Farewell 2009

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance . . .

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-4

A year ago I never could have imagined what the year ahead would hold for our family. We've rejoiced and celebrated God's amazing gifts with the birth of Preston and in watching Savannah grow and develop into a beautiful, smart little lady. However, we've also experienced our saddest days watching my mom die. This side of heaven I'll probably never understand what we've been through and why it happened as it did, but I do know that it was all part of God's perfect plan for us. Although I am anxious to leave this year behind and begin a brand new one, I think it's important to remember the lessons learned, the friends who have walked with us, and above all how faithful the Lord has been to us. We've made more decisions that I care to recall, from surgery options while pregnant to when to go visit mom at Hospice, but each time He led the way. He has truly led us through the fiery furnace. Now here I sit with a healthy, happy family ready to begin a new year, a new decade even . . . and oh how ready we are to laugh and dance through some happier seasons of life!

To our family and friends who've journeyed with us, we couldn't have made it without you. We are forever grateful for your love, support, and encouragement through 2009.

Happy New Year!!