2011 - It's going to be an amazing year!

With every new year Paul and I look back and ask, "How are we going to beat this?" We have simply been blessed. Even though we were lucky to spend maybe five or six weeks together out of the fifty-two that there are in a year we really had a great year. 


2010 Recap
-January 2010 Paul and Alexys moved to Wilsonville, Oregon. Alexys started Junior High since that's how they roll in Oregon. 
-February 2010 Chandler and I flew down to spend Valentine's day with Paul and Alexys. We had a great time even though it was really rainy. Chandler and I went to the Oregon Coast for the first time!
-March 2010 Paul and Alexys went to Crab Feed 2010 in Halfway, Oregon. Tons of fun!!
-April 2010 Chandler and I went to Portland to spend Spring Break as a family. So much fun! Under Sea Garden's, OSI
-May 2010 Paul and Alexys came home the last week of May! Alexys moved back home since school was out for the summer. 
-June 2010 We had lots of company early on, visits from family and friends while Paul was in town. It was so nice. Got Alexys settled back in to her room and started our summer out. 
-July 2010 We spend the 4th of July Weekend camping in Summit Creek (outside of Halfway, OR) with our family. It was so nice to get together and see everyone and camping was good. Watched Halfway Fireworks from the hillside. Amazing.
-August 2010 Chandler had a blast playing soccer. Chandler turned 11 and Paul had his first birthday away. Still all in all it was a good time. Started preparing for school. 
-September 2010 Paul was home to watch Chandler's soccer game! He made sure he got to see him play a couple of games! Both kids started school. Chandler started 5th grade and Alexys started 7th grade at the brand new middle school! We did the JDRF Fundraising and Walk as a family - Paul even made it back in town to hang out with us! 
-October 2010 Was lots of long hours working and preparing for winter. I went and saw Thriller for the first time with my mom and sisters! It was amazing. Great bonding time. The kids had fun out in the rain getting candy - my sister came over and passed out all of ours. Was amazing. We also found Journey in early October and started building some amazing friendships. 
-November 2010 We gave thanks. Paul was home for a whole week. We had a great time entertaining friends and family for the holiday season. 
-December 2010 Well I turned 29. Alexys turned 13 and Paul was home for a week and a half! We got Christmas and New Year's together. Entertained like crazy, met new friends and had an amazing time. We ended 2010 with a bang! Invited some friends over and did a dinner party, sat by the fire, played games and poker. So much fun!!! 


Even though our time together was limited this last year - every minute we had together was quality and new fun experiences together. I think that our family has a new found appreciation for closeness and time together and we value our relationships even more. 


So to answer the question that we come across each year. "How do we make this year better than last?" Just wait and see! We are excited for 2011 and the different challenges that may come and changes in our future. We never know what or when but we are ready for whatever God has in store for us!

Thankful

What a week. So if you didn't know I have been very sick for the last week. I simply don't do sick well. This time - I even listened to the doctor - normally I just continue on and work, work away. This time I took the time off like the doctor suggested and I did nothing but sleep all week! Thank goodness for Netflix!

During this time of being sick I also had plenty of time on my hands too. I realized how blessed I am. Alexys has been the biggest help ever and made me soup several days in a row. Chandler kept covering me up when ever he saw that I had thrown my blanket off and Paul - even though he is a thousand miles away called often to check on me. I am so blessed to have such an amazing family. To top it all off - I have amazingly caring and supportive friends! Many phone calls and Dr Peppers came my way and I so appreciate all of them!

Today I just want to tell my friends and family how thankful I am that they are in my life. Each relationships build stronger and stronger - I love how friendships and relationships grow. I am simply thankful for all of the people God has brought into my life and the new life journey of discovery I have begun. Each day is new and exciting - I love it!!

Nite