January 2010

January 2010? I can't even comprehend that I was born in the 70's and it is now 2010~~~ Court and Tay think I'm ancient:) I'm not a big New Year Resolution kind of a girl but I do have some goals and aspirations for this year and one of them is to embrace this new year with a positive outlook and strategy to obtain some dreams/visions. As the saying goes, "Dream Big".

I've decided that the purpose of having a blog isn't necessarily to enlighten or inspire others but rather to just share my heart and of course keep all of our far away fam and friends updated on the Ritchey life. Don't get me wrong, if someone is inspired by reading this blog, then GREAT! Just don't want anyone disappointed:)

As of late, Doran and I find ourselves in a really different world than we've been in for a really long time. We've been in full time ministry for over 15 yrs and now? Dor is working 2 jobs in the secular field and gone all day, but home every night and the best part? He's home every weekend and in church by my side:) It's been a REALLY long time since we've gone to church every week as a family, so it's been really nice. But, God is opening up doors and Dor is being asked to speak for many different events over the next year and at times I go along to help with worship. All of that to say that this kind of different is a good thing. We know God has things for us right around the corner and it's exciting!

With all the transition in our lives, we've decided to finish up the kid's schooling at home through "Virtual Academy", so I now call myself a "home school" mom. I never foresaw that in my future, but here we are..........its just for the remainder of the school year. Court and Tay are really social so homeschool wouldn't work for them longterm. They seem excited about it and ready to make it work. I'm so proud at how well our kids have done with all of the changes in their lives this past year.

I'm staying busy with the kids and getting more involved in worship leading, writing and such.....I'm excited to stretch and grow as a musician. I never thought of myself as a writer since I'm married to the KING of writing, but God is blessing me with music and a different style than my man writes. I hear "praise and worship" styles of songs and they are coming to me. It's a new phase and chapter and I'm really enjoying it. At first, I really struggled and balked at the thoughts of not traveling all over, but now? I'm really starting to relax in the day to day reality that God is working and preparing us for the next chapter of our lives. It's a good place to be.......

Taylor is anxiously awaiting his April 19th birthday and will be 6!!!! My Baby!!! He's the last Ritchey baby and it hits me at times:( He is full of energy, playfulness, orneryness, and sweet smiles that fills our house with lots of laughter. What would we do without our sweet Tay?

Courtney is my mature, responsible 9 year old that will someday be a teacher, leader, or involved in something where she is right at the forefront. She has always been a leader and as a toddler that got her into plenty of trial with her little friends, but it's to her benefit. I'm so glad she has a mind of her own but has chosen to give her heart to Jesus and makes good decisions. I realized a few months ago that she has reached the "age of accountability" and that hit me pretty hard. But, she is making wise choices and I know that God has something really amazing in her future. She is an amazing musician and I love her sweet voice.

Should I mention the 3rd member of the Ritchey household? Ok, let's not leave out Mia, our 7mo. old boxer.......What a sweet, little terror she is!!!!! She eats VERY well in this house and loves to steal the thawing meat off the counter. Last week she ate along with her dog food, raw hamburger and beef steaks!! She is a little sneak, but we all love her. Animals really do bring another dimension to life.

January 29 is my Bday folks!!!! 32 years of wonderful living.........

Peace out......