Reflections from 2014

It's almost surreal that 2014 is coming to an end. As I reflect on the past year, I feel deeply blessed by all that the Lord has done for me, for my family.  We lost a wonderful man, my grandpa Glenn, at the age of 94, and we added two children to our family (Charlie and our nephew Asher). We are blessed to have shared many special memories both Luke's and my families.

The year started out with us finding out we were pregnant in January.  In March, we found out we were going to be welcoming a little girl into our hearts and home. My parents got to share in the special moment with us which is a memory I will always treasure. I had a beautiful baby shower surrounded by many loved ones who came to celebrate our sweet Charlie girl.

I spent the summer very pregnant chasing around my active son in the Arizona heat. Lincoln turned two in September, and we had a special cars and trucks theme party to celebrate.  I really wanted to do something special for him as he would be transitioning from our precious baby boy into the big brother role.  Three weeks later, our beautiful daughter Charlie Mclean was born.  I had spent much of the year researching and planning to have a VBAC.  The Lord granted my heart's desire as I was able to give birth vaginally and hold my sweet girl in my arms immediately after she took her first breath.  I give him all the praise for allowing me to experience this as it healed me from the emotional scars of my prior C-Section.  Charlie has brought so much love and beauty into our home in just her three short months of life. I have had such a wonderful time dressing up my little girl and envisioning a lifetime of memories we will share together.  It has brought tears to my eyes watching Luke bond with his daughter, and seeing Lincoln develop a sweet love for his "sissy."

My parents were able to come out to Arizona several times during the year, including spending two weeks here when Charlie was born.  We also had many visitors from California throughout the year including Auntie Bonnie, Hannah and Lilly, my cousin Shawna and her family, Shane and Erin, Auntie Beth, Auntie Janaea, Auntie Britt, Taylor, Gramm, and Kerry and Tammy.  Perhaps one of the most special and heartwarming moments of my life was when my dear friend Danielle walked through my door after being "estranged" for nearly 4 years.  Witnessing her life turn from addiction to healing has given me such great joy and thankfulness. In one month from today, I will get to be a bridesmaid in her wedding...

I also met Tara, her husband Chris, and their children Braxden and Kinsley.  I cannot express how grateful I am that God brought her into my life this year.  although I am blessed by many loved ones both in Arizona and California, I had a deep void for a friend that was a stay-at-home mom and has children close to Lincoln's age. We have spent countless hours playing at the parks in the area, and also just learning about each other and having a good time as girlfriends. I can't wait to see where our friendship takes us! 

Another friend, Brittany, that I worked with when i first moved to Arizona and I rekindled our friendship. Her daughter, Bria, and Charlie are only 3 days apart! It's been so fun watching them grow together, and I'm thankful we have been able to share these memories with our girls!

We traveled to California in December to celebrate Luke's completion of the Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics degree at BIOLA University. His parents drove out, my parents, brother-in-law James, Grandma Hansen and Uncle Jim were all there. I cannot explain how excited and proud it has made me to watch the man I love so much develop a knowledge that he can share with others to point them toward Christ. In his eyes, the degree is only a bi-product of the spiritual journey he is on. He is more grateful to have learned how to defend Christianity from a logical viewpoint. He has engaged in many conversations with skeptics, atheists, agnostics, people hurting from tragedy, and friends who are questioning their own beliefs. He is co-leading a Bible study at his work called "Mosaic" where employees come on their own time, off the clock, to engage in discourse about life's most pressing questions.

Our trip to California also included a family Christmas celebration with my brother, Brian, sister and all our kids. It was a great day full of bonding and love. Jessie and Justin added a sweet son, Asher, to their roost. He and Charlie are just 7 weeks apart.

While there is so much to be thankful for, our family is still trusting in the Lord to provide a job for my dad. Their health insurance ends today, so they will be switching to Kaiser through my mom's work. We know that God has my parents' future and health in HIS hands, but it's still hard to feel helpless when we love them so much. What I can say is their faithfulness inspires me and continues to grow my own trust in the Lord. What better a legacy could parents leave for their children. I hope that our children see the same in Luke and I throughout their lives...

With 2014 being such a great year, I don't know how 2015 can stand a chance. But I look forward to all that the new year will bring and continue to watch my blessings grow...