2009

2008 was a wonderful year for our family in so many ways...

January: We went on an 11 day cruise to the Mediterraenan to celebrate Greg's big 4-0h. It was an amazing trip for all of us, although now I wonder what I was thinking to take a 3 yr old and a 22 mo old around the world like that!

February: We made the decision to transfer all of Gianna's care to Shriners. Thanks again Mary for going with me when Greg could not. You are a dear friend! 
Ryan also said goodbye to his teenage years when he turned 20.

March: Gianna turned two, and I got my first birthday with our little pumpkin!

April: Took my first trip alone with both of the girls to visit my family and friends in VA. It was a great trip!

May: Gianna celebrated ONE YEAR HOME!! And Aria celebrated THREE YEARS in our arms!

June: We accompanied Daddy on a boondoogle trip to BAHAMAS!!! Suffice it to say, it is now one of my new favorite beaches :)
Aria celebrated her fourth birthday!

July: Back to Shriners for a plan for surgery-Which then got postponed and we are thrilled.

August: My oldest child turned 22... sniff.  The girls and I traveled to VA again to help my mom after she fell.
Aria started kindergarten at home.

Novemeber: One word: DIIIISSSNNNEEEEYYYY!!! A magical trip was had by all.

December: Baking,parties,friends,food, fun, presents,crafting,family=LOVE.

And now we are facing 2009 and I can't say I am thrilled.

This year, Gianna will have at least 2 surgeries, possibly three. One of them is MAJOR and involves months of recovery. I wish it was different for her...

I have friends/family who are facing this year without husbands, without children,  or with serious illnesses... I know people who could lose their only incomes, and people who are struggling with their businesses trying to stay afloat. I know people very dear to me who are fighting for their families in one way or another. Those with bills they cannot pay. Those with loved ones who will never come home....

 And I have entered 2009 with a sobered heart.
 A heart of prayer for so many I know and love. 
I pray we will ALL become more like Him through life's storms this year.

 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-3





Comments

  1. AnneJanuary 2, 2009 at 3:24 AM

    Wishing all of you a year filled with Grace...and Peace...and Joy among all the troubles that may come.
    On a lighter note, when did those little boys grow up so fast???Do you know how OLD that makes me feel???
    And, we may be coming to the states for a visit in June!

    ReplyDelete
  2. HennHouseJanuary 2, 2009 at 6:34 AM

    Fantastic summary... although, I'm sure there are more memories of these events embedded in your heart than one post could hold...

    And yes, this will be a year of prayer--perhaps drawing us closer to God's heart.

    ReplyDelete
  3. amyJanuary 2, 2009 at 8:26 AM

    What a beautiful reflection of the past year. Its been wonderful knowing your family

    ReplyDelete
  4. DAVID AND AMY VENN'S WEBSITEJanuary 3, 2009 at 12:40 AM

    Happy New Year!! Wishing you tons of blessings in the new 2009 year full of joy, health and wealth!!
    The Venns

    ReplyDelete

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