What lies ahead?

Now that I have reflected on the past year, I think about the next year ahead...2010...and although I am excited for a New Year, I am apprehensive of some major changes, some we know about and some we probably don't. The road last year was not easy to travel, but we still took the climb and were able to see God's blessings. As the new year is here, I am not making any resolutions (eat better, lose weight, etc.) Instead, I am focusing on some personal goals and goals as a family. I begin to think about my goals and am excited about some time for K and I to sit down without distractions in the near future to look at our goals together. It is with this intention that we will have a better vision as to what lies ahead of us this new year and will be stronger in reaching our goals. It is my prayer that God will lead us, guide us, and shelter us through this next year! Happy New Year to you and may God bless you this year!

Reflections

As the New Year is here, I reflect on God's goodness of 2009. We were blessed with so much!

• The new year began with the birth of my healthy precious baby girl
• God has provided for us financially...even though it wasn't easy we survived...my lack of pay for 6 wks while I was on maternity leave, K's changing of jobs, and more financial trials
• great health for entire family
• my job which I LOVE is thriving even though we face economic hard times and budget cuts
• were able to spend quality family time together at the beach on 2 occasions, one with extended family
• celebrated CR's turning 4 by making a dream come true for him...visiting Mickey's boat and house
• answered prayers for family members and their health
• being led to join a new church were God is working in our lives
• K and I being more aware of our need to grow in our relationship together and with God
• This year, although I am thankful for all the above, I am most thankful for our wonderful family that does so much for us and for the AWESOME friends we have....our lives are richer because we have you! You will never know how much you bless our lives and I don't know what we would do without our family and friends!

Christmas....Come and Gone

I know you have heard it said time and time again "it is hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone", but this year with two kids, I REALLY feel this way. We enjoyed our time together celebrating and making memories to last forever!

*I always post pictures backwards...you would think I would have the hang of it by now...sorry for the random order.

The mess from our real tree...not to mention that we all have been sick since it has been up. I thought I was going to cry when I was on my hands and knees for 2 hrs. cleaning up this mess

It was a pretty tree though, and we had so much fun going to cut it down, but I am afraid it will not happen again. No, these are not all our gifts...they are all of our gifts from extended family to each other

Baby C on Christmas morning opening her presents from Santa

One of CR's most exciting gifts...thanks Nana and Pop

and his other...thanks Mema and Granda

Baby C got into the gift opening more than I expected. It was so fun to watch her get excited about it all.

and climb on her boxes

and open gifts...this was her fav wrapping...it had "K" on it, as she calls him (Mickey)

It was fun having CR around in the kitchen for our baking day too (well he stayed around for some of it). He was so excited to help and did a really good job.

My kiddos nestled in mommy and daddy's bed in the morning after getting up watching cartoons and eating Cheerios.

Baby C enjoyed Christmasville too, even though we froze!

CR wore this same outfit (minus the girly shirt) when he was 14 months old...she is only 11 months...amazing at the difference in size of them. She is going to catch up with her "bubbie" soon if CR doesn't start putting some meat on those bones.

Reading about Santa's coming

CR and his BFF's at Christmasville