2007...2008...

It is New Year's Eve! A whole year gone already - and it feels like it went so quick, although when I look back it seems so full. Here are some of the bigger moments from our year:

*We took trips to Tennessee (twice) and Washington, D.C. to visit family members. We went to Ohio numerous times, as usual.

*We also took a trip to Lafayette, IN to visit our friends, the Baker family. We went to a fun little park and zoo while there.

*Noah and I were in a car accident that totalled the Camry. It was not our fault and the car turned out to be more worth more than we thought, so we were able to buy a used mini-van with cash. We should be able to get a couple years out of it before having to think about a new vehicle.

*Tim interviewed for and was offered a dream job in Ann Arbor. After much prayer, conversation, and research he decided it wouldn't be wise to accept. He really feels that God has him here in West Michigan for a reason and we will stay to see what that is.

*Our summer vacation was with the Lewis family to Ohio. We stayed at my in-laws while they were away in California. We took a trip to the Cleveland Zoo, which is very bigger than we thought and pretty cool.



*We moved from a small 2 bedroom apartment in Muskegon to a smaller 2 bedroom duplex in Grand Haven. It is nice to not be in an apartment, though it definitely feels more cramped. The difference in rent is nice as well since it is $200 cheaper and there is a yard for Noah to safely play outside in.

*After moving we celebrated Noah's 2nd birthday.

*After Noah's birthday, we celebrated a positive pregnancy test!*Tim started playing the djembe in church and also now sings occasionally. I volunteer as a girls small group leader with the high school youth group. I was also in the nursery once a month, but that is not something I want to continue doing.

*Tim and I celebrated his birthday with a visit to Mill Run, PA and a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater. He is already dreaming of the next house for us to tour but I told him with a baby coming, that won't be for awhile.*We experienced two times this year, one in the spring and one in the winter, where Tim went multiple weeks with no work and no paycheck. The first time we had a savings account to fall back on but we used it all up during that time so when fall rolled around we experienced much stress. God, of course, was faithful both times in carrying us through.

Last night Tim and I were reading an article on the speculations that there will be a recession in 2008. I thought it was funny because when I think about the upcoming year, I think it will be a time of growth. I think that because of the lessons we did learn this past year, Tim's business will grow and we will be better prepared for how to handle our budget. Our family will see all sorts of growth. Tim and I are growing in our own personal faith walks and we are growing closer as a couple. Eleanor will join our family in April, leading to growth as a family. Many people we know are expecting babies, leading to growth in our different communities.

So recession shmecession. I'm making 2008 a year of growth and prosperity.