We started the year with a frigid cold spell. We began a year long journey of struggling to find new identity in new roles at home and work. We ended the month with an unlifting concert by Chris Tomlin Concert and said good-bye to a dear friend, Ms. Annie. I made my first Creamy Vanilla Raspberry Povlava.
Milo is REALLY struggling! I believe we have hit the 'depression' mode of the grief process. That is if Milo could be depressed, a mild version. I find him playing Wii most days after he rolls out of bed by 9:00 and really no motivation for much else, other than a workout. I quote, 'I just can't get my head screwed on straight.'WOW little did I know that would continue for the next 340 days.
February 2009
The Mo and Gary come for a visit. Milo and Jill enjoy a get away to Cabo San Lucas. A heavy round of the flu takes all but one down in our house. I start a new journey at a place called Cedar Memorial. A place with a really cool flower shop.
Wednesday was our last walk on the beach and our conversation turned to love. Love is something that is hard for me to express and often times to give. We stopped for a moment and as tears filled my eyes, I simply thanked him for teaching me over the last 19 years that it is OK to give and to receive unconditional love. Love that is not tied to something I do or say. Because of him I am learning to do that better and better everyday. It was an amazing trip and ended on Valentines Day!
March 2009
My grandma goes home to her heavenly kingdom. We take in a baby called Fiameta. Madison gets a new du, refines her baking skills, and becomes a certified super sitter. Family chores are implemented.
Sin is the steadfast refusal to be your true self. As I mentioned earlier, the sins of our fore fathers would be passed down from generation to generation. Today I can confidently share that the cycle has been broken and it will only continue to improve with a continued balance of grace and truth. When we help each other get rid of the grave clothes that hold us back, there will be no end to the work we can do for God's kingdom in order to live a life of love and truth to it's richest capacity.
Here is to a FRESH start!
April 2009
I try my first cycling class. Milo almost pees on the kitchen floor. Kennedy starts track and we enjoy a day at the Drake Relays. My computer crashes and I lose everything until iYogi saves the day. I quickly realize just how much geese can poop.
And pay attention tomorrow, the next day, and the next, there are people around you who are deeply hurting. Many you don't even realize. Take a moment to sincerely seek and ask about them. Listen intently and don't be quick to offer a suggestion or advice. Just nod, smile, and may be share a tear. Remember EVERYONE has a story, they may just need someone to listen.
May 2009
Madison gets her violin. Milo and I find a new 'heaven' on earth. I realize that life is really only one stitch at a time.
With each stitch I am comforted as I work on His hands, His robe, His face, and His feet. A calmness over takes me and the realization that life is simply one stitch at a time. God's plan is always PERFECT. No matter how much water runs through the cracks in the floor, a quick google search, a quick prayer, and a stitch at a time will bring the peace that passes all understanding. This thing we call LIFE is messy, complicated, and draining. But life is ONLY a journey to a place far better. A place with no paychecks, dishwashers, negativity and uncertainty.
A place with flowing water, flowering trees, warm fires, and singing birds. A place where the shepherd says, 'You were lost, but now you are found.'
So in the mean time I will continue to stitch and pray, stitch and pray. And when my project is complete, I will adorn it in a special place in my home as a reminder of a time in life when the ONLY thing left to do, was to take life one stitch at a time.
June 2009
Macin comes for cousin camp. The girls start swim team and the lazy crazy days of summer set in. Madison wraps up her dance year.
Work Hard
Run Hard, Run Fast
Admit your mistakes
Think outside the box
Coffee is a GOOD thing
Be willing to take a risk
Get up early and get going
Christmas is a wonderful holiday
Always strive to have a clean car
Give people the benefit of the doubt
Family is very important in your life
Poinsettias are beautiful, even in July
It is never to late to mend broken relationships
No matter how old you get, you can always change
Casey's donuts are the BEST donuts in the United States
Windshield time is NOT a bad thing, it gives you time to think
July 2009
Cousin camp brings, cousin Carter to stay for a few days. Our home office and blog get a make-over. Jordan and Olivia wrap up the last round of cousin stays.
While I firmly believe that things happen for a reason. The events of the past 7 months as they continue to unfold continue to bring new insights and lessons to be learned.
August 2009
Jill turns 40 and gets an eventful 26 ride in the car complete with DOG puking, only to be followed up with a new addition to the family, Gracie Mae. I learn the importance of learning to relax again. We have a 5th and an 8th grader.
But then with a little hard work, some elbow grease, and a lot of patience, we realize that the BEST escape we have is right in front of us!
September 2009
Took a blogging break
October 2009
Gracie Mae becomes a french maid, Madison a tin girl, and Kennedy a fairy. Mr. Stonewood reignites a passion. I say yes to working 8 - 5, moving into a full time sales position at Cedar Memorial.
We hope that someday our love will serve as an example of faith, perseverance, and hope instilling that marriage is NOT easy, always fun and romantic. But anything worth living for is ALWAYS worth fighting for.
And according to Mr. Stonewood, he couldn't agree more.
November 2009
Adjustments to a new schedule and a new role at work. We celebrate Mr. Milo's birthday with a surprise party.
Milo is plugging along with the start of his new business. Some days are good and some days not so much. I am praying that by January 1st and a year later, the hard hit of a job loss cloud will be lifted and new passions will be ignited. Time will only continue to direct us on new paths, new passions, and ventures in store.
December 2009
An ultimatum. A break to renew and relax. News plans for a new year. A new job. A goodbye and a celebration. A few Colorado Bulldogs and a snow angel.
I don't think I have ever been more happy to close a chapter on a year than I have been for 2009. Lot of tears shed and lessons learned. Old habits abated and new ones established. In hindsight I am sure that all will become crystal clear. But for right now, while listening to Mr. Milo, Madison, Kennedy, and Eric (my 23 year old nephew) clean up the kitchen, Eric summed it up perfect. "When your life comes down to it, ultimately it is really all about your family and loving the guts out of those closest to you no matter what life throws your way."
Happy New Year!
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