It’s New Year’s Eve, 2008.  This has been a very eventful year for my family.  Looking back, I see God’s hand in all of it.

We lost our beloved grandfather, “Poppop,” in March and six months later his lovely wife and our grandmother, “Mommom,” went home too.  The memories that I have of them will forever live on.  My children will know who Mommom and Poppop were and we will keep the beauty of their lives a part of our family.  They were inspiring and I miss them.

Our “baby,” Evan, turned 3 this past April.  We had a party outside.  This was a first.  Usually the parties are inside since April isn’t always the warmest month.  This year it was surprisingly warm.  But I remember it was a bit windy that day so we moved everything into the garage.  Not the best setting for pictures and whatnot but we had fun.  That’s all that mattered.  My parents were able to come to his party, as they do every year, and that made for some nice memories too.

Evan started preschool this year.  He’s flourishing in that environment and he loves going to “school.”  Taking him to school that first day was emotional.  Just seeing him with his back pack on and in line with his peers really made us realize he’s growing up.  And we couldn’t be prouder of the little person he is.  My father-in-law put raising kids this way, “It’s like an airplane that you can’t put on auto pilot.  It’s always in need readjusting.”  He’s a dad of four boys.  Dan and I are right there to help guide Evan and help mold him into the man he will eventually become one day.  It’s an amazing journey.

July 4, 2008, at 2:55 a.m. Tanner James Byron entered the world.  Such an unforgettable day.  He came in with a bang that’s for sure.  Only five hours of labor after having 20 with Evan.  He was born on Mommom’s 90th birthday, his great-grandmother who passed away earlier this year.  That is so very special to us.  And let’s face it, he will get fireworks every year for his birthday.  Having Tanner here this Christmas was simply the best.  Our little family.  (smile)

I turned 30 this past October.  I’m happy about it.  With each passing year of my life I feel like I am becoming who I was made to be.  I am learning things about myself and discovering new hobbies.  My life is in a constant state of growth.  I don’t want to be stagnant.  I want each day, month, year to hold moments of true learning and humble adjustments.

Our church has gone through some growing pains this year.  It’s a good thing.  Great things are on the horizon for Gateway Church.

So as I sit here reflecting on this year’s events I feel utterly blessed.  I’m confident that 2009 will be a memorable year for my family too.  A lot can happen in a year.  I imagine myself this time next year reflecting on 2009 and I know it’ll be a blessed year no matter what happens.  I am His.  With that, life is good.

May your New Year be abundantly blessed with His riches and may you come to know Him even more this coming year!

Today, I am dreaming.  Dreaming of how life will look in the future.  Wondering in relaxed anticipation what is in store for my family, my children, those we love and care about.  What absolutely incredible plan does the good Lord have in store?  I’m dreaming of simple things too.  Dreaming of my boys playing together in the yard this summer, trips to the beach, walks in the park.  The “3 year trip” we want to take, where we might go.  Looking into my childrens’ eyes I see nothing but a bright future…for them and us.  Not knowing the future is what it’s all about. Living each day to the fullest, stopping to count blessings, remembering the small things, and thankfully dreaming about the days to come.  I’m excited.  I’m blessed.  I’m a dreamer…

This past weekend I hosted my first Christmas Tea.  I got out the fine china and set the table with utmost care.  It was so fun.  The menu was as follows:  Cream cheese, walnut, cranberry and orange marmalade tea sandwiches, creamy mints (homemade!), apple cinnamon oatmeal shortbread and loose leaf black maple cream tea.  YUM.  The mood was set by adding a lil’ Christmas music in the background.

I had looked forward to opening my home to my friends since October when I announced I’d be having this tea party.  The holidays are such a busy time thus the reason for sending out the invite so ridiculously early.

The guests arrived and we had the best time I must say.  It was a very intimate tea party with just two people besides myself.  We talked about this and that and was able to fellowship with one another in a quiet setting.  I think it was just what we all needed.  It was our “cup of tea” so to speak.

Life gets so busy.  I think the ladies back in the Victorian days knew something.  They found “tea time” very important and set aside time each day to do enjoy a cup of hot tea and a savory.   I might not be able to do this every day, but I am sincerely enjoying the time I do get with my friends when we have our tea time.

This will not be the last tea party I have!  No, ma’am!  I am already looking forward to my next one.

So, who knows, maybe you’ll be my next guest!

Merry Christmas!

He loves me. He appreciates me for who I am and who I am becoming and honors me. He likes to make me happy and he stands behind me. He gets excited for me when I’m pursuing something new and encourages me. He helps me see a different side to things. He never squabbles about me going out for “mommy time.” He actually suggests it more than I do. He is daddy. His boys love him and know he loves them. He gives baths, feeds them, spends special one-on-one time with them. They’re his boys and they are special to him. He leads our home. He works so hard and never complains. And I mean never. He is humble. He is logical. He is an individual. He is mine.

For almost 12 years now we’ve grown together and have changed and matured together. Together, not apart. I am blessed to have this wonderful man in my life. We balance each other out and give one another a boost at times too. We’re on quite a journey together and I couldn’t be more satisfied.

Thanks, Dan, for loving me and being my “better half.” We’re a great fit together and I am blessed to be your wife. Side by side, we’re truckin’ along and side by side we’ll stay as we continue to write chapters in our “book.”

I love you!

As Evan and I were walking home last night from church (we live next door) here was our conversation…

Evan: “Mom, look at the stars!”

Mom: “They’re beautiful. Who made the stars, Ev?”

Evan: “Jesus! I can touch the stars, Mom. Watch! (jumps high in the air).

Mom: “Wow! Did you touch them?”

Evan: “Nooooo. I need a ladder. We could have star chips!”

Mom: “What would those taste like?”

Evan: “Corn chips.”

Mom: “Would we have dippy too?”

Evan: “YES!”

I love you, Evan! You make my life so much fun.