The Best Laid Plans.....

Well, I know... I haven't stuck to my plan of updating my blog more often. But, I have a lot a news I guess and wanted to write about it. Here goes.

Several weeks ago, the wonderful worship leader at my church stepped down for personal reasons. Therefore, I was asked to take his position. I, of course, said yes. It feels like everything in my life has led up to this.... I've trained and felt like I've been prepared for just this! In 12th grade, I went to a summer camp with my church and during one of the sessions, I felt called to missionary work.... not just any missionary work. I was to be a "music missionary". Now, when you think of "missionary", what do you think of? Africa? the far reaches of the world, etc?? Yes, me too. However, when I say "missionary" here... it means a person who carries the gospel to ANY person. One who furthers the kingdom of God. And that is me.... I am a missionary to the city of Long Beach, to the people at the River Church, to anyone who I come in contact with. And I use music to accomplish this. So when I was asked to use music to further the kingdom of God in my very own church, you can understand why I said yes and why I believe this is exactly what I'm supposed to be doing with my life. I am very excited about what God has for me in this position and the ways he's going to use me to further His kingdom! I started last weekend and it went so very well!!! Thank you, Jesus!

Ever since I had Quinn (my second baby), I lost about 20 lbs and was very happy with where I was weight-wise (even though I was still 20 lbs overweight). But, a couple weeks ago, I started realizing that I need to get this excess weight off. SO, I found out about this website from a friend at church (thanks, Lisa!).... SparkPeople.com. Can we say "AWESOME!"? I used CalorieCount.com before but this site is so much more! You can track your calories, exercise, glasses of water/day, fruit & veggies/day, it gives you sample menus you can use or not, and it gives you sample exercises/strength exercises you can use or not. It also tracks, carbs, fat, protein, etc. SO COOL! So, this past week, I've been using it faithfully and I've already lost a couple pounds! HOORAY! I feel healthier and have more energy! My goal is to lose 20-25 lbs by July. If I continue the way I am now, it should be no problem.

On the family front, things are going well. Quinn is almost 1 year old!!!! He's not walking yet but is very active and getting a little personality all his own! I think we're going to have to watch out for this child!! He's much more curious than Cade and will try most anything. Cade is doing very well... he's holding "conversations" with us and LOVES books. He is also in love with all his grandparents (as they are with him). He always wants them to come over and play with him. Or, he wants to call them on the phone or go over to their house. I love that he loves his family.

Jason and his business is going well. The writer's strike was a bit scary but we got through it. The business is growing and he's doing what he loves.

On the knitting front, things are progressing along. In February, I got to go to Stitches West '08 (a yarn convention of sorts) in Santa Clara, CA. IT WAS SO FUN! I bought some great yarn and I actually have projects for everything I bought. I already made a Clapotis (stole) out of the Brooks Farm yarn I bought. It's beautiful. I have less time to knit and crochet during the day because the kids require lots of attention. But I still get a lot done with the time I have.

Another thing I'm doing is listening to lots of podcasts (mostly knitting related). But, one thing I've always struggled with and something I've always wanted to accomplish is reading through the Bible in a year. I usually start out great but peter out towards the middle. But now, I've discovered the Daily Audio Bible podcast! It goes through the Bible in a year and is read by this great guy in Nashville with this deep voice. It also has some nice music in the background while he reads! Each week is a new translation. It's really great for me because I think I'm more of an audio learner. I'm learning things in a new way about God's Word and it's wonderful!

That's about it for now, I guess. So friends, I did it! I updated my blog! HOORAY!