The past week has welcomed in official winter, Christmas, and the countdown to 2022. It is the perfect time for pause and reflection to give gratitude and grace to the year that has passed.
At the turn of each season we spotlight a special blog called “The Cirkles Check-In“ to share the things we are loving and learning.
Feel free to copy out method and journal your own Season Check-In.
1. Something I’m learning
2. Something I’m loving
3. Something I’m proud of
4. Something I’m looking forward to
Ryan
1. Something I’m learning
I’m learning to savor moments challenges and decisions as a father, I never want to rush through a day to “finish”. I’m committed to enjoy my wife, my son, and my daughter more than ever.
As a leader I never want to make a decision haste. There is something powerful about living slowly, prayerfully, and with intent.
2. Something I’m loving
These Allbird socks I picked up in an emergency situation in Washington DC. (Abby here - he truly hasn’t stopped talking about these). - A Cortado
- My wife. She’s so beautiful in the winter time.
- The Cowboys D. Those boys are baaaaaaad.
3. Something I’m proud of
- The TBI team and students for pulling off an amazing fall semester. - My wife for finishing a year of full time at home, officially. And for getting better at it every second. And for meal planning and doing grocery orders every week. She’s spectacular. - I’m proud Oliver for his amazing conversation skills and intense work ethic. - I’m proud of Eleanor for being an overcomer and building resiliency over the last three months.
4. Something I’m looking forward to
- Disney World with friends and family. Shoutout to Aunt Hannah and our friend Samantha joining our family adventure.
- The Leadership School for TBI
- Oliver turning three!
Abby
1. Something I’m learning
Good friendship can be such a safe oasis. I am blessed with some of the best friendships in the entire world. But the past four months, I have seen more fruit from my friendship than ever before. Being a stay at home mom I daily see the blessings of that reality; but I really started feeling the isolation more than I would like to admit as an introvert. Setting up “coffee dates” with baby schedules and out of state friends just isn’t as easy these days, but I found GREAT joy in “phone dates” the past few weeks. Simply scheduling a FaceTime or phone call with a friend after the kids are in bed have been such a breath of fresh air. A time of laughing, weeping, faith and frivolous chatter… I highly recommend this!
2. Something I’m loving
- Our Journey Gal Group. I have a text group of about 6 ladies from church. We are all following the same Bible reading plan from church together and start our days chiming in on what we saw or learned from each other. It’s great joy and accountability! - This has been my go-to favorite all year. It goes on like a moisturizer but has some tint to it. It’s a perfect “mom makeup” solution for me in this season when I don’t want a full face of makeup but want to feel a bit more polished at home. - My rainboots from Oliver! A great birthday gift so we can “go on more adventures together”
3. Something I’m proud of
-I had a goal to hit 30,000 blog views during my 30th year. A month outside my birthday I hit that milestone! A big thanks to all of you for your faithful support to read and share!
4. Something I’m looking forward to
- Disney World! (More so time with some of my favorite people in the world than anything) - I am so eager for Eleanor to be a confident walker to have our outdoor play expand even more.
- I’m starting a very loose “Preschool time” with Oliver in the new year which will be fun. - More giggles and date nights with Ryan
Oliver (2 Years….for a few more weeks)
1. Something I’m learning
- All things dinosaurs, tractors, and construction vehicles.
- How to set a table properly and converse with others during a meal. He’s doing great With this life skill!
- Sisters are learning too.
2. Something I’m loving
- Alone time with Mama
- Tractor Ted (An adorable short show on YouTube)
3. Something I’m proud of
“My paintings.” Oliver is quite the artist and my present from him for Christmas was my absolute favorite! “A Family of Dancing Flowers”
4. Something I’m looking forward to
- Disney World!
- Turing 3 and going to Faith Walkers! (A new class at church).
Eleanor (15 Months)
1. Something I’m learning
- Sometimes brother’s want to play alone, and that’s okay ;)
- Confidently walking
2. Something I’m loving
- Bananas … always bananas
- Saying “cheese” for pictures
- Being Oliver’s shadow
3. Something I’m proud of
- I took my first steps!
4. Something I’m looking forward to
- Disney World to see “Me Me” (Minnie) and ”A-Boo” (Pooh).
Praying blessings over your 2021 and into your 2022!
In His Joy,
Abby
*Dont forget…the Cirkles are cheering you on!