Today

It decided to become Winter again around here today. Lows in the 30s last night and pretty chilly waking up this morning. But I got out of bed anyway. I made a commitment recently to start working out again. This decision has been a long time coming for me. I always knew the motivation would return some day. But I've been waiting for about a year and a half. And finally, its back. Over the last 18 months, I have dabbled at running and working out but have not been able to see that time as productive. I am thankful that I am able to enjoy it again. That's all I'll say about that.

On another note, we have been spending a lot of time getting to know our surroundings. Little Rock is a fascinating town. I have really enjoyed living in a Capital city. Through my job, I get to sit in on some really important conversations about our State's politics and am witnessing firsthand the policy makers of tomorrow. Last Friday I spent 3 hours at the Capitol Building observing a meeting with local Senators and State Representatives. They discussed several pieces of legislation that would be coming up for a vote within the coming weeks. Because of the Chamber's lobbying efforts, they passed a very important bill that will allow for better incentives to draw industry to Arkansas. Very important in these economic times. This bill will make our state more competitive for large industries looking for affordable U.S. real estate on which to establish business. Another bill was passed last week that will draw the film industry into Arkansas. Hopefully, we will now compete with states like Michigan for movies, etc. Arkansas has a great deal of racial history that, I think, could be significant to racial healing if portrayed properly through film media. But it is important for those stories to be told where they occurred. Now, we can compete for such projects. Pretty cool to be on the ground floor of things like this!

When I am not working, I love spending time with the girls in the yard. They are loving watching the flowers bloom and running around in the yard. Brad and I can sit on the porch or the deck and watch them play. They are adapting marvelously. Tonight, Kiley thanked God for our house when she prayed. It makes me feel like we haven't completely screwed them up for life by moving at this stage of the game. Brad is doing a great job with them. Every day while Robyn takes a nap Brad prints off worksheets so Kiley can practice her letters. When I come home in the afternoon, she gets to tell me what letter they are practicing and what words start with that letter. Yesterday, she wrote her entire name (first, middle, last) all by herself. Today, she put a large puzzle together. A present from our good friends the Wilkies (Thank You) for her birthday.

Yes, Kiley turned five last week. A huge milestone. So naturally I have been pretty reflective. I remember how nervous and excited I was to become a mother. Most days, I still have those nerves. Am I spending enough time with them? Am I modeling healthy behaviors? Am I too neurotic? Did Robyn poop today? Did Kiley eat well? It never ends. I feel like there is some huge lesson I could be teaching at any given moment. Some sort of prophetic wisdom I should be passing along. But then, I just sit back and decide to dye Easter eggs and the world is at peace. I am trying hard to give them the childhood they deserve. Honestly, it has been a little easier since moving. We are able to spend more quality time together as a family because the only people we are accountable to are each other. We are definitely healing from a lot of things right now and it is wonderful! Thank you God for healing.

Today, my prayer of thanksgiving is for good, loyal, honest friends who have stood by us through so many events. I praise God every time I remember you! I love you.