these last couple weeks have been overflowing with goodness. daily routine was interrupted, and that interruption was a welcomed and needed change. i'm realizing that i, for one, do not thrive on a routine. some people need it, and i can see why - i'll admit i could use the structure that a routine would bring. but i'm always looking to mix things up and keep things fresh. i love not knowing what a day will bring. i avoid making plans, because i like to wait and see which way the wind blows.

everyday of the christmas season was full of unexpected surprises and goodies. i reconnected with lots of friends, and was able to connect with a few of david's friends as well. sometimes i sit back and marvel at how much we've all grown up... but i'm also so happy and impressed with how well adulthood fits many of my friends. it's not something they've run from, and it suits them well. family time was also treasured, and our escape to cedar falls really felt like a relaxing vacation off the map. i love how david's parents live in the woods, on the cedar river. they're surrounded by breathtaking nature, and with all the huge windows and beautiful views, you don't even have to go outside.

anyway. on to some resolutions. david and i talked through some things we want be sure to do as a couple in 2011. we've already got some new endeavors lined up that we're excited about like taking a perspectives course, investing in a new camera to improve our photography skills, and going to south africa on a short term mission trip. but we want to also be faithful in the daily, weekly parts of our marriage. we kept it simple. here is the little list we made:

1. pray together every night before bed, making sure to pray for something/someone other than ourselves

2. have an intentional date night every week that includes going somewhere, and having meaningful conversation

3. read together

these are things we sort of/sometimes do as a couple, but we want to make them bigger, consistent parts of our relationship. they help us connect, to one another and to our Creator. we had such a fantastic first christmas as a married couple, and we are waiting anxiously to see what other good things He has in store in 2011. of course, the best thing about these past 2 weeks has been sharing it all with my husband. marriage is such a cool thing. i obviously don't have words to describe it adequately at the moment.

i'll get to my resolutions at another time.