2013

How can it possibly be that we are wrapping up 2013 and already in the New Year.  Looking back on 2013 brings with it so many blessings…gosh it's hard to count.  But here is a little recap for the storybook down the road:

• Me being home with the kids full-time…and working on my photography business part-time.  Getting busy with wedding photography and having a heck of a sidekick/second shooter with me (aka-Michael).  We made quite a team.  Unexpected blessing.
• Starting a job at St. Paul's Catholic Church.  Only God could have made this happen.  It wasn't in the plans but it has been an enormous blessing.
• Finding out we are pregnant with number 3.  Overwhelmed.  Shocked.  Amazed.  Fear that it could take awhile again had started to creep in…and here we are…getting prepared to meet this little one.  Total blessing.  
• A house to call our own.  Again-only God could have led us here.  We weren't looking, we weren't even interested…and it totally landed in our lap.  It already has served us and our ministry so well.  We continue to pray we have a revolving door of hospitality in this beautiful space.
• Many many dinners and get togethers with new friends.  Establishing our community a bit more…getting to know folks in our church and our setting.  What a gift.
• Wonderful moments with our little family.  Watching our kiddos grow before our eyes.  Enjoying so many moments with them.  On the bike trail, hanging out at home, playing outside…we have soaked up this time with them.
• Trips…to Florida with the kids, to the East Coast as a couple (amazing 7 day trip that was WONDERFUL), Alabama to watch my brother and his team with the National Championship, the Ozarks and numerous wedding celebrations.
• Hearing Addie Rose develop her language.  She is so much more verbal and thus easier to please.  :)  And not to mention cute.  Gosh that stinkin' raspy sweet little voice has stolen my heart…
• Watching Jackson Daniel turn into a little man before our eyes.  He lights up our life with his enthusiasm and discovery.  From riding his bike miles and miles with us, to mastering some ramps at the skate park, to learning and loving to play golf out back with dad this little guy has blessed us this year.  

No one could have told me that our life would be this blessed.  No one could have laid out a road map for me and said you will experience these riches…and they aren't in the form of material things.  They are in relationship and experience.  God has completed blessed and ordained this past year with so many incredible things.  Michael's work continues to go well and grow, the parish work gives us hope and inspiration in the Church…and life together is just so good.  I may be at the max of my pregnancy…and very uncomfortable (not to mention a little - okay a LOT cranky) BUT I can look back at all that has happened this year and see total blessing.  

Tonight Michael helped Jackson build a fort in his room over his bed…as I went up there to see it I sat in his rocking chair and just watch the kids play with their dad on the floor.  I soaked up the moment…memorizing the sound of her laugh and the enthusiasm in his voice…thanking God for another day on this earth to witness these things.  

More to come in terms of goals and hopes for 2014…in the meantime…I'm so thankful for all that 2013 has brought us.  Happy New Year…and here is to another year of blessing ahead.