You know what’s one of my most favorite things??
Mondays.
I just love mondays. I love the fresh start to the new week. I love the smell of laundry going. I love picking up after all the weekends activities and getting back to the routine of the week. I even love the Sunday night before as I think about all I did/didn’t accomplish that week, what needs to be added to next weeks to-do list. Organizing our schedule, planning meals…getting ready for the brand new week. I kindof find it fun? Is that weird?
Uh. Wait, don’t answer that!
Mondays around here are laundry day. A stay-in-your-pajamas-all-morning-day (ya. ummm. Sometimes that turns into an all day thing.). A don’t-leave-the-house-if-you-don’t-have-to day. A day for cleaning, and recommitting, and easing back into the routines of life. Today it was back to school for Emily, back to work for Randal and back to regular bedtimes and all that fun stuff after a fun filled holiday.
It’s for a lot of the same reasons I love Mondays so much that New Years is one of my favorite holidays. I just love the feelings surrounding the anticipation of a new year and equally as fun for me is reflecting on the year gone by. I usually sit down at the computer at some point at the beginning of January and go through all of last years pictures and am always so amazed at how the kids have changed. Its pretty much guarunteed I’ll shed a tear or two at how fast they’re growing. I put together a quick slideshow of the year for the kids tonight for family home evening and they thought it was so fun to watch!
2008 really was a great year.
Sure, it wasn’t without its difficulties but I feel like I am at a point now (a place I wasn’t at a few short months ago) that I can say with all my heart that I’m grateful for the challenges that have come our way. For all that I’ve learned, for all of the fun times, for all of the growth and all of the joy I’ve experienced in 2008 I’m so, so grateful.
2008 was the year for a lot of things.
brotherly love was big around here. 😉
Stepping outside my comfort zone to teach a scrapbook class, that was big too.
Baby giggles and solid food and loose teeth.
Soccer games and trips to the Lake.
A doctors appointment that changed everything. How I see my life, what I worry about, where I spend my time. What I was calling stressed out-over-tired-nursing-mom-itis turned out to be a little more than that. My doctor called it Lupus.
Learning to ride two wheelers, swimming lessons and a trip to the zoo.
Watching my Sister-in-law battle cancer. Her strength and her positive attitude in the face of all that she went through has had such a profound effect on me. I’m so grateful for her example in my life.
An extra year at home with my little man. (preschool is next year for this november birthday boy)
The start of Grade one.
We said good-bye to Aunt Ashley.
My baby turned 1.
We went trick or treating.
We visited Santa at the mall, went Christmas shopping and then spent a quiet Christmas here at home.
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Absolutely BEAUTIFUL photo collage and tribute! Thank you for sharing such sweet inspiration.
Great post Rebecca! Good to see you back blogging again. And extra fun to see shots of your little ones! Love your idea about a slideshow for FHE!!!!
So glad I kept your blog on my favorites. I’m glad your back! Boy, have your kids grown in the last couple of months. Would love to see what you have been working on scrapbooking wise since you left blogland!
Eileen
So glad to see you back. It sounds like you have had your share of triumphs but great things too! Your kids have grown a lot in the last couple months. Make 2009 the best yet!
Amazing pictures and a great attitude – I also LOVE mondays and routine, back to school today for my 7 year old son and my 3 year old daughter starts pre-school tomorrow!
I’ve wondered how your health was since that post last summer. I’m glad to see you back in the swing of things! So sorry about your sister-in-law. I’m impressed by your great attitude about 2008 despite the difficulties.
What a wonderful surprise to find you are back blogging. I am glad to hear you are well. Hears hoping 2009 is a very happy and healthy year for you!
Diane Sydney Australia
I love Mondays for all those same reasons that you mentioned. My favorite day of the week!
First and foremost- welcome back to blogland, and I wish you continued strength and blessings through challenges.
Do you do ALL the laundry on Mondays? I have a friend that does and I’ve been thinking to give it a try. My current plan is NOT working. Ha.
And thirdly, I love your vintage conversions- referring to your little ones 1 yr picture in this post (and others I’ve noticed especially on baby photos.) I’m probably one of thousands that would love some tips!
God bless.
I’m so glad you are back too! Love your perspective on life and how you are so real! =) Your kids are just precious, as are you! Praying for you and yours~Julie in smalltown, TX
It is amazing how fast children can grow isn’t it! I am so glad you are back, missed you and worried about you. Glad to see all is well.
Great photos and memories, Rebecca – so glad your challenges have made you stronger. Thanks for the inspiration. ~Tanya
rebecca… i’ve missed your blog. even though i don’t know you in person, I was concerned months ago when you said you had a health issue. I’m sorry you have dealt with some hard things. Your family is so beautiful. I love the photos from your year. Best wishes and good health in 2009!
p.s. thanks for the happy thoughts about Monday and your schedule. It has inspired me to enjoy my Mondays and see it in a new light.
i am glad you’re back to blogging! love your 2008 update. i hope 2009 brings many wonderful experiences to you and your family.
*
Rebecca – so happy to see you are to a place where you seem to be feeling a little more peace. I’ve been thinking about you since your last post. Your family is beautiful and your words are inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
Welcome back Rebecca! We missed you. Happy New Year to you and your family.
Rebecca – Glad to see you back, and I’m sorry for what you had to go through in 2008. I’m hoping that 2009 is your BEST year EVER.
Sending lots of hugs your way!
Hi Rebecca, great idea for a slide show. Sorry you have had to deal with such difficult issues this past year. I wish you the best for 2009. Your attitude is awesome! Oh, and I also love Mondays and the smell of laundry! So you are not wierd! 🙂
I am so glad to see you back and sounding refreshed. I had a hard year too but the thing I love that you pointed out, is the outlook you come away with. Life is so short but precious, enjoy it! Can’t wait for more of your inspiration!
It’s so lovely so have you back and haven’t your children grown! I know we haven’t met but we are one big family here and I missed hearing your updates. Katherine x
Rebecca,
So glad to hear you’re doing well. I was a regular checker of your blog, and did feel sad to hear of your health issues. I’m glad you’re back and feeling better. Love your beautiful photos.
Rebecca
Thanks for updating all of us who have been wondering…
Emily is so big! She looks just like you! It is uncanny!
Hope you have a wonderful 2009 and I am so happy to see you back to blogging!
Oh, so fun to see what you guys have been up to this year! Your kids are beautiful and I hope your health is on the mend.
Have a great day!!
I have missed your posts! I hope 2009 is a wonderful year for you. Your kids are gorgeous!
I’m a “Monday-lovin’ mama” too! I love the anticipation of really not knowing what the week will bring. Sure, many things are scheduled, but there’s still the thrill of not knowing everything! And I actually love doing laundry, too! The smell, the warmth, the ability to get it done (yeah, I know it has to be done again, and again, and again…but I do love it!) Here’s to Mondays and fresh, warm laundry!
On a serious note, I was sorry to hear about your diagnosis of lupus. A friend of mine has it, and I know it can be debilitating. Take care of yourself, Rebecca, and know that you are being prayed for. I’m SO glad you’re back in the blog loop – missed your thoughts and seeing pictures of your family. Hang in there – Monday’s coming! 🙂
Can I just say I am sooooo happy you are back. I love checking the blogs of all those that inspire me and I will have to say that I missed you. Happy New Year to you and yours!
Andrea J
Welcome back, Rebecca. I’m one of many, I’m sure, who’ve missed you and thought of you often. Glad to see you blogging again (and your photography, which I look to for inspiration)
Here’s to a happy and healthy 2009!
Rebecca, I’m so happy to see you are back 🙂
Your photos and update is fabulous!
Hugs on your diagnosis….may 2009 be a fabulous one for you all!
I just thought I’d check your blog “in case”. What a lovely surprise to see you back again. I hope 2009 will be a wonderful year for you and your family.
Hi Rebecca! I am sitting here smiling ear to ear with joyful tears as I read your post and look at your beautiful family over the last year. You have had your share of difficulties , that’s for sure, however, you still have the positive outlook on life and you sound like you’re back, better than ever!! We missed you and look forward to lots of posts and photos in 2009!
Kathy F
So happy to see you back. Your online followers have missed seeing you. You have a beautiful family and amazing perspective. Not forgetting your scrapbooking prowess of course. Here’s hoping for a blessed 2009 for you & your family.
Monica
beautiful photos and imspiring words. thank you for sharing 🙂
Awesome and INSPIRING post!! Thanks SO much for sharing!
Welcome back! You’ve been missed.
Your book is one of my very favorites about scrapbooking. I love your photography too. I’m glad I found your blog.
so glad your back – i have missed reading your blog – thanks for coming back
I’m so glad to see you back. My children are similiar ages and I’ve always appreciated your outlook on life and family. Good luck to you!
I’m so sorry to hear about your sister in law. She looks so young. I’m also sorry to hear about you having Lupus. Arer you on the road to recovery?
Wonderful photos. Emily is such a beauty and I just love the photo of Carson in the goggles!
welcome back. I have been tested 2 times for lupus.. strangely they can not tell me if I have it or not. One test said yes, one test said no. So what gives. I am now being treated for adrenal fatigue and I am feeling a bit better.
Keep up the good work and welcome back
Ohhhhhh Rebecca it is so good to have you back on your blog…. i have so missed seeing pictures of your kids. I am so sorry about your sister-in-law. We are so glad to have you back!
So glad you are back Rebecca, and my how the kids have grown! wishing you MUCH health and happiness for 2009!
I know that you do not know me bit I am so glad to see that you are back. Wishing you happiness in th days ahead.
Glad to see your posts again. LOVE All the photos. And hope that you are feeling OKAY.
Rebecca- so glad you see you blogging again 🙂 Yours is one of my favorite blogs and I missed it last Fall! Happy to know you’re feeling better!
I’m so glad I found your blog. A friend from work told me about your work and I am greatly impressed. I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. My doctor thought I had Lupus and after running the tests, they found Thyroid Cancer. Keep your head up, find hope in your children’s faces and take one day at a time. You are truly a blessed woman.