Wyatt's Birthday Update

What's your favorite thing to do?
Read, Play video games, yeah that's about it.

What do you want to be when you grow up? 
A Lawyer

What is your favorite food?
Hamburgers

Who do you like to hang out with?
DJ, Issac, Josh, and Ethan

What do you do really well? 
Read, {after a threat to write something ridiculous he conceded} Viola

What makes you laugh?
Jokes, Funny Jokes, and they have to be funny.  They can't be bad puns.

What is the best time of day?
Midnight, because I'm sleeping.

What are you afraid of?
Death, Heights, and that's about it.

What do you like to do with your family?
Listen to Harry Potter in the car, watch Netflix!

What do you like to learn about?
Science and Math and Reading

Where do you like to go?
My room, in front of the computer

What is your favorite book? Stormlight Archives - Brandon Sanderson

If you could have one wish, what would it be?
I can't really think of anything so 3 more wishes.  When forced:  I wish to be really, really, really, good at anything I do.

The New Me

So the other day my kids informed me that this past year I have been more laid back, "Way more chill."  They couldn't emphasize it enough.  Apparently since moving to Texas, I'm more like my husband.  We eliminated about 20 activities since moving here, and as part of my New Year's Resolutions, I am focusing on spending more uninterrupted time with the kids.

The move allowed me enough time and perspective to evaluate the direction of my life, to realize that our oldest will leave for college in less than 3 years, and I can't get this time back.   So meet the new Mary - super chill!

And can we just focus on the fact that our family has lived in Texas for 6 months now!!!  What?!?!?

Happy New Year

Greetings family and friends and future posterity,

I am filled with happiness, hope, and a sense of purpose and resolve.  I love the new year and the excitement that comes with everyone's resolutions, mine included.  The energy becomes palpable and I remember what an optimist I am, as I wait hoping for everyone to be a raging success in their goals and objectives for the year. 

I love reflecting upon the year that has finished and find myself more quiet and introverted.  If you don't know me well this tends to worry people.  Those who have been around a little longer recognize that my ambivert tendencies are at play and try to allay the fears of those concerned.  And eventually as I find answers and patterns and conclusions about the past year, I start to stare forward and try to determine what the new year should look like and what I should fill my time and energy with.  Broadly it is always the will and work of the Lord, but how those specifics look change with each year, although for the past three years I have been chasing the same character trait.  To some extent this year I finally gained enough ground to move on, build upon it and continue to grow in character and temperament.  I love this time of year, because it may be the slowest time of year for me outwardly, but I am mentally strategizing and planning my progress. 

Then returns the Mary in motion.  I viciously pursue the things that I have spent time considering upon - more heartfelt prayers on behalf of others and a spiritual journal.  I push myself and those around me to be the best versions of themselves.  I feel all the hope and joy of new beginnings.  And I hope those around me feel the energy and hopefulness too.  So what does 2018 look like for the Whitings...BUSY.  This past year was the same, but it all was overwhelmed with a move to Texas.  This upcoming year we are hoping to be active with more family time, one on one time with the kids, more camping, more returning to the essentials.  My kids are fast growing.  And I selfishly as well as spiritually think I can offer them nothing more important than my time, knowledge, and love.  Only time will tell what I've done right and wrong, but there is a quiet kind of confidence that comes as I rely to the Lord to lead and guide my way.

With all of the unexpected changes of the last year, I wait anxiously and excitedly to see what the new year will bring.  Best of luck.

Mary