Reflections on 2008

Every year around this time I like to think back on the past year and remember the hard times, good times, blessings, changes and the people that I met. It always makes me sad to say goodbye to the old year. Hubby and I did a lot of traveling this year. We went to Italy, Germany, and Kauai. We also led a mission trip to Florida. We enjoyed all of them but Italy has to be the most fun..for me anyways! It was amazing.  Marriage just keeps getting better and better. Yes we do have bad days like everyone else but I wouldn't trade my husband for the world. God has used him to teach me so much about myself.

 We found out we were finally pregnant! This has to be my highlight of the year. I was going in every week in the beginning to make sure everything was looking good with baby. I usually made that drive by myself and sometimes Caden got to go with me. (which the nurses love, seriously he's their favorite. they all ask me why he didn't come with me if I don't have him) Those moments when driving to the doctor were some of the sweetest I had with the Lord. I have never prayed so hard as I did during those times. The week that we were suppose to see a heartbeat for the first time. I cried the whole way in praying that the heartbeat would be on the screen. I would sing praise songs and worship him to the point that people driving next to me probably thought I was crazy. But in those moments it was just me and God. Seeing that heartbeat on the screen I felt overcome by his love and mercy. Hubby was out of town when I went to that appointment but I knew he was praying hard. When I called him afterwards I could barely talk through the tears. He thought something bad had happened. All I could get out was there was a heartbeat. Hubby was also overcome by emotion. We both praised Him for such a miracle! Now as I am typing this I can feel our little man moving around inside of me...what joy!!

 I got the awesome privilege of spending a lot of time with this little guy. He has grown so much since I started watching him in october of last year. Not only has he become a great joy in my life and my family's but his family has been a huge blessing!

I am grateful for my family. This is a picture of my aunt with her grandson (my second cousin). The first picture is of my sisters and cousins. Hubby says we could all pass as sisters. I am learning how important family is and to not take them for granted.

I am of course incredibly thankful for my husband. He really stepped up and helped me out when I was really sick in the beginning of the pregnancy. I love him more now than before and it only continues to grow.

This year God has revealed Himself to me in big ways and showered His mercy and many blessings. I am also more in love with Him than before and I continue to praise Him for my son and husband.

I hate saying goodbye to the 2008 chapter in my life. But I do look forward to many things in 2009. I pray that all of you will have a great year next year and that your love for the Lord will grow in great strides!!