A New Year, A New Adventure......

Last year we brought in 2008 knowing we would travel to China in the adventure of a lifetime. This year our travels will not take us to China but we will launch into a new adventure this weekend. The kids and I are packing up and heading to MN to spend the winter/spring with my parents. As my mom fights her cancer we will fight with her and are grateful, not for her illness, but that we have the opportunity to spend lots of time with my parents, my sister and her family and brothers and their families. I have lived in the south almost 20 years and although we travel to MN a couple times a year there is much I miss out on. Thankfully the kids are so on board with this and we know that is the Lord's work on their hearts. Mark and I love change and are always up for new things and we are grateful that the kids seem to have inherited this. We know it is no easy thing as teenagers to leave their comfort zones and launch out into the unknown in the middle of a school year. We are so proud of them that they are not only willing, but excited. It will be fun for me to watch them experience a "real" winter and we are all hoping for a snowstorm or two....

We are grateful for incredible friends here who I know will take good care of Mark and keep him busy. We have had nothing but support from all of them and know they carry us and my mom in their prayers. We never know what a new year will bring but He continually gives us His strength and peace and we rest in that knowing He is never surprised with what lies ahead.

Mark and I brought in the New Year last night with just Hudson...yes, he was up that late!! Christmas has brought NO schedule!!! He actually spent his first night away from any family with my DEAR, DEAR friend Kari and her husband Joel. He did great and I think would have spent the night (I heard they had help Sharon and Amber). We got home just before 12 so the above was taken at midnight as he snuggled in bed with Mark and I. We, of course, reflected once again on what a year it has been as we brought this incredible, sweet, entertaining, lovable, funny, smart little boy into our life. Hudson has exceeded our biggest dreams and we give our Lord all the glory for all He has done to allow us to be his parents. We made life long friendships in 08 and can't wait to see all of our travel group families hopefully this winter/spring. We are blessed!!!!

May your 09 bring abundant blessings dear friends!! I look forward to hearing what adventures He has for you!!