2007 Rewind

Happy New Year!!!

With 2008 fast approaching, I find myself reflecting back on 2007 and all the ways the Lord has blessed my family and me. This past year the Lord brought many dreams to fruition, as well as seemingly steered one major dream of mine in a different direction altogether. I love how He works! Just when you think He's predictable, He becomes completely UN-predictable. Not always fun to go through, but when you're able to get past the storm and look back you realize He was right all along. I love that. So, sit back and enjoy reading just a few of our family's major milestones that transpired throughout 2007.

Even though Elijah was born 11/11/06 I still consider him to be our greatest joy during this past year. He completed his precious first year during 2007 and has brought more happiness into our family than anything I could ever dream of. This past year saw his first smile, first tooth, first time rolling over, first bite of solids, first time sitting up all by himself, first plane-ride, first time standing/walking, as well as his first words. That's a lot in 1 year, and I know I've forgotten to list so much more of his many accomplishments over the last 12 months. I can still smell his wonderful newborn baby smell, see his smooth, newborn, wrinkly skin, feel his tiny body sleeping in my arms, and see his eyes as he contentedly sucks his beloved bottle. I hope to never forget it.

[WARNING-SEVERE EMOTIONAL RANT]

Being the mom of 2 has definitely changed me in so many ways this past year. At times I'm overwhelmed with the amazing responsibility and find myself suffocated with its thought. I wonder if I'm enough-If I'm teaching them about Jesus enough, if I'm showing them Jesus enough, if I'm too strict, if I'm too lenient, if I'm consistent enough, if I'm loving enough....the worries go on and on. But somehow God has seen me through and helped me more than words know how to say. While I've made mistakes with my kids (and what mom doesn't?) I've learned a lot through them and have grown to love them more. It's my prayer that as they grow they know they have a mom who loves unconditionally as well as uncontrollably. I don't want to be known by my boys as the "perfect" mom, but as the mom that they could come to at anytime, the mom they could share anything with, the mom that made mistakes but was never afraid to admit she was wrong, the mom that wasn't afraid to laugh at herself, the mom that would choose spending time with them over cleaning the house, the mom that wore the knees of her jeans out uplifting them in prayer...the mom that showed them the love of Jesus. I pray God's help!!

[END EMOTIONAL RANT]

This year has also seen Gabe turn 3. THAT is crazy. I still remember him as a baby too...and whenever people would say to me to "enjoy them 'cause they grow up fast" I thought they were nuts. They were just saying that because their children were grown and they weren't sleep deprived, therefore they were thinking clearly. They were just saying that because they hadn't recently changed 1,000 dirty diapers in, oh I don't know....2 DAYS! But...I find myself cursing every minute I wished would go by faster. 'Tis true. He has grown so fast seemingly overnight and the scariest part? Right before my very eyes! It's like I blinked for a couple years straight or something. The older you get the faster time flys. Sheesh.

We also completed 2 years of ministry here at West Logan Wesleyan Church, and have begun our 3rd. This is without a doubt definitely where the Lord has brought us. We love our congregation and have bonded with them in such a miraculous way. God has used these people to grow and stretch our family in ways we wouldn't have been stretched otherwise. I'm not going to lie. Being a pastor's wife has been one of the most difficult things for me and my family by far this year. I've been hurt deeply, struggled with how to deal with people, agonized on how to break free and just be me (and questioning how much is too much), and fervently prayed for wisdom in supporting my husband, among many other things. All in all it's been a growing year and for that I'm thankful.

This year my sister came to live with us for the summer. She made my summer the best summer ever! Love you sister!!! It was like having a live-in nanny, chef and best friend all in one. We had so much fun together. Thanks, Therese :) We love our aunti 'Teese. We took aunti Therese to Myrtle Beach with us. Gabe destroyed the condo that WASN'T OURS and pretty much made our vacation a living nightmare. Next time, we go SANS kids. The condo even caught fire and we were on the 17th floor the whole time wondering what that loud noise was. We were so mad that we couldn't sleep. We didn't realized that it was the fire alarm until we saw the fire trucks pulling up to the building. I remember I was torn on whether or not to wake the kids and bring them down or wait to see what happened. We waited. We lived.

We went to Florida this year to The Gathering and spent an additional week on vaca . That was a blast. Just for the record...I saw my FIRST palm tree ever! We got to see, among other dear friends, the Spear family, and even spent the night at their house once :) We heart the Spear family...even though Ben is a moron. For those of you on the outside looking in, it's okay btw, for me to say this as we have this kind of unique relationship where we can really be honest with eachother. That and he would say the same thing about himself anyways. I experienced my first spray tan. THAT was a trip :P Mommy Spear and I bought matching bathing suits, got our nails done, and had fun getting to know each other. We also stayed at a super nice condo with Justin's grandparents. We heart them too!

Justin's sis got married this past year and made us an aunt and uncle. Baby Cayden is super adorable. We got to meet him for the first time this past Christmas at 4 months old. I LOVE being an auntie!!!

Justin's other sis is preggo!! WHOO-HOO. We are praying for a girl to add to all these boys :) They will find out the gender in January. We can't wait!!!

I began a job at the Holiday Inn Express and quit the job 8 months later. Lots of reasons. I did love getting out of the house for a little bit, and making some adult friends though.

Justin was without a job for a few months but the Lord saw us through. He now works at Best Buy. And...NO you cannot get a discount! Everyone asks us this :)

Justin was in a car accident. Our beloved 2000 Saturn was totaled. We now have a sweet 2007 Marine Blue Dodge Caravan. Pictures to come soon.

Speaking of pictures, we are getting a new digital for Christmas. We haven't gotten it yet though, because the giver has yet to give it to us. We heart the giver. So when the giver gives, we will post pics of our new van.

And I think that about sums it all up. A lot has transpired in 2007 and I am enthusiastically looking forward to what the Lord brings our way in 2008!!