personal project/four people/twelve times/1.11

One of my favorite bloggers and photographers Tara Whitney did this project last year. At the time, I felt intimidated by it. Looking back now, without knowing, we did take a family picture at least once a month, if not more. This year, I've decided to do it! To make it a priority. Once a month I will post a family picture and write a little bit about our month, the boys, us.

January started off with a nasty winter storm. My brother and his family were suppose to leave 1/1...they ended up staying until 1/4 due to road closures and flight cancellations. We enjoyed having them here. We hosted our first NYE party and has so much fun!

School finally resumed and I loved that, the boys not so much. They enjoyed Christmas break way too much.

Steven finally made a dream of his come true and got hired on the Fergus Falls Fire Department. He had physical tests, written tests, interviews...all which he nailed! I couldn't be more proud of my husband, for one, reaching out and making his dreams reality and for two, working so hard for our family while never once complaining about all his obligations.

Samantha, Steven's sister, and her family moved from warm, sunny San Diego to blustery cold Minnesota at the end of December. We had the opportunity to go visit them and see their new home. It's such a great feeling to say, "See you next month" instead of saying "See you next year."

Ethan has taking a liking to writing in cursive. His penmanship in cursive is awesome. I love to see him write it. His piano skills, I envy them. So badly I'd love to play with him instead of just watching him. His reading has improved more than I ever dreamed it would. He has read over 100,000 words since the start of the school year. His swimming has improved in ways I didn't know was possible in 10 weeks. He continues to make me proud to be his mom, and daily I thank God for knowing that I needed him even when I didn't think I was ready to be a mom.

Abram...I am in awe of this boy. A year ago he was a totally different kid, totally! People tell me often what a changed kid they see in him. I count my blessings daily for this boy as well.

Abram has mastered tying his shoe laces. I love his self need of independence. He is learning to play the piano by hearing his brother play it. He started gymnastics, his first organized sport, something I thought he's NEVER do, ever. He loves it. He's good at it and it makes me happy to see him passionate about it. He loves me, he really, really loves me and it makes me heart smile, melt and crumble into a million pieces when our eyes meet and he says, "Mama, I love you!"

Me...I started a Beth Moore study in the fall and continue to learn, grow and see the need for this weekly Bible study in my daily life. Samantha and I plan to go see her in May, I am excited!!!

I celebrated my 34th birthday 1/29. I am truly blessed by my family and friends. They mean the world to me. This year I made several New Year resolutions and have done a good job by keeping them, or at least making an effort to keep them. I have cut back on my "Coffee Hut" trips by about 75%. I hardly yell at my boys anymore, mostly because they are holding me accountable to it and the guilt I feel afterwards hurts. I am taking my vitamins as I remember and I think about running daily, just haven't done it yet. I have set a goal of June 4th to run my first 5k. Steven is on board to run it with me as well. I just need to actually run it now!

And...today is also my blogiversary!

It's been 3 years since I've started this lovely place I can

share my thoughts, feelings, and family. Thank you to my readers!

Until next month...