Reflecting...does a soul good

Looking back over a year brings a mix of emotions. As I think back on 2008, my first realization is how quickly one year passes. It seems like just weeks ago that Brad and I were talking about our goals and prayers for 2008. God has been so faithful to answer our cries. 

Growing up, I remember my mom saying that no matter how old she was, she still felt 16. 

Now, I can understand what she was saying. 

Time passes, things change, kids grow and responsibilities pile up, yet I still feel like I am 16 years old living under my parents roof.

Thankfully, I am not 16 anymore. 

Gosh, I was awkward. 

And my husband would have never given me the time-of-day at 16. 

Trust me, I wanted him to. 

Thankfully, baby fat disappears, braces come off, bangs go out of style and hormones regulate. 

In years to come, the things I want to remember from my life in 2008 include:

Spending countless hours at the park.

Watching every air plane that flew overhead. 

Sitting and not being able speak as I watched my very own children play together and love on one another.

Kayt's sqeals of glee as Noah chases her around the house. 

Laying in our bed on Friday and Saturday mornings as we all four snuggle together.

Date nights with my husband.

Our small group.

Finding out my husband was whisking me away for a romantic adventure for my birthday.

Girls weekend with my college friends and the countless pictures we took on the Tech campus.

The beginning of my new job.

Dudes and Donuts.

Noah's second birthday and his joy at watching Jody play the guitar and sing happy birthday.

Kayt's first birthday and how she loved her cupcake. She moaned and grunted until she had seconds.

Brad's Ordination.

Kayt blowing kisses.

Noah's reaction to his new guitar and drum set and the number of drum sticks he has broken in one year's time. 

Teaching at the Women's retreat and the timidity I felt. God used that to teach me.

The way the Lord provided for our family. 

Moving Noah into a big boy bed and how much he loves to show his room off, even months later.

Watching Kayt walk. And run. And the way she lights up when I walk into the room.

Hearing Noah say, "sure, Mom" when I ask him to do anything. His cheerful spirit and the joy he finds in everything. He is such a thankful little guy.

Spending three months not pregnant and not nursing. It feels liberating.

The overwhelming and all-encompassing love I feel for my husband and children. Sometimes I think about my life and cannot help but cry at the contentment and joy I feel during this season. 

I'm getting carried away. 

I am so thankful for the memories, moments and milestones that the Lord brought to my life in 2008. Thank you, Lord for years and months and days and ways to measure your goodness!