And a certain monthly visitor that I haven't seen in exactly one year who decided to show up this week did not help. I had forgotten what mood swings felt like! But, boy, did I have some this week! Yesterday, I found a stray newborn diaper that we didn't use...and I burst into tears. I couldn't help it. It was so small and my son used to fit into it. I just kept saying, "My baby is growing up!" And, of course, Shaun has the nerve (or the good sense, one) to say, "Yeah, isn't it exciting?" And it really is exciting. It seems he learns something new every day. It's such a joy to watch him. (Oh, and Shaun also said, "Do you want another one?" to which I immediately answered "Yes!" But I do want to wait a little while.)

In other news, I need your prayers. I've been slipping in my resolutions. Some are doing great, but others are falling by the wayside. I've determined to start fresh tomorrow.

We had an absolutely awesome time of worship today. Russ has been preaching on spiritual disciplines. Today's was worship. That is such a hot topic in churches today. It seemed like everyone was on their seats today. (I get a good view from the choir loft.) Which is a good thing, definitely. I know I was definitely convicted of some things. The music was awesome, too. Except for one part where we were singing a medley of "In the Cross", "Worthy is the Lamb", and "Crown Him with Many Crowns" and the part where it went to "Crown Him..." I kinda kept singing "Worthy..." and basically stepped in a big hole, as my voice teacher would have said. Very humbling. Oh well, I was closing my eyes instead of looking at my music.

Well, I have to pick up my living room and head to bed. Have a great week!

Resolutions Update

Well, I had planned to do a weekly update on our resolutions, which would have been on Monday, but I didn't get around to it. I'd like to say things are going well, but...

First let me tell you the positive things.

My time alone with God has been going very well. I've missed a couple of days, but those days we were in Warren visiting with my parents. (I know, it's not an excuse.)

We started praying over Cayson every night before we put him to bed. This time has become so precious to me.

We also started getting up together and eating breakfast.

Housekeeping has been going fairly well. The house isn't spotless, but the last few days have been better, and I've actually known what I was going to fix for lunch and dinner for more than an hour in advance. Which is definitely progress.

I've lost one pound. No exercise yet, though. Our plan to get up early to go walking hasn't worked because it's been extremely cold these past few mornings and Cayson has had a cold for a few days. My total weight loss is 43 pounds since August 28, 2006. (35 of that is pregnancy weight.)

We did create a budget. But this is where it's not going great yet. I don't want to go into details, but please pray for us in this area. I think everything that could go wrong has this week. Well, not everything, but it sure seems that way. Fortunately, we have been down this road before. At our first church as a married couple, our bills were more than Shaun's salary. And that was without cable, internet, and phone. We only had a cell phone because it was provided by the church. And I was still in school commuting an hour both ways, 5 days a week. And God brought us through it. In fact, on paper there's no way we should have been able to survive, but we always had enough. So I know He'll bring us through this time as well.

New Year, New Woman

In honor of the upcoming new year, I am going to post my new year's resolutions. I think this will help me to be more accountable. Plus, the name of my blog is "Becoming...a better wife, mother, and follower of Christ." And I really don't talk about that very much, except the mother part, anyway. All of my resolutions ultimately have to do with those 3 things. My goal is to post them today and try to update once a week on how they're going. I hope this isn't a total bomb, but I've never really done this before (and been serious about it.) Pray for me as I start this journey!

Better wife

1. Nail down a good budget.

This one is mine and Shaun's. We've always had a budget of sorts, but lately we haven't stuck to it very well.

2. Plan my days better.

I'm not good with housecleaning and organization, so I'm going to start setting goals for the day, week, etc., and work at achieving those goals. I know that it will be impossible at this stage in my life to actually say "8:00 do this" because of Cayson. He's on a pretty good schedule, but I need to be flexible for him. So I think setting goals will be better.

3. Pray for husband more often.

I do this on a fairly regular basis, but it can stand some improvement.

4. Exercise more.

Actually, remove the "more". Because exercising isn't happening right now! I have lost all of my pregnancy weight, but I had gained some before I got pregnant that I am now working on. I've already lost 7 pounds below my pg weight.

Better Mother

1. Pray for my son more.

Again, this is happening, but it could be even better.

2. Spend more time playing with him.

This really isn't that hard!

*I guess the things I mentioned in the "Better wife" category will also make me a better mother as well!

Better follower of Christ

*I should have put this one at the top, because becoming a better follower of Christ will make me both a better wife and mother. But save the best for last, I guess.

1. Make time to spend with God.

I have to be more intentional about this. Otherwise, the day just gets away from me.

2. Pray more.

3. Go.

Matthew 28:19-20. This is our theme for our church this year. I need to be more intentional about meeting people and conversations I have.

Well, there it is. Shaun and I have some more that we've decided on as a family. One that I will share is we are going to invite at least 1 different couple over or out each month. Since we've been here, our circle of friends has gotten very small. It happened before we realized it. We made friends that we are very comfortable around and that's who we kinda stuck with. But we want to strive to "open the circle" and get to know some more couples. I'll try to update you on this as it happens. Please pray for us as we start this new year. I got a great start today (even though it's still 2006). I woke up feeling very refreshed and excited about going to worship. My outlook just seemed brighter today. Pray that I will remember these resolutions, even on days not like today!

I love you guys. Happy New Year!

Brittany