We Survived!!

What a week we have had!! Last week was full of unexpected events, unfortunately most of which were unfavorable. However, after the initial shockwaves hit, we were overcome with peace. I know this was a direct reflection of the prayers being lifted up for our family. I don't know why, but it always surprises me when I feel that overwhelming peace. I wonder why I feel so good when things around me seem to be headed downhill...then I quickly remember that it is God's hand at work in me. He continues to bring me to my knees & I praise Him for that each day.
After taking a breath & looking at the big picture, I am humbled & very thankful for the many ways God has blessed my life. I have an amazing husband (who is feeling a bit better), the most adorable, sweet, & happy baby in the world, and a huge amount of family & friends who love & support us through our ups & downs. We have so much compared to so many, & I know God will continue to provide-whatever may come.
Today, I am thankful & pray that those who have been so good to our family will be blessed by their acts of kindness!

Daily Resolutions

A couple of weeks ago marked the beginning of 2010. I actually sat down on more than one occasion to write about my resolution(s), and never could come up with words that I knew would be true or that I could commit to as a "resolution."
At this point in my life, I am constantly surprised...by the things Whit does, the way he amazes me with his sounds and smiles, the joy I feel when he achieves new things, the way my heart grows-for him & for Luke...it's a journey that I am loving and soaking up as it quickly passes me by. So, this year I am making a "daily resolutions" rather than annual ones. I don't want to look back on the year & feel like I have failed or not achieved some lofty goal, but rather say with confidence that I was the best wife, mother, daughter, sister & friend that I could be (most days.) I pray that God will use me in one person's life this year & that I will not shy away from showing His compassion each day to those I come into contact with. I hope that I can look back and believe that I went to school and played a part in a child or co-worker's life the way so many others have in mine.
2010 marks the beginning of a fresh start for many I love dearly. 2009 marked a year of loss, grief, pain & frustration for them. It was heartbreaking to watch them hurt, and I can't wait to be amazed at what this new year holds for my family & friends. I am blessed beyond words...

More Christmas...

Boy are we blessed!!  Luke and I have had such an amazing time with our family.  After spending a few days with the Windhams, we headed to Morton to see my family.  It was non-stop action with 8 adults, 7 kids, & 2 dogs, but I wouldn't want it any other way!  Such great memories were made & it's really fun to watch all the cousins interact and enjoy each other.  They loved playing outside in the snow, which took me back to the days of sledding and snowball fights at my grandparent's house.  That was always an annual event, regardless of how much snow was on the ground!  We ate a ton-mom loves to spoil us with her goodies-and got to reconnected with one another.  On the way home we got to visit some good friends and it was really the perfect ending to our "travels" for this Christmas.  Now we're home for a few days before starting school on Monday.  This has been such a wonderful break & I am constantly reminded that what we have is truly a gift from our Father.

Bingo with the family!

Aunt Raelenna & Whit

Luke & Kaden working on the DSi

Uncle Joe & Aunt Charis

Family Pic (minus Lucy)

What a cute little present!

Daddy & Whit