Happy New Year!

I actually stayed up past midnite!! (Thanks to an afternoon nap.) We had a little bubbly to welcome the New Year and we reflected on the year past.

2008 was a "mixed year", we decided. There were tremendous blessings.....which should always be remembered and treasured first in a recap of this sort. Some of the highlights...

~We thought back over the big milestones the granddaughters made in development. Libby and Aubree are jabbering all over the place.....as all little girls do. Libby was walking like a champ yesterday, changing directions, going in circles, and walking the length of our hall. Her splints are making a big difference...even when she doesn't have them on! Mia is just ready to launch...look out when she does!

~We remembered the joy of getting another grandchild....our little (yeah, right) Joe! He's brought us all kinds of smiles already in his 6 months of being here.

~Rick discovered NASCAR (after 10 years of giving me grief for being a fan). We traveled to 4 races....since he likes it now :)

~ We traveled to New Orleans and enjoyed the sights, sounds, smells and flavors of this delightful city......we hope rebuilding and regeneration of the positive kind can continue.

~I got to go on the road with Rick for some of his work trips. We always have fun after he finishes his work days and look forward to doing some more in the coming year.

~We experienced all kinds of blessings from God. Rick's job was not included in the massive layoff at his plant, we are warm in the winter, cool in the summer, not wanting for any of our needs and enjoying wonderful times of Praise, Worship, Learning and Fellowship through the activities at our church.

The list could go on and on.

All was not rosy, of course. There were times of great sorrow and angst. That is the way life works, isn't it? We suffered great loss at the death of my mother. We anguished over many friends losing jobs. We observed the lingering devastation of Hurricane Katrina and our hearts and prayers went out to those who lived it and to those who are trying every day to recover some semblance of normalcy.

So, I end this post with words of encouragement for those hard times. The times that we tend to allow to overshadow our blessings.

I have told you this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NLT

Happy New Year, and may you graciously receive all the blessings God has for you in 2009.

Hugs, Becky