Fitness?, Family Fun, "Forgotten" Talent

So...  it's official.  I'm eating healthier thanks to my health-conscious hubby.  And by "eating healthier," I mean really going all out.  About a month ago, I decided to quit drinking caffeine/carbonated drinks.  After several days of headaches, it actually was easy to "resist temptation."  I'm also cutting most sweets, limiting carbs, and boosting my intake of protein/fruit/veggies.  I feel so much better, and I've already lost 4 1/2 lbs. in the last 4 weeks.  Yay!  Now, I'm gonna TRY to start going walking/running with Layni.  We'll see! Hopefully I can do it. We did take the girls for a walk yesterday and I felt pretty good! 

We've been spending more "family time" together, doing random things such as visiting Chuck E Cheese, family pictures with Amanda Causey, dinner, shopping, birthday parties, and hanging out with our friends the Reynersons.  Above are a few of the pics Amanda took.

Tomorrow night, and then again this weekend, I get to sing with Nathan and the guys to lead worship at a couple of different church events.  I am SO EXCITED! I'll let you know how it goes!

Hosanna

I see the King of Glory,

Coming on the clouds with fire.

The whole earth shakes,

The whole earth shakes.

I see His love and mercy

Washing over all our sin.

The people sing,

The people sing.

Hosanna, Hosanna,

Hosanna in the highest!

I see a generation,

Rising up to take their place.

With selfless faith,

With selfless faith.

I see a near revival

Stirring as we pray and seek.

We're on our knees,

We're on our knees.

Hosanna, Hosanna,

Hosanna in the highest.

Heal my heart and make it clean.

Open up my eyes to the things unseen.

Show me how to love like you have loved me.

Break my heart for what breaks yours.

Everything I am for your kingdom's cause.

As I walk from earth into eternity.

I'm really trying to sincerely pray that last verse for my life each day.  Especially the "Show me how to love like you have loved me." and the "Break my heart for what breaks yours."  It's a day-to-day process.

Happy New Year

Resolutions...

Eat healthier.

Love fully.

Doubt less.

Pray more.

I think these pretty much cover it! 

Pics

Christmas pics are up on Parker's site..  www.allenfamilylsu.blogspot.com

Snow Pictures

just a few random highlights/thoughts

• the CHS football team.  Even though they lost Friday night to Destrehan, I am SO proud of them.  The football players I teach are truly phenomenal young men, on the field, in the classroom, etc.  Great job, kiddos!
• taking Parker to the Messengers to see the Christmas lights.  I loved family time with Trent and our sweet baby girl.  It was fun to see her experience something new.
• Central Christmas Parade yesterday morning with Trent's mom and his sister & her family.  Again, another "new" experience for Parker (since she slept through most of the parade last year).
• my little sister is amazing, and she makes me proud.  Always. End of discussion.
• I'm gonna make our Christmas cards this year, and I think they're gonna be really cute.
• pancake dinner at church tonight.  I mean, really, can it get any better?
• thinking about going back to school to get certified to teach special ed.  Prayers please.
• praying that God opens the door for a dear sweet friend to work at CHS with me!

Thankful

I'm thankful for:

• an amazing husband who loves me and loves his little girl.
  
• a beautiful daughter who blesses me and teaches me new things every single day.
  
• the way that God has completely worked in and through Parker's life over the last year.
  
• wonderful parents who are a great example of a Godly relationship, and who so selflessly give of themselves each day.
  
• an incredible little sister who makes me so proud each and every day.
  
• great friends who encourage and challenge me.
  
• restored relationships- healed in ways that only GOD could have.
  
• the greatest job in the world.
  
• students who teach me as much as I attempt to teach them.
  
• the way God continues to teach me new things.
  
• a truly wonderful church family and Community Group.
  

The list could go on and on and on.

What are you thankful for?