Reflections 2009

As 2010 approaches, it only seems fitting to take a moment to reflect back on this past year. 2009 was filled with much joy, as well as some heartache. It was not an easy year, that's for sure. The first part of the year was terrific. Then during the summer months, like so many others, we experienced unexpected changes with Morgan's job. Also during that same time, my dear grandmother suffered a stroke and passed away a couple of months later. It was rough second half of the year but we made it through. Thankfully, after months of negotiation and uncertainty, Morgan and his colleagues reached a definitive plan for the future. He is now settled and looking forward to all the possibilities of his growing business. Thank you for your heartfelt prayers for us during that time. I can also rest assured in knowing that my grandma was a woman of great faith. I know that she is in a better place now and although I miss her greatly, especially during the holidays, I look forward to seeing her again in eternity.

This year, we also had the privilege of sharing so much joy around our house. Our daughters blossomed into talkative, bright, little girls. Turning 3 was definitely a highlight and a birthday celebration that we will never forget.

This summer, we also had the best time playing in the pool. So many cherished memories were made. The summer quickly turned into fall and brought our new homeschooling adventures. The girls and I are adjusting nicely to our schedules and we are having fun while learning and growing together. Through all our ups and downs this year, one thing has remained constant. The faithful presence and comfort of our Heavenly Father. He has seen us through some difficult times this year. He has been there in every joyful moment, every tear that was shed, every smile, and every laugh that we shared as a family. So often, seasons change and during those times of change, amidst the upheaval, we find opportunities to grow our faith and be more fully reliant on the Lord. As we grow older, we also begin to realize what's really important in life. We strive to live simply, faithfully, and with divine purpose. We continue to praise God in all circumstances; in the countless blessings and even in the hard times, when we just don't understand. It's often difficult for me to comprehend God's great love for us. I mean... do we really have the capacity to fully understand how great and how deep His love is?? That's why I am so thankful for the privilege of being a mom. I feel like in some small, tiny way, being a mom gives me a little glimpse into how God must feel about us, his children.

As Christmas approaches, I can't help but reflect on the true meaning of Christmas as well as the hope, restoration, and love that Jesus brings for so many of us. Thank you all for your friendship, your faithful devotion to my blog, and for the many kind thoughts and words you shared with us throughout this past year. May you be richly blessed with good health, steadfast faith, and God's abundant love in the coming new year.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

And now... the highlights!

*MORGAN*

aka: daddy, dad, Prince Charming, King, babe, ook.
current interests: providing for his family, politics, golf, home protection, playing with his girls, making up bed-time stories, homeschooling, date nights, working out, and candy.

favorite 2009 memories: Disney Cruise to the Bahamas, the girls' 3rd birthday, summer beach trips, Sea World, golfing with his buddies, snow, Vegas, and getting settled with his new company.

*CATHERINE*
aka: mommy, mom, the Queen, Cat, Ms. Catherine
current interests: Faith, Grace, Morgan, God, the Lord, teaching home school, Speaker Coordinator for Mom2Mom, serving in Sunday school, keeping up with the laundry, house cleaning, feeding the family, capturing special moments with my camera, blogging.

favorite 2009 memories: family vacations, the beach, swimming in the pool, Disney cruise, Halloween, snow day, date nights, and Vegas.

*FAITH*
aka: sissy, faithie, Cinderella, honey, princess.
current interests: swimming, dancing, school, dress-up, reading, singing, imaginative play, making up stories, playing with Grace, friends, grandparents, talking, testing boundaries, going to church, cutting with scissors, drawing, painting, game playing, and learning new things.

favorite 2009 memories: turning 3, princess birthday party, family vacations, Disney World, Disney Cruise, beach trips, Sea World, summer spectacular (vbs), summer dance class, Harvest Fun Fair, carousels, snow-ball fight, and Christmas caroling.

*GRACE*
aka: gracie, sissy, gracie-poo, hunny-bunny, Sleeping Beauty, princess.
current interests: dress-up, music, singing, dancing, school, playing with sissy, grandparents, friends, froggy, making up stories, using scissors, reading, cheerleading, anything Princess, and being a daddy's girl.

favorite 2009 memories: Rob Biagi at summer spectacular, building sand castles, swimming underwater like a mermaid, learning how to flip turn in the pool, summer dance class, turning 3, princess party, Disney cruise, family vacations, grandparents, Harvest Fun Fair, snow, pony rides, and parades.