Happy New Year

Even though we ended 2008 on a sad note we had many blessings this past year. For all of those who have sent us well wishes over the past week, we appreciate it. My favorite was when brother-in-law called me to tell me he was sorry about Macee and started recalling when I got her and how he would always remember me taking her to the park or somewhere to let her play. We had so many memories of her. We had a funeral for her at my daddy's farm and son wrote her a note and put it in the dirt. That morning he came and crawled up beside me and said, "I don't want to bury Macee today. I just want to go get her and bring her home." Me too little one. Me too. But I know that is why God gives us dogs. Children learn all about the cycle of life and real love and real sadness.

My friend Tricia always does highlights for the year so I am going to try.
 We celebrated daughter's 3rd birthday and son's 6th birthday.  But the funniest birthday was husband's 30th. We had snow and we sold our house! We were sad to leave our neighbors and still don't have any neighbors like that here! But it was exciting packing and moving. We had friends that moved us in one day. God provided boxes and movers and big truck (thanks to the mess up at the Uhaul place).  And we moved in our friend's house...Karen and Allen. I was unsure if it would ever feel like my house and not theirs. I can officially say almost a year here and it is now my home. 

We celebrated Easter and got to have husband's favorite cousins down from TN twice this year. They always are a lot of fun and my kids think Roger and Channing hung the moon. Son also started Tball and I still think their is nothing cuter.  And for 3 months our lives were ball, ball, ball. We met so many fun people through ball and husband got to help coach. It was a great experience.  Our friends, Brian and Summer, from MS came to stay with us for a weekend. I was also able to share My testimony at work. It was the first time I had ever shared HIS-story through my life.
Son graduated the NOOK and I was a little emotional. Son started public school and loves it.  I love it.  But there are still some days when I can't believe he is as old as he is and no longer my baby.  He has grown a foot this year.  Really we think 3 inches since school started in August.  Despite everything I say about him, he is a tender hearted, sweet kid.  
I was able to be a part of  the LARGEST VBS in the state of Alabama. I can't tell you how exciting it was to watch 600 plus kids worship and I can honestly say I am excited about this year.  We had a wonderful vacations this year.  A wonderful beach trip, a romantic trip to New Orleans, family adventures to Chattanooga twice . . . memories.

 We had losses.  Granny Roach passed away in July but husband was able to spend some time with her before and we were thankful for that.  We not only lost Macee but we lost Mr. Turtle. And sister finally got a little girl...Millie.  And we got a little boy . . . Yoda.

   Football season was not as much fun this year but it was always good to go to Auburn.  Something about that place is good for my soul.  I gave husband a night in Auburn with me and basketball tickets for Christmas.  Joey and I celebrated our 7th anniversary this year.  We have been blessed beyond what we could imagine.  Raising two kids has its challenges and there are days when you are run down...but there are moments when nothing is better then the love for your children.   Not only do we have great families but I think we have the greatest friends.  I can honestly say, I never have a problem finding someone to help me out.  I pray this year brings you many blessings and prosperity.  Thank you for sharing in this crazy thing called life.