Next Steps for 2012

The beginning of this year has seen a few "firsts":

• Ryan's career change (a temporary move backwards in the financial department)
• The company I work for had an *unexpected* purchase (they announced at the end of December that effective January 1st, we have been sold) Luckily, was able to retain my position. Whew! 
• Ayla's enrollment into preschool (sad she is big enough already!)

And soon, Ayla's 3rd Birthday Celebration!

Looking back  to almost three years ago, the course of our life went from fast to turbo-fast and we've learned to accept that there isn't much control over a lot of situations. We simply adjust and move on. 

There's been hard times and very good times which have blended together to create a totally different dynamic for our little family from where we used to be. We love it, and are excited to see what 2012 brings!   

Christmas 2011

Christmas was awesome!

We splurged on a small couples gift (something practical and boring) and had most fun wrapping gifts for Ayla and spending quality time with family and friends!
We spent our time eating (almost non-stop) for an entire week.....THANK YOU stretchy pants and loose sweaters! and decorating treats and making feasts for family gatherings.

The holidays were spent at home this year and it was fun to relax and spend time together for a few days. 
Ryan began a new career opportunity so holidays and special occassion may be limited for the next few years.

StOcKiNg StUfFeRs!!

Decorating treats at Teresa's house and competing for the "Coolest gingerbread house" Award.

 Some people became most creative in their decorating but all the houses turned out fabulous!

This year we are most thankful for:

• Our blessings from God - they far outweigh any negative 
• Healthy Bodies and Minds
• A Warm Home
• Reliable transportation (yes, there is a story behind that...dumb Dodge)
• Work and the ability to be employed
• Superb Family and Friends

...realistically, the list could continue for a loooong ways.

But in summary: our lives are richly blessed and it's through a loving, gracious Father in Heaven who hears AND answers prayers. What an inspiring thing to know that He loves us and is aware of each of us and our individual needs. 

Christmastime became a tad sad when we hung the stockings and placed the customary candy cane inside Zoey's. Only because we miss her and watching Ayla unwrap her gifts and play in the wrapping would have been sweeter if Zoey were there to join her sister in the fun. Double the mess! 

Projects

Where does he find the time?

Ryan has been working on a few home-improvement projects the past two months:

 Creating extra storage space in the attic above our garage (almost finished!)

 He built a small cabinet in the small hallway in our small house (sound like Dr. Suess, yet?) to maximize storage capacity......

 and he even found time to make and can Pepper Sauce using peppers from our garden! Sadly, that's about all our garden produced this year...weird.  

Of course, carving Holiday Pumpkins is a must for Halloween!

Notice the drill on the counter? It was used to carve the words, "Trick or Treat" into a pumpkin. Clever!

Yep- he's a pretty amazing guy!