Dear Stefanie ...

December 21 Reverb: Future self. Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?)

Dear Stefanie,
  Dive head-first into 2011.  You know those things you muse about or you and Josh dream of doing or representing as a family?  This next year is the time to really start figuring out how to ground some of those castles in the air in reality.  As the oldest (by a bunch) of 4 kids, you know how crazy life gets when there are multiple young children in the home.  This year you just have one.  I know life seems really full and kind of hectic right now, but you'll look back on this time as being simple ... the days when you only had one little one to wrangle and love on.  The days when you only had 3 schedules to juggle instead of the ___ that you have to juggle now, 5 years later.  Think about what you can be doing now to set in place the habits and priorities that you want to have later, because it isn't going to get any easier to implement new ideas later on. 
  Most importantly, focus on deepening your relationship with the Lord and with your husband.  There are tons of things to distract you, but these two relationships are the most important for your heart and future and children.  No amount of fun family activities or traditions can  benefit your children more than having parents who love the Lord and one another, so don't let anything get in the way of you pursuing Jesus & Josh.  Everything else will grow from that foundation.  Also, don't take your schedule and plans so seriously.  You have a tendency to think you and your plans are WAY more important than they are, and you will miss amazing opportunities to know the hearts of others over the next 5 years if you don't get off you high horse.
Love,
 33 year-old Stefanie

(I'd write about the bonus prompt, but SNL's Very Gilly Christmas is on & Josh just got home from community group, so I think we'll just enjoy that together instead).