A New Year

The move from 2009 to 2010 feels different this year. We are in Spokane which in itself makes it different. It's relaxing to be away. I have slept in, worked on a few projects that rarely get any time devoted to them, visited with a lot of family and just enjoyed being away. It's been relaxing. Right now with only 6 hours left of 2009 I'm sitting and reflecting on this past year. 2009 will always be forever Leah Grace's year. It was the year of her very short but very special 99 day life. Her life was a gracious gift from God even though very difficult. There's a sense of wanting to hang on to 2009 just for that reason. But time marches on. 2010 will undoubtedly also bring many unforseen things. I don't fear or worry though, God is in control and I rest in the one who knows what is best for my life. That's comfort and hope for 2010. Happy New Year everyone.

Reflections of Christmas Past

Here it is almost the end of Christmas 2009. Christmas day will end in just a few hours. Since the house has been pretty quiet for the last couple hours I've had a little time to reflect on this Christmas. In some ways it's been one of our most enjoyable. Sure, the days leading up to Christmas were excessively busy. As usual I took on too much. With 4 children still living at home the schedule seemed so hectic. But as crazy as it got, there was also something so special about all the family around and all the family events that happened. Yesterday, as I sat at the table and looked around at all my immediate family members sitting there, I felt so blessed. Last night we had a Christmas eve service at our church. It was so very simple. A few carols sung, a passage from the Christmas story read aloud, another story that portrayed the emotion of the season and then a time of candle lighting and sharing brought the true message of Christmas to the forefront. It is all about Christ. It is the miraculous and almost unbelievable story of a baby born for one reason -- to take the sins of the world on himself and redeem mankind. What a gift to us. So as I wrap up Christmas 2009, I'm thankful all over again for the things that I'm always reminded of at Christmas time; a wonderful story of redemption, and the blessing of family. So for the last time this year -- Merry Christmas.

Christmas Open House

You are all invited to a Christmas Open House on Thursday, December 17, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00. There will be tea and coffee (made by Starbucks barista, Callie) and other goodies to munch on. Tour my home all decked out for Christmas. You can see my quilt studio (hopefully all neat and tidy)! My chickens will even by on display (in their pen). Come help me celebrate the season.