2011 onto 2012...

As I sit here tonight with my family I am reminded that we only have 1 hour 45 minutes left of 2011 from my oldest son as he is watching the infamous Dick Clarks Rockin Eve Special....

As I reflect on 2011 for our family, I can truly say that we have had some "bumps" in the road this year....(who hasn't really). Although we have experienced these "bumps", I am very grateful for them because they have shown me His presence in all aspects of my life! 

Top highlights of 2011 are

My relationship with God continues to grow....
My marriage to a Godly man and watching our relationship grow in ways I never thought possible
The priveledge of mothering two vivacious, healthy, God loving boys...
Wonderful supportive parents...
A great church family....
A great career with new and exciting opportunities...
My girlfriends....


As I look forward to 2012,  my overall goal is to have a sense of balance for myself and my family!  I have highlighted areas that are important to me and will have these posted in my house to help keep my priorities where I can see them daily....as I finish these I plan to post them to my blog....

Spiritual
Health and Well Being
Marriage
Parenting
Carreer
Family


Here is to 2012!

 

Phase 1 of Orthodontist appointments....

This week we had a great privilege of starting our journey to a local orthodontist office here in town....yeah for us.  Shane has only lost approximately 5 teeth and already our dentist has recommended I go in for a "consultation".  Well, that consultation has lead to Mr. Shaner getting his first retainer.  So...here is my smiling boy as he was awaiting patiently to begin his impressions.....

After many numerous pictures and his mouth being twisted and contorted in all directions..

He was then lucky enough to have a pasty like
material place in a mold and stuck on his lower

teeth for 1 minute!  Ughh...not as much fun as he thought it was going to be!

We get to visit our new friends on January 26, for his brand new blue retainer!!  Right in time for his 9th birthday.  Where does the time go...?

Merry Christmas 2011....

Merry Christmas Marinkovich family!  This season has been quite trying for our family....and without going into much detail....this is the best Christmas my family has had ever.  The gift of health, well-being, and each other are some of the most precious gifts our Maker gives to us each and every day that I am very thankful for this season!

With that being said....on Christmas Eve my whole family attended church...even my dad!  The four of us then came home and made homemade pizzas, watched the Lions game, and watched the infamous Forest Gump!  But before we tucked the boys into bed...we had to leave out cookies, milk, and carrots for Santa and his reindeer.  When Brandon said he wanted to leave an apple out for the poor, it warmed my heart to know that my baby was thinking of others on this special night! 

The boys woke up on Christmas morning at 3 am...however with much persuasion they were able to stay in bed until 5:30 am....then it was Christmas at the Marinkovich household.  Santa brought ipod touches and sleds!  Accessories and gaming chairs from mom and dad were opened rather quickly

Gifts were exchanged between the boys and us!  I love to watch them hand out their gifts they bought for each us from the schools Secret Santa Shop!

Once the gifts were opened...boys enjoyed playing with their ipods and mom and dad were able to take a nap by the fireplace!

In the afternoon....gifts were exchanged with Nan, Paw, MiMi. Television, kindle, camera, XBox 360 Kinnect, and one cannot forget the clothes....makes for a very fortunate Christmas for our family this year!  

We were very blessed to have Mr. Pete from church join our family for dinner this year....Praise God for the many blessings he has given our family!

 

Thankfullness.....

Well I would like to say that I have been deliberate in journaling what I am thankful for daily this month...with all of our thoughts on Thanksgiving and all...but I have not.  However, I do know that although my life is crazy and God has blessed me with all that I need....I have been much more aware of those things...so here are some to name a few....

1.  My personal relationship with my Lord Jesus Christ
2.  Shelter that is over my head every night
3.  Food that nourishes my body (some times too much...:))
4.  My health...
5.  My husband
6.  My two wonderful children
7.  Loving, honest, and supporting parents....
8.  A supportive church family
9.  awesome girlfriends...that are in the same season of life that I am in right now
10.  my sister and her husband
11.  my brother, his wife, and a new niece or nephew next year
12.  a rewarding, and challenging career that if full of new opportunities....
13.  reliable transportation
14.  chocolate!!!
15.  freedom
16.  my ipad2....
17.  the BIBLE
18.  life's difficult roads....I always seem to learn from these...my relationship with the Lord is always strengthened by these...
19.  my mom!
20.  my dad!
21.  my dog Coal and my cat Grace!


These are to name a few....as more come up...I will post them also

Director of the Ninja Club....

Brando-my spunky little man...he knows how to keep me on my toes!  Today he came home from school to inform Kevin and I how he and his friends have a "Ninja Club" at school.  He is the Director, his friend Tom is the instructor, and Michael is the back up instructor.  He is unavailable to be there on Mondays and Tuesdays because he is busy on these days.  All of this will take place on the playground after it snows here..."because wearing our snow pants make the training much harder...and us much better"...I thank God daily for his blessings when it comes to Brandon.  He is a witty, funny, honest, and caring little man...