2009 in a nutshell

Another new year is approaching and of course, it brings up the thoughts of what this last year encompassed. Many, many blessings and some tragedies.

Our year started off like any other. Resolutions that weren't kept and recovering from the holidays. January brought some mixed blessings. My sister was diagnosed with a rare strep A infection that could have killed her had it not been caught for another 24 hours. But we also found out that she was pregnant with her fourth child (definitely not planned but wanted just the same). Elizabeth was welcomed to the world September 18th and both mom and her are the picture of health.

Spring time brought alot of busyness. We were introduced to the wonderful world of childhood sports. Jacob joined a TBall team and loved every minute of it. I once heard a parent describe it as trying to heard a bunch of cats. And that description fits it perfectly. We enjoyed watching every game. He is now wanting to join PEEWEE football but I have my reservations. Maybe we'll let that pass for a year or so.

In June we got to attend Jacob's preschool graduation. Let's just say I didn't make it through without a tear or two (ok, probably more like a tiny stream). Hate to see what I'll be like at his other graduations. Cody just smiles at me and tells me how much he loves me when I get like that. :)

The summer went by like a blur. Trips to Lake Tahoe, a family vacation to our cabin in Pinecrest, lots of BBQ's and playing outside until 8-9 o'clock at night. And the exciting news that after a year of trying, we would be welcoming our third addition to the family. Along with 2 of my other sisters. All due with in days of each other. And we didn't plan it that way; it just happened.

Then end of July, my big boy Jacob started Kindergarten and my little baby Caleb, now 4 years old, started preschool. During the fall, lots of time spent taxing kids to and from school. And occasional days helping in the classrooms. The holiday countdown began with Halloween. Both the boys were Darth Vader (sp?) simply because they wanted to carry a light saber around. Gotta love boys.

Thanksgiving was celebrated with the majority of my siblings in town (a grand total of 25 of us between in-laws and kids too). Chaos at it's best but nice to see everyone.

Then this December. Marked by numerous doctor's appts and stress, stress, stress. (refer to previous posts). But all is well now. At least for today. We are counting our blessings now more then ever. And among all the stress and events that have been going on, I'm ending this year with a calm peace.

I've learned that no matter how stressed you get about something, it doesn't make the situation any better. Mine and Cody's motto now is "as long as we have each other and the kids, then we have everything we need". All of the other stuff in our life is just that, stuff. And lastly God is in control. Such a hard lesson for me to learn. Because I am somewhat of a control freak. But that's just part of satan's deception. Making me think that I'm in control. I have no control and God has it all. The more I grasp that reality, the more I have this wave of peace come over me. I'm 29 and just getting that. Wow!

I received a call on Monday from one of my friends from work. The year wouldn't end without one more blow. A special little boy whom we all came to love and advocate for went home to be with the Lord. His body was tired of fighting and he went out quite and peaceful. Everyone who took care of this boy couldn't help but love him. He had a beautiful grin. I got to see him last week when I went by the NICU. My last memory is of this chubby bunny swinging in his swing and giving me his famous little grin. When I learned the circumstances of his passing, all I can say is God's hand was in it the whole time. A sister in Christ was the last one to hold him; singing and praying him home to his heavenly father. My new year will begin my going to his funeral. Although there will be tears and alot of emotion, I know he has a perfect body now and he is no longer suffering.

To sum up this year;
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die
A time to plant, and a time to harvest
A time to kill, and a time to heal
A time to break down, and a time to build up
A time to weep, and a time to laugh
A time to mourn, and a time to dance
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing
A time to gain, and a time to lose,
A time to keep, and a time to throw away
a time to tear , and a time to sew
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak
A time to love, and a time to hate
A time of war, and a time of peace."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8