2009 Reflections

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all

we ask or imagine, according to his power that

is at work within us"

Ephesians 3:20

It's New Years Eve 2009 so I thought it appropriate to post some of my reflections of this year. I sit here on New Years eve in a fleece and my Juicy pants. Madison Claire is upstairs asleep, Ryan is sitting on the chair working on his playbook, and the Chick-fil-A bowl is on TV (Virgina Tech is beating Tennessee 24 - 14). Of course we are rooting for VT...no Vols fans in this house! We had a nice dinner at home - fillets, butternut squash casserole (also known as homemade macaroni and cheese with butternut squash baked in the oven), and asparagus. I am happy, content and above all - blessed.

This time last year, Ryan and I were in Orlando on our babymoon. I could never have imagined then what 2009 would have been like. In my wildest dreams, I could not have imagined what an angel Madison Claire would be or how much my heart would be filled with love for her, I could not have imagined how my love for Ryan could grow so much in such a short amount of time as I see his love for Madison Claire and what a great father and husband he is, I could not have imagined that my family & the McSwains would have provided so much love and support for us, I could not have imagined all that my friends have done and sacrificed in order to help us in the early days with Madison Claire, I could not have imagined that Ryan and I would complete the entire p90x program and have such fun along the way, I could not have imagined that we would have found a nanny that truly feels like part of our family, I could not have imagined that going back to work would be bearable and "work", I could not have imagined the loss we felt with the passing of Missy & Ryan Morgan, Grandma McSwain, and Papa Howard, I could not have imagined that our life would be so different and yet so much the same all at the same time.

This collage was created on Facebook as a "summary" of my statuses for the year and I thought the program did a great job of pulling the highlights. This is what it said:

Lauren.....

is looking forward to going to Birmingham tomorrow to see Meredith SHINE at StepSing! * is ready for Madison Claire to come into the world! Any tips for bringing on a baby?? * is in love with her little angel! What a blessing!! * is looking forward to a relaxing afternoon and thankful for a sleepy baby! * is first day at home alone with Madison Claire in one week - wish me luck! * is relieved that Madison Claire's 2 month shots are OVER! She did great! * is back in Nashville and bummed that vacation is over. How can it be that I go back to work one week from tomorrow?? :( * is ready to face the new week but definitely wishing she was still at the beach * is reminded of how much she loves the people of Stockamp! Conference is the best! * drank at least half a gallon of Milos sweet tea today....enough calories for a whole week! * is bummed for the Lions after a tough loss to Lipscomb tonight 13-10 * is praying BIG prayers tonight...God is good!

I am overwhelmed with thankfulness and gratitude to our families, friends, and most importantly to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ because it is through Him that all things are possible. I pray that 2010 would bring to you some of the same joy & blessing that 2009 has brought to us. Happy New Year!