Winter Blues

This has been a hard winter for me. Matt and I would love to move south, except we don't want to live away from our family. (Hint, hint, family!) Last year we couldn't afford to take a vacation and this year is the year we are getting out of debt, so we have chosen to put all extra money toward making larger monthly payments instead of taking a vacation. So here we are, stuck in the cold, cold, freezer we call Michigan, with no chance of even visiting someplace warmer.

I actually haven't been as affected by SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) as I was anticipating. I think it helps having kids in the house and not being alone when Matt goes to work. But there are still very unpleasant, tiring parts of winter that I am just... done with.

I want to be able to take my kids outside to play (in a decent temperature, not negative ten). I want to take a day off and go to the beach. I want to go for walks and runs, and get back into shape. I want to go to the farmer's market and buy fresh and locally grown produce. I want to not worry about bringing extra shoes/boots, a coat, gloves, and a hat everywhere I go. There are so many extra steps you have to take in winter. And I'm TIRED of it!

It's true--I have the blues right now. Every time I stand by the door before going outside I think to myself, "Do I really have to leave? Is this necessary?" But I suppose I can't call in because I have a case of "I don't like winter."

This winter has been so long, so cold, and so persistent, that I am starting to doubt that spring will ever come!

But alas, it will. A new chapter will open. Life and new growth will sprout, the sun will shine, and once again, people will come out of their houses and explore the great outdoors. And I will be a much happier camper. And hopefully I will be a camping happy camper!

So I'm done with my rant about disliking winter.  Can you relate, or are you one who truly loves this season?

A New Year (2014)

What a wild year it has been! Okay, maybe not 'wild', but definitely eventful for the Walkers! We did not send out a family photo/card this year. So here are some snips from the past year...

2014 Family Recaps (in no particular order)

We had a lovely visit from our former exchange student, Bea, in July/August. It was so good to see her! 

We had our second child, Ephraim, in May. And what a GOOD baby he has been. Thank you, Lord!

Our oldest, Cali, turned two. I can't even explain how bright, sweet, spunky, and delightful she is. 

Matt took on a third part-time job, which has been a huge blessing, financially speaking.

In June Matt and I celebrated my 30th in Chicago.

I began leading worship once a month in our "big" church. (Normally I'm on the other end of the building with the little ones!)

We are focusing on paying off debt. Our washing machine broke, so we bought a new one on credit and just paid that off! We decided to hand-make many of our Christmas gifts this year to cut back on spending. It was really fun putting the time and thought into each person's gift! 

I (Tori) have learned how to make some more dishes (meals). Most of them are vegan/vegetarian and involve fresh ingredients. It's been fun--I actually enjoy it. I think I'm getting good at it too(but you can ask Matt). I still am a big failure when it comes to making cookies! 

No vacation this year. But we did travel to Tennessee to visit my dad & his wife. That was nice to have that time with them. It's not fun living so far away from loved ones.

I (Tori) have begun writing music after a nearly one-year hiatus. (Is 'hiatus' the right word?!) I miss having an outlet for creativity. I have hopes of writing and recording more, especially as the kids grow older. 

Matt went to Passion in 2013 in Atlanta, and I get to go this year (2014)! 

My sister had a baby and made me a proud Aunt! I love it. I'm going to spoil that baby.

Those are basically the highlights. Here's to another good year, wherever The Lord may take us...

Blessings!