blessed.grateful.

As I look back at 2011, I feel complete.  There are so many things that happened last year.  Our lives seem to be getting busier rather than into a routine.  God definitely doesn't keep us comfortable for long.

I'm amazed at where we are today.  Honestly, I never thought I would have this life.  For the first time in the 7 years we've been together, it feels like N and I have caught our stride.  Instead of the 7 year itch, we've got the 7 year...whatever the opposite of itch is!  I'm so proud of N.  He's accomplished so many things this year that I think he's finally seeing himself as I see him.  He's now a college graduate.  Because of that, he's found his dream job, was hired out of several candidates and is now being groomed for leadership roles.  He's finally in a place where he's encouraged and appreciated.  Even though we spend the weeks apart, there is a peace that this is God's plan.

We entered the teenage years with the start of school this year.  Despite all the talk about having a teenager, it has been a smooth transition.  D is making excellent choices with friends.  She loves youth group.  We are so proud of the young lady she is becoming.  I can't say enough great things about her.  All my fears have been taken away.  God definitely has hold her heart!

We have E back!  For a long period of time we didn't get to spend time with E.  She didn't want to come see us, didn't want to participate with us.  It was hard.  It felt like we lost her.  Just as quickly, she's back, engaging us, hanging out with us and being the spunky kid that we love.  It was a huge answer to prayer to have this change happen.  We missed her!
Zoe is...there are so many things that I could finish that sentence with.  She constantly amazes me.  Her heart is compassionate for those hurting or left out.  She collects friends and despite them excluding her, she just wants to include them.  She lives her life in a play.  There are lines, scenes and new characters each day.  I have to pay close attention to any movie we watch as I'll need to remember the lines, scenes and what everyone said.  She'll bust out the lines in our normal conversation.  In Toy Story 2, Jessie calls Woody, "Wood-DEE."  Just the other day she was talking to N and referred to him at "Dad-DEE."  I am so enjoying watching her enjoy and live life.  She's a great daughter, friend, she prays for those around her and her heart is full of love for the people in her life. 

2011 brought a contentment that I have never felt.  10 years ago if you had said that I would be willing to be a stay-at-home-mom, a children's ministry volunteer, cook, clean and do laundry as my "job" I would've laughed in your face.  Now, that's my heart's desire.  Being involved in children's ministry at church has filled my soul.  God has taught me so much about Him, life and myself through these various ministries.  He's also refined me into what a wife and mom should be. 

While 2011 was a growing, refining and maturing year, I can't wait for 2012.  God is showing me my purpose.  He's showing my family our purpose.  I'm so incredibly blessed to have His grace and mercy each day as He guides me through this journey.