6 years later...

OK, so I could be possibly the worst blogger on the planet. But, I wasn't really striving to be the best... but 6 years! Wow, is all I can really say to myself. In an effort to keep track of some of the past year of our lives, I was writing in my journal, trying to remember a lot of went on and remembered that at some point in my life I had a blog out there. Maybe I should use that again?? So this is an attempt to get my thoughts down on "paper". Not promising daily, weekly, or any kind of schedule, but as God lays something on my heart, I will make an attempt to share that with whoever might want to hear. Blessings and here's to blogging (again).

Blogging! I am definitely an amateur at this. Simply trying to put in a slideshow of our pics has proven to be impossible for me. I am amazed at many of my friends blogs out there that have amazing graphics and things on their blogs. Hats off to all of you. I guess I just need to tinker a bit more and see what I can accomplish. I think this could be a very cool way to get family back in tune and in touch with each other. Ah well....alas I have spent more time than needed tonight. Here's to blogging!

So today has been one of those days were a it started out so calm, peaceful and serene and then whamm... you are suddenly hit with one little thing after another until literally you just want to just throw in the towel. Whether it is happening directly to you, or to those close to you, it can effect ones whole persona.

As those types of events started to unfold this morning, and stress levels were rising, I had to continue to remind myself that God is in control. And that how I react to these situations is really up to me. I can choose to lose my cool, be mad, curse, take it out on everyone around me. Or I can choose to remain calm and shine the light of Jesus to those around me, especially to my children.

I am not sure if I accomplished this completely today, but I am working on it every time things start spiraling downward. God help me to remember that You are in control and that in the big scheme of things...these really are small potatoes even though they seem like huge obstacles at the time. Let Your glory shine through me no matter what the situation, and especially in troubling or stressful times.

BTW...for what it is worth, the Van Meters do NOT know how to hot wire a car, even if it is necessary because the keys were left 60 miles away. :) (Long Story)

Last day of school

Wow! So today is Ally's last day of third grade. My how time flies. Yes, I know all of you who have done this before me have told me how quickly time passes, but until you experience it yourself, you just don't really get it, do you? In fact at church on Sunday we were recognizing our graduating seniors and although Ally is quite a distance from this...I felt tears welling up in my eyes at just the thought of how close it really is. Not only that, but it was our anniversary...12 years...which flew by. And in less time than that, she will be up their being honored as a high school graduate. What is it about going into the fourth grade. Seems to me like it is the last right of passage out of "little kidness". Well, bring it on...we have already been experiencing this thing called "tween" with the desire of name brand clothing, music, and such. What adventures await us. We are so proud of the girl she is becoming and her accomplishments. Thank you God for this beautiful blessing and help us to cherish every moment.

Welcome to Blogging World

So to many of you out there...as you know...I have tried starting a blog a few times. So here we go again. I hope to keep it up to date with the on-goings of the Van Meter household. So I hope this will keep anyone who is interested better informed as to what is happening with us.