The Fullest

It's been a looong time since I've updated....and we've had quite a few new developments to the fam over the last few months. 
We have moved to a new home, and we are finally starting to feel settled and at home here. Don't get me wrong....there's still plenty to do around here (does it ever end????), but we're in a comfortable place.
We have traveled for some fun vacays...Flordia beach, Disney World, and a small trip to Port Aransas. The little miss had a blast everywhere, and I will be updating and posting pics from these experiences periodically. 

Here's a little preview of some cute photos :)
And probably our biggest news.....bum ba dum......We are expecting a new baby coming in February. We are so so excited for our family to be expanding, and we hope Madeline will feel the same, haha. We do know the gender but will be revealing it later this week so it's under wraps for now.
Through all of these amazing new developments with us Ringers, I have to admit, I've had some emotional ups and downs. I know, I know, I've got hormones running around like banshees wreaking havoc on me, but still....
Although feeling like a crazy person isn't exactly what you want, it has given me pause to ponder and contemplate things. What am I looking for? What brings be joy? What does the Lord want me to do with my life? What pleases Him? How can I serve my family well? How can I serve others well? How can I do this and remain sane? HOW CAN I LIFE MY LIFE TO THE FULLEST?
Isn't that a question that we all want answered? What is the best way for me to life a full life that brings joy to myself, my family and others, and serves the Almighty God? I surely don't have the answer to that, but I'm working on it. So far, what I DO know is that it seems to be in the little things. The small sacrifices made to help someone else, the quick memories made when we play outside with Madeline rather than turning on the TV or cleaning one more room that will inevitably get messy again. 
I want to really take advantage of the time given to me. I want to use it to bless my family, friends and neighbors. I wanted to use this blog to chronicle my experiences, big and small, that brought about joy of some kind (or taught us what not to do next time). But, I admit, I've done a pretty poor job of keeping up. Here's my re-commitment to continue to share with you the beauty surrounding life...whether it be in small daily moments or whether it be in a big vacation or brand new baby coming! My goal is that one day my children will be able to look back and see how real and blessed our lives were. 
Throughout this journey, I would also like to commit to becoming more thankful. Thankful for the small things, thankful for the big things, thankful for the tough lessons. And don't thankfulness and joy coincide?? Can you truly have one without the other? I don't think so. So here's to an adventure into exploring what makes me feel thankful, and my prayer is that anyone who reads it will be able to find things to be thankful for as well!
Katie