A Year in Reflection…

...with some thoughts on '09 and our family. Where does one start? So much to share, so much has happened, so much has changed, again where to start! First and foremost we are all thankful for the new and old friends we have met and kept this past year and all the blessings that they have brought us. Although 2009 has proven to be one of our most challenging years for household financially, it has also been the best spiritual year for me personally. I have been blessed to see so many miracles this past year and even some that I have not been able to stop and recognize them and give praise where praise is due. I shared with my small group (a miracle in its own right), that I have often fallen to my knees to pray to God when things have gotten tough, but this past year I found myself falling to my knees to PRAISE HIM!

We have been blessed in '09 as our NEEDS were met; we were also blessed with good health & wonderful relationships. God has been great to our family of 5, and when things get rocky we are constantly reminded about Philippians 4:19 (MSG); "You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus". We can't deny that He has "taken care of everything we NEED"!

The kids are getting bigger every year, I know that is what they are suppose to do, but I think this year has been more emotional for me, especially as I see my lil Raymond grow into the young man that we always knew he could be. But before I go there I suppose the best thing to do is start from the bottom and work my way up.

Emma: Our fun loving, free spirited, well loved little girl turned 5. She continues to amaze us with her humor and keeps us laughing day in and day out, God knew exactly what He was doing when He blessed us with her! She continues to make new friends, as she is not a bit shy and will talk to anyone who will give her a listing ear. She loves her brudders and thinks they hung the moon. Although she has battled her skin and digestive issues this past year, we think we finally found a solution, so we hope that things in this area will look better in 2010!

Robert: Our football stud finished his freshman year at BHS and started his sophomore year and turned 16 before the year was out. He continues to be single guy, as all the lovely ladies think of him as a big teddy bear/ big brother figure, which is just fine with us. He continues to have friends over week in and week out and we have enjoyed getting to know them on a different level. His comedian ways keep us in check as he finds his way to deal with everyday peer pressure and all that come with being a high school boy in this world today. He played a support role, as the football team played a 15 game season and won a state title for the 3^rd consecutive year and hopes to get two more by the time he graduates.

Lil Raymond: I only refer to him as "lil" Raymond when I write about him, which is why I think I get sentimental when I think about him as he is not so "lil" anymore. Our college, serious Chick-fil-A worker young man is finding his wings and is soaring. He has been dating Heather for over a year now and all Emma can talk about is how they are gonna get married, cause you know that's what you do after you date…according to her J I'm not sure about that, but they have a healthy relationship and keep each other in check and if marriage is in their FAR away future we would be happy with that. In the mean time, this past year was the first year we had a lot of 1^st with him, as he got his 1^st job, we went on our 1^st family vacation without him, and we have spent countless of holidays for the 1^st time without him, as we share him with Heather and her family….my baby is grown up~

Flora: Well let's see, she is holding on to 29 as long as everyone will let her, she started her 11^th year at her job and love what she does, thus it doesn't feel like work! She continues to help coach the JV and Varsity Women's soccer squads for BHS. She also helped start up B12, a youth group bible study for Robert and his friends, as well as played a lead role this past year with the Moms Huddle group which supports Robs football team and coaches. It's been a privilege and blessing to be Ray's, Rob's, & Em's mom this past year and she seeks to grow her relationship with Christ, as this has made her a better spouse, mother, friend and co-worker!

Raymond: As the business struggles this past year, he took those opportunities to grow his relationship and involvement with the kids. Since the boys have gotten bigger and he no longer coaches them in sports, he is creative in finding ways to coach them in life whether he realizes it or not. He was able to spend more one on one time with Emma and had fun every minute along the way, I do believe this is where her "free spirited" ways come from J if this was a full time paying job, he would have stopped looking for other job opportunities. His support, love and passion for our family is what makes us who we are, it's what makes us feel what we feel, it's what gives us a sense of self worth and belonging, it is why our kids will succeed in life.

During this holiday season, we trust that you and your families have a lot to be thankful for and pray that you each have a wonderful and prosperous 2010.