New Year, New Everything

Last month, I wrote about how blessed I am, despite how much 2013 was the worst year of my life. Today, I am excited that, 5 days into 2014, things are already looking better than last year.

This year, like previous years, I have many goals. Last year I think I set something like 12 goals. I think I accomplished about 9 of them. Not too shabby if you ask me.

My goals this year include a focus on -

• My relationship with God. The hubs and are are reading through the entire Bible together this year. We have not yet missed a day and are loving it. I am also making prayer a daily thing, attending church every Sunday that we're in town, and overall just focusing on living as the Lord wants me to live.
• My marriage. Our relationship took several substantial hits last year. Needless to say we are more focused on our relationship now than we have ever been. A big part of this is a daily marriage devotional. I love our new routine.
• My babies. I am not a perfect momma but I love my little girls fiercely. I hope to focus on becoming even better this year. Less yelling, more hugging, teaching, learning, growing. 
• Financial. The hubs and I are very blessed but work very hard to ensure the financial stability of our family. This year, we hope to strengthen that stability and really focus on our financial future. Super nerdy but exciting stuff. 
• Family and friends. Life is busy but family and friends are important enough to deserve your attention. I'd like to focus on those valuable relationships. 
• Job. My career is one area I do not stress much about. The company I work for is a-maz-ing. Seriously the best. Still, I'd like to focus on becoming a better employee, manager, and co-worker to the wonderful people I'm blessed to work with. 
• Physical. Everyone has New Year's resolution focused on something related to diet or their physical well-being. I'm pretty blessed in this area as well but there are things I'd like to focus on. I carry around about 5 more pounds than I'd like to. I'd also like to run a half marathon at the OKC Marathon in April.

That's all. Writing down goals is the first step towards accomplishing them. 

Happy New Year

Lindsey Loo

Blessed

To say that 2013 was the worst year of my life would be a vast understatement. Here I sit, however, 10 days away from the end of this horrible year and I feel so immensely blessed.

I am blessed with the three most precious baby girls I could ask for. Each day, I look at their gorgeous faces and thank God he entrusted me with these little ones. I am so thankful for their humor, their intelligence, their love, their joy, their excitement, their health, their safety, and so much more. I am privileged to be their mother and I will forever be grateful they are in my life. I am not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but I am the perfect momma for them and they are the most perfect babies for me.

I have learned a lot about friendship and kindness this year. In the midst of my devastation, I was shown what true friendship is. I am so immensely blessed with some of the most caring friends I could ask for. A simple text from me to a friend, "I need a friend, can you come over?" and she was there within an hour. Another day, a couple of friends knew I was having a horrible day and sent me flowers at work. How amazing is that? Another thing, these girls were going through personal devastation of their own. Yet, they found time for me. As I said, I've learned so much about friendship this year, especially from these two, I will continue to strive to be a better friend to them and others as well.

Family. My family can be crazy and full of drama sometimes. When the going gets tough, they are there, supporting one another every step of the way. I am so blessed with the most amazing parents, brothers, in-laws, and extended family I could ask for.

My job is amazing. I have the world's best boss and I actually work for one of the Best Places to Work in Oklahoma. I look forward to going to work every day. My coworkers are like a second family. The work we do is challenging, rewarding, and fun. I am blessed to be able to call that place my work home for the past 8+ years.

Our church family, His Word, and His Love. I have attended church my entire life. I can honestly say I never really fully invested myself into it though, until now. It's amazing what a horrible situation can do to someone's faith. It could completely demolish it or it can do just the opposite. For me, during my despair, I found comfort in reaching out to my church family, attending church, reading His word daily, and spending time each day in prayer. It is and was a necessity of life that will not stop now that I'm on the other side and working my way back towards being a happy, joyful person. I have learned so much this year about God's love and I don't ever want to forget it.

It's silly to even talk about but I am so blessed by everything that God has provided for me.  We don't want for anything. We are able to provide for our family very comfortably and for that I am grateful.

Lastly, today I feel blessed to have a husband in my life who is 100% devoted to me and our precious girls. He is someone who constantly asks himself when faced with a decision, "How will this affect my family?" We are constantly on his mind. He seeks out opportunities to do amazing things for me. Things like showing up at my office with flowers and a cookbook I told him I wanted two hours earlier. Like sneaking flowers and a sentimental card into the front seat of my car while I am running errands at lunch. Like drawing a bath, lighting candles, turning on music, and pouring me a glass of wine so I can relax after a VERY stressful day. Like calling me and sending me loving text messages when he knows I am having a rough day and desperately need to be reassured. Like cleaning the entire house without being asked and expecting nothing in return. I could go on and on. Bottom line, I feel extremely lucky to have a man like that in my life. No doubt we have had our ups and downs. I am hoping this next year of our life together will provide many, many more ups than downs.

I am certain I missed something. There are countless things and people in my life for which I am thankful. I am determined to make 2014 the best year yet. I am confident I can make that happen as I review the list of the many blessings in my life. I hope each of you take some time to make note of what you're thankful for.

Many blessings,
Lindsey Loo

P.S. These scriptures really helped me during some really bad times. I am constantly reciting them in my head:

"I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies." Psalms 40: 1-4

"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5

Two Years + 2 months + 3 days

I am a horrible excuse for a blogger. It's been FOR-EV-ER since I last posted an update. I'm sure you've all been waiting with baited breath for my next update. You see, things are busy. I know, everyone is busy and I have no excuse to whine. Well, I don't have a thing in the world to whine about actually. We have busy summers year after year and I'm so grateful for those busy summers. We spend half our weekends at the lake with lots of fun activities in between.

One event that happened early on this summer was my precious baby girl's 2nd birthday. Claire Bear is TWO!!!!

 Have you ever seen a prettier baby girl?

On the morning of her birthday, many, many months ago, we took this pretty one to breakfast. It's sort of a little tradition we started when the big girls turned four and I like it. It starts their special day off right.

I took the day off on her birthday to spend as much time as possible. Honestly, I don't remember what all took place that day (it was over two months ago) but I know it was special.

This girl has been such a blessing in our lives. She literally is the best.baby.ever. The best. No doubt about it. She is soooooo sweet. Her little face just melts my heart when she looks at me. Her sweet little voice, "Oh-Tay Mommy!" makes me just want to squeeze her cheeks. I love her with all of my heart, like any mother would. I am so happy God gave us this third precious girl. I wouldn't trade her for anything.

Here are some random photos of my girl, in no particular order:

Big girl on her birthday. Mini cupcake from our favorite cupcake shop.

Claire Bear with her Aunt Lindsey at her birthday party at our house. Note: she was terrified of that bow on her head. Anything fuzzy scares the crap out of her and she screams bloody murder. We enjoy it a bit too much.

Claire Bear, on the slide at her party. Those blue eyes. My goodness.

After opening presents. Too cool for this folding chair.

Not sure why but I love this pic. Perfect little action shot. She was eating ice cream I think.



How awesome is Claire, you ask? So awesome that she was potty-trained at 25 months. No big thang.

I'll potty train your kid for $1,000. You'll get your money's worth! :)

Spent a lot of time at big sisters' t-ball games this summer. She was a trooper. Never complained much and was sure to cheer on big sissies during their games. Side note: my big girls' team got 2nd place in their division! Woohoo!

Big girl's first hair cut. She was so nervous and pretty much looked that way the whole time!

Birthday party at Nanny & Papa's house. More cupcakes!

Yum!

This was about a month from her birthday when I asked her how old she was. She answered correctly at the time. Cutie patootie.

Two Month Stats:
Weight: 30.5 pounds (95th %) up from 21 pounds at 1 year and 9 pounds, 3 ounces at birth.
Height: 37.25 inches (75th %) up from 31 inches at 1 year and 20 inches at birth.

My precious, sweet, squishy little pumpkin. Loved her at first site. Literally.

 As you can tell, I am pretty enamored with my little Claire Bear. Happy (belated) birthday baby!

Momma Bear