Living the Neie Life

Hello everyone! It has been quite some time since I have posted to this blog. I apologize for my absence and resolve to keep focused and up to date this year. You have my word!

Last year was a rough year for us, the hardest yet. However, the age old mantra "No pain, no gain" holds some truth. Sometimes we are put in situations that require us to grow, to stretch beyond what we thought was possible, to test our faith, abilities, and stamina...so if we push through and forgo throwing in the towel, we come out stronger and better. I am quite proud to say that my family is full of survivors. No weapon formed against us shall prosper! If I sound spiritual it is due to making some positive changes in my life and the life of my family. For the past few months we have been attending a new Christian church, Northwood Church. It is nothing short of amazing. We were invited by some friends of mine at the YMCA. I have always believed in God, but to feel Him and see Him brings a whole new level to faith. It hasn't been easy finding a church that Daniel likes, but this one seems to stick with him. I know it really has made an impact on me. Several of my friends from my Mommas group and YMCA attend the church with their families, which makes for strong friendships. The kids love Sunday school and I was asked to join the choir. There are 4 of us that sing with live music...awesome!

Daniel and I have become close with my mom group and their husbands. It is a beautiful thing to see us all growing close and to see the children play so well together. I look at our group and know that it isn't by chance or coincidence...we were all brought together to be together. They aren't just friends, they feel like family. The kids act like siblings and we are sisters and brothers, which makes sense since we all have the same Father God. Having a strong and stable support system is imperative when trekking through life. It is important to surround yourself with positive people who bring love and light into your life, not darkness or negativity. We need people who bring out the best in ourselves and cheer us on to be the very best we can be. People who can offer guidance, advice, compassion, a shoulder, or a simple hug. People who are able to see the beauty in everything, even a disaster. For God is good...all the time. Daniel and I are truly blessed to know these such people.

Daniel, as always, loves his job. It can get tedious and the hours can draw out, but he enjoys what he does and does it quite well. He is a good provider and I am appreciative of his hard work. I love love LOVE the YMCA. I am able to live my dream of dancing by teaching Zumba. I also continue to work in the childcare with all the sweet wee ones, most of them being my friends' kids. How many people can honestly proclaim such happiness at a job? Natalie is still our princess. She is missing all of her front teeth. The bottom two are growing in, but the upper teeth are all gone...and she couldn't be cuter! Altogether, she has lost 5 teeth. She is still dancing and practices at home everyday. She can now do cartwheels and backwards somersaults. She continues to do well with school...reading and writing and drawing. So much progress in just a few months! Her teacher describes her as the social butterfly, chatty and friendly and supportive. She practices the monkey bars everyday at recess. We've been receiving some assertiveness recently from her but we expected this to come. Still, she is my big helper at home and we love her to pieces. Ryan is a busy little bee. He is constant energy! Silly and sweet and sour all at once. He talks a mile a minute and is usually through the house at the same speed. He has been getting more bumps and bruises lately due to being a wild monkey. He, too, is a big helper around the house. He is into monster trucks, dinosaurs, race cars, and Thomas Train. I feel the need to share a funny story with you about our crazy boy. After his 3 year check up at the doctors office, Ryan was in good spirits. He is above average for his age and flourishing. When daddy arrived home, Ryan's first words were "Dr. Cindy tickled my penis." I laughed out loud! Daniel raised an eyebrow, but gave in to his own giggles. That boy says the craziest stuff! Lately, his favorite words are "poo poo butt." Have mercy!!! I, myself, am doing well. I have a new sense of purpose. I am reading a lot and praying and trying to put as much love and light into each day as I can. You all should do the same...life is way too short to harbor anger and resentment. Love and forgive and share joy. Proverbs tell us, "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them." Be kind, be aware, be courteous, be good...just be the beacon of light that God made you to be.