This Year

Just a quick warning: This post is super long and pretty personal, so if you are one of the ones who isn't interested in all that jazz...just hit the back button on your browser :)

There is so much that happened in this last year that I feel grateful for even though some might look at 2009 as a bad year. Don't get me wrong, I am sure there are reasons a plenty that our little family could consider 2009 our...ummm...undoing(?) but there are tons of reasons I feel its done the opposite: Fused us together with a bond so strong its not likely to unravel anytime soon!

Early in the year, we became really aware of some bad financial decisions we'd been making. Instead of admitting early on that we were over our head, we tried to cover our bills with credit, and just waited for the day when everything would come back together. We were paying our tithing, so why wouldn't it all come together? And when it never did...it tested my faith and I learned a lot about who I am and what is important to me.

I learned that the Lord really does open the windows of Heaven to us, that we have been blessed with things much more important than being homeowners. There were shaky times when the spirit softly touched my soul and spoke to me with greater effect than if someone were yelling. I have learned that my family is IT. It really is that simple. Those we love are of greater value than comfort, wealth (or in our case, the lack of it), and self.

We decided that even though we are in the worst financial state we've ever been in, it was time to grow our family. I know this baby that is coming is prepared for this time, and that he is supposed to be here now and that he will help us all if things manage to get harder.

JD has grown into an amazing father and husband. Towards the end of the summer, he took a part time position at Costco where he was guaranteed no more than 16 hours a week. Because of his work ethic, and willingness to come into work no matter when he was called in, he has climbed the ladder there and has earned a great deal of respect from those he works with and for. He does a job everyday that he hates to take care of our family. He sacrifices many things that are important to him for the thing that he has shown so well is most important to him: Us.

In the early moments of 2010, as JD and I were laying in bed, I asked him what our goals are for 2010. He laughed a little and said, "Lets just get through it, okay?" I gotta say, I agree with him 100%, and I just hope I learn as much this year as I did last.

But please, for all our sakes, can we make them easier lessons?