Taking on the 365 challenge...

A dear friend of mine took on the challenge to post a picture and blog every single day last year and in two short days she will have fullfilled the challenge. The year was an interesting one for her, to say the least, and although it was difficult at time, the posts she has now to remember the year by are very special. I have decided to take on the challenge myself this year. I don't know what to expect, for none of us no what each new year brings but I do know that it will be full of love and laughter and special moments with my family.

So many things to be thankful for....

It has been such an amazing year that I really don't even know where to start. I am thankful to all who supported me in realizing my dream of graduating form UNF. I know that I could not have done it without my family and friends who encouraged me along the way. We had two high school graduates in the family, Josh and Jenny. It was an exciting time to see them reach that milestone. I am grateful for the blessing of my children. They all fill my life with joy. We had a new addition to the family with the birth of our grandson Landen. He is my sunshine. We have had so much fun with him these last six months. Amanda's husband Steve will be coming home soon and we can't wait (especially Amanda, she has been such a trooper). I am so glad that he is part of our family. Jenny had an exciting year as she and her boyfriend Josh are engaged and planning to be married in April. Josh is still making music and leading the youth worship at Fleming Island Christ Church. Katie has had a good year following in the tradition of her brothers and marching in the band. Michael is looking forward to graduating in the Spring and going into the Navy (I think that is the service he is looking at this week ;). Chris has made his way from Alabama to California and seems to like the west coast. He has a job and seems to be content. I just wish it wasn't so far away. Shawn has also made his way to California and I am not sure we will ever get either one of them back on the east coast. I am thankful there are finding there own way but I sure do miss them. Matt is finally enjoying the college scene at UCF. He and Ashley rushed a Christian Fraternity and Sorority and they have been extremely busy. My brother Adam is finally getting married and I am so excited for him and Scarlett. She is a wonderful addition to our family (and she is a seminole too). Dad and Anita are enjoying the fellowship of their church and as usual blessing everyone with their generosity. I am grateful for their new life in Christ. Mom is still working. I am beginning to think she will never retire and just take it easy. I am thankful she has a job she loves and that she is across the street when I need her. Mike and I are doing great. What a precious gift he has been to me. He is working at CVS in the pharmacy and looking forward to the day I have a paying job and he can go to school. I am in the FSU School of Social Work graduate program and I am thoroughly enjoying it. Of course I don't like doing the papers but I am learning so much and have made wonderful friends. I am currently interning at YCC (Youth Crisis Center) as part of my program. I am a therapist intern working with youth who have been placed in the residential program. The goal is to help the youth and family get through the current crisis and connect them with services. I will finish my internship at the end of December or the beginning of January. This has been a wonderful opportunity for me to see what it is like to work with youth at risk and I am even more certain this is where I want to be.

We have close family friends who have been tested this year and I am grateful for a God who is faithful to them. I am so thankful that God spared Mr. Gould so that we can enjoy him and his friendship for many, many (many etc.) years to come. Mrs. Gould finally has a job where countless children will be blessed by her talents. My sister in Christ Meryl has been through a horrible tragedy and God has been there for her all along. Her strength and faith have been a source of encouragement to me of God's faithfulness.

I am overwhelmed at how God provides for my family and friends and can't wait to see what He has in store for us next year. Because I know:

Roman 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation , will be able to separate us from the love of God that is is Christ Jesus our Lord. NIV

Hard to let go...

She was my comfort when there was none...

Sadie Rose 7/03-7/09

Two new Eagle Alumni

Josh and Jen graduated from Fleming Island High School in May. We invited friends and family over to celebrate with a Luau.

A dream realized...

In April I finally made the walk I had been looking forward to for many years. What a wonderful day it was. Family and friends who were with me all the way there to celebrate with me.

Dreaming...

Mike and I visited one of my favorite places the other day...The Mini Cooper Store. I had fun checking out all the new colors and pretending to pick out which one I was going to take home with me. I definitely want a convertible but am torn between the Pepper White and the Horizon Blue. The only convertible on the lot was black and I just had to take a picture with it.








We are definitely not in the market for a new car but sometimes it is just fun to dream.