Since last time...

I don't consider myself an extremely competitive person. I do like to compete and play games, etc., but it's not going to ruin my day if I lose. Mostly I just like to know, win or lose, I've done the best as I can.
However, maybe I just save up my competitiveness for other areas…

I used to feel like it was a mark of pride to be busy. It was like I was in some sort of secret competition with anyone I met to "busier" and thereby more "productive." I realize that way of thinking is just foolishness. What is so good about being super busy?
Don't get me wrong - I am not someone who likes to be idle. Ask Taylor, simply sitting still during the middle of the day when I feel like there are things I need to do can absolutely drive me up the wall.
However, I realize now that simple "busy-ness" shouldn't be the goal. Instead I think it's better to work hard and work well, but to also allow yourself time - time to spend with loved ones, time to relax and enjoy the moment, time to keep perspective on the important things in life.

This year has been a pretty hectic one for Taylor and me, and at times I felt like we were in a sinking boat in a sea of obligations with only a thimble for a bail. We made progress but not enough to feel like we were getting ahead.
Even so, as I sit here now, looking back over the year, I feel like we've done a pretty good job of handling our responsibilities without losing track of the most important things - our faith, our marriage and our family.

New Year's resolutions sound so cliche, but as we move into 2015, I'm praying it will be a year where Taylor and I can manage our time well, continue to work together as a team to accomplish all the tasks that are set before us, and continue to keep our priorities straight.

Sorry it's been so long since my last blog post, but here are a few things that have been going on in our world…

At the beginning of November we went to Kansas City for our brother-in-law's birthday to watch a Chiefs game. It was the first one I had ever been to. It was neat, but also bitterly cold. Taylor and I had to keep getting up and moving around to get feeling back in our feet.

My entire family came out to be with us during Thanksgiving. It was so great to spend the holiday with everyone rather than just one side or the other.

At the beginning of December we went to Las Vegas for the Nationals Finals Rodeo. Vegas is always a fun town, but best in small doses. We were there for three days, which I consider to be just about the right amount of time. While there we ate some great food, went clubbing, watched the rodeo, went to a Jeff Dunham show, a hypnotist show, and the Cirque Du Soleil show "Mystere." I think my favorite part was eating supper at Yellowtail in the Belagio. We sat out on the balcony, enjoying delicious food and drinks overlooking the fountains.

Watching the fountains in front of the Bellagio

Our impersonations of Walter

Christmas is one of my favorite seasons, and it always saddens me how quickly it is over. This year we spent Christmas Eve with Taylor's family, eating a nice supper together, going to Christmas Eve service, and opening our presents with his side.
On Christmas morning, Taylor and I exchanged gifts with each other. I was so excited to give Taylor his gift I woke up at 5:15 a.m. and couldn't go back to sleep. :) Finally I was able to give him the gun safe I'd bought him!
I loved my gifts from Taylor, too, but my favorite was the tickets he had bought for me and my mom and sisters, and sister-in-law to go see "Wicked" in Denver in June. He took me to see it once in Kansas City a few years ago, and I absolutely LOVED it. Now I can't wait to share the experience. I know they're going to love it too!

Western Kansas Fact: Anyone in western Kansas without a job is simply lazy. This may be an oversimplification, but if so, it is only to the slightest degree. There are an abundance of jobs available here. Garden City recently had a new store development open with a Dick's Sporting Goods, Hobby Lobby, Petco, and a few others. One of Taylor's friends took a management position with Dick's and he said that when the store opened, of the 60+ employees they needed to operate the place, only about 1/2 that many had even applied. Through our own personal experience and with talking to other business owners in the area, nearly everyone will tell you the greatest limiting factor is finding good help.

There was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7
The lesson that accompanied this Scripture made me think about how little room we as a society make for Christ in our lives. We celebrate Christmas, but during the time we prepare for and celebrate the holiday, how much of that is truly spent worshipping Christ? I pray I can think of this Scripture frequently throughout this coming year, and make more room for Christ in my life every day.

Hope 2015 is a blessed year for you all!
Lyndee