It is almost 2009 (well it is in Australia already!) and I am just sitting here reflecting on how blessed we are! We have had such a wonderful time with our families over the past couple of weeks and have realized once again how grateful we are for the families that we have. We have 2 sons that continually amaze us and make us proud, brothers and sisters and in laws and nieces and nephews who are a source of love and pride for us and parents who have loved us and supported us through it all. Not everyone can boast of such a family and we don’t ever take ours for granted. If it were not for them we would not be who we are today or be able to be doing the things that we do.

2008 has got to be one of our “biggest” years yet and if I had to sum up my feelings about the year in one word it would be “grateful”. Grateful for people who believe in us, in Chris’ abilities and for allowing us to experience this adventure of a lifetime. Grateful for family who have stood by us and loved us and told us to go where we need to go. Grateful for our children who are a constant source of joy and pride for us. Grateful for friends who have stayed in touch through all our moves and been the anchors that we needed when we relocated to a new area. Grateful for our faith in a God who is so much bigger than any of us can even imagine.

And above all I am grateful for my husband who has always challenged me and believed in me when I did not believe in myself. He always sees the best in me when I can’t see it and encourages me to become the best that I can be. Thank you, Chris, for loving me and being the best friend that anyone could possibly have. I am going to miss you when you go back to Oz and I am still here “playing”.

As the new year rolls in remember to love those close to you and be kind to everyone you meet—-2009 will prove to be yet another year of blessings!