2009 to a close...

That is right! We have made it to the end of 2009 and it is hard to believe!  Where has the past year gone?  It was one year ago this week that Garon and I moved to AR.  It is crazy to look back and see all the things we have done.  I have been trying to recap in my mind the past year and the influences it will have on our lives as we grow older and see years to come.  Let's see...by moving to AR we were able to attend school at a lower rate, we were supplied with jobs, an income, a home, and great opportunities to meet new people.  We have been able to do some traveling back and forth to TX and we have been able to have people come visit with us.

We have had many challenges to overcome in the past year but we have done it.  It is through these trials and errors that we have grown closer together and stronger than ever.  We wouldn't be where we are today if it weren't for our families and our friends.  You were all there when we needed you most, whether it be a few blocks away, miles away, or just through the phone.  We cannot express the gratitude and love we have in our hearts for each and everyone of you.  Life is an amazing thing and I am absolutely positive that we cross paths for a reason.  There are many qualities that I do not have that many others do and I am able to grow and learn by example.

I have learned a great deal of patience over the past year, still have some improvement to do but I understand that we are all individual and don't need to be like "everyone else".  It has been difficult to put this in words but it all makes sense.

So, here is a little bit of a re-cap for the past year...if there are blanks, we will fill them in later.  This is actually harder to do than I thought.

January: Started work and school in Arkansas
February:
March: Garon's 24th Birthday and we moved in to our house
April: Laura's 23rd Birthday
May:
June: 1 Year Wedding Anniversary
July: Garon's Brother TJ got married and Garon surprised me with a trip to TX to visit my cousin
August: My cousin Rachel got married and we had a house full of people for about 5 weeks
September:
October: Made a trip to Utah for the funeral of Garon's Uncle Pete
November: Thanksgiving trip to IL with Aunt Becky to see her daughter and family
December: Tis the Holiday season and we made a trip to Texas

I am kinda sad that there are blanks.  I suppose those blank months all we did was work and go to school.

December Already!?

I cannot believe that it is already December.  This year has just kind of flown by, a lot  has happened, many lessons have been learned and I am so grateful for the life I have.  With it being the wonderful holiday season, I can't help but have my heart softened.  I have had the wonderful sound of Christmas playing at my desk and in my car.  I love this time of year, the weather, the smells, the company, and the happiness that is felt everywhere.

I have been reflecting the past few days as to what is the purpose of Christmas and do we all remember the true meaning?  Between all the shopping, baking, decorating, and all the other busy moments of the holiday I am trying to sit back and think, "Why is Christmas important to me?"  The decorations are nice (not that I am doing that this year), the gifts are thoughtful, and the treats aren't bad either but when it comes down to it, it is the Spirit of Christmas that I enjoy.  The being able to help another less than I, doing a good deed just because, and remembering to be a little more Christ-like.  After all, He is the "reason for the season".  

I heard the following song and it kind of touched my heart and hope it does the same for you.

Welcome to Our World

Tears are falling, hearts are breaking
How we need to hear from god
You've been promised, we've been waiting
Welcome holy child
Welcome holy child

Hope that you don't mind our manger
How I wish we would have known
But long awaited holy stranger
Make yourself at home
Please make yourself at home

Bring your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled
World now breaking heaven's silence
Welcome to our world
Welcome to our world

Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born
Unto us is born

So wrap our injured flesh around you
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect son of god
Perfect son of god

Welcome to our world