The Start of a New Year

This year has gotten off to a good start. I'm trying to implement some good changes into my life and my family. So far, so good. I live in "organized chaos" - which I'm trying to change. I've been reading some books by Sandra Felton and I'm trying develop a system to keeping our house and lives a little less chaotic. David and I are also going to go through the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University classes. Something I wish we had done before we had a mortgage and four children. Better late than never I guess. And of course I'm going to get in better shape. Each child left me with a few pounds I'd like to get rid of now. I also want to go ahead and start trying to avoid the high blood pressure and high cholesterol that runs in my family. This sounds like a lot, but I'm trying to change things little by little. I know if I try to change everything at once I'll never keep it up! Another great thing about starting off this year has been reconnecting with old friends. Joining facebook has been great. I get to keep up with friends and catch up with friends I haven't seen in years. Just last night I met a friend for dinner who I haven't seen in 16 years! It was great to sit and talk for hours about what we had been up to and the great memories we had from so long ago. It was a great time!

This year has also started off well for the kids. Report card came out the other day and Austin had all A's. He has also been invited to be in the Challenge program at his school next year. Collin did great on his "report card". K5 doesn't really grade with the letter system. He is starting to read now. It's amazing to hear him read on his own! The start of the year also means Brittany will soon be two! Hard to believe. She is such a joy - and a daddy's girl. She loves her "big" brother Caleb. (He's hardly bigger than her) Or at least loves to aggravate him. I'll have to take a whole blog for him one day. He is a one of a kind for sure.

God has surely been good to us and I'm believing that this year will be another blessing. I am hoping that we can remember that we are blessed to be a blessing. I hope we can find many ways to be a blessing this year to our friends, family, and those we meet.

The Last Week of the Year

Christmas is over and although it was fun, it is nice for the rush to be over. I'm excited about this week because it brings one last bit of fun before getting back to the usual routine. We'll be going to the Gator Bowl to watch Clemson play Nebraska. Go Tigers! After the Gator Bowl I'll move on to figuring out how to make 2009 better than 2008. Better organization on my part is first on the list, followed by getting the older kids to take more responsibility for their share of the "housework". Next on the list will be to get myself in better shape. (Isn't that a requirement for New Year's resolution lists?) I think Evie (my sister-in-law) is going to join in on that one with me. It's always easier to stick to something when you have company. I think next on the list is patience. I'd like to improve upon my level of patience with my children. That one will probably involve a lot more prayer!

I also hope I will be able to keep friends and family up to date with this blog. Once I figure this whole thing out I'll get pictures posted. Keep checking back to find out what is going on with the Lane family!

I hope everyone is looking forward to a great 2009!!