2011

2010 was full of wonderful moments and hardships. That's what life is about though right? The highs and the lows and trusting God in ALL THINGS!

Madeline asked Jesus into her heart this year. That was a special moment:) She also started Kindergarten at Springer. I am truly amazed at what she is doing...especially in math! God has blessed me with two bright children and I realize that is something to be thankful for! She is playing her first sport; basketball. I was a little sad that she didn't want to dance this year but she was insistent that she wanted to "play ball." Well, she is on a co-ed team and their first game is Saturday....so excited for her!

Grace began a new experience at a new school this year. She is thriving at WPA and we are so thankful for how God is working in and through her life. It's wonderful for her to be in a place where Christian morals and values are taught and expected. I am also amazed at her growth academically. She is in 3rd grade (which is what I teach too). She is doing long division and long multiplication!!! We don't even master multiplication in 3rd grade at public school....just blows my mind! I am also so impressed with Grace's maturity in the area of responsibility and taking care of herself. Don't get me wrong....she's still a little "mother hen" but she means well! She begs me constantly for a phone and a facebook account and an email address. Of course, there is no way that she is getting those but it's amazing that we are at that level now! UGH....already having to explain that "just because other's do something or have something doesn't mean you will...."

Keith and I are great! We celebrated our 12th year of marriage in 2010. He is still my best friend and my shoulder. I am so blessed to be married to such an amazing man.

Other exciting family news! Mom and dad celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on New Year's Eve! Leslie and Gregg are pregnant with their first baby...he or she is due July 27th! Jennifer and Randy were married in August! I got to go to Chicago with one of my dearest friend, Julie, in November. It was her 40th birthday and I am so glad that Keith didn't mind me going!

There have been struggles in 2010 too. I have a family member struggling with drug addiction. My grandmother (aka "mamaw") is having to move to Plano because she can't live in Longview alone anymore....that is a painful experience for her and as a result painful for us. My dad is having some health issues; ones I won't discuss in this forum but that are heavy on my heart. My sister's custody fight isn't quite over yet.... and I could go on and on. You know, I heard a message the other day and the speaker said "people often ask 'why is God allowing this to happen? Why isn't He saving me from this heartache?' God gave the ultimate sacrifice many years ago when He gave His Son for me. He saved me from heartache the moment I accepted his sacrificial gift. We will go through struggles in this life and may even ask 'why' at times. That's okay....however, we must move from that phase and not get stuck there. We must accept the things that we can't change and trust God's will whether it's our will or not."

Through all that's going on (especially in my personal family) I am learning that I must trust. I cannot control the things that are happening. I cannot stop them. I don't like them. They make me sad and sometimes angry. Ultimately though, God has a perfect plan and never promised me happiness on this Earth. My reward is not in this life but in eternity.

Happy New Year! Looking forward to what lies ahead:)