A Year in Review

Once again I have to admit that my blogging slipped!   I had every intention of keeping this up daily and then it was weekly and then monthly...maybe I will succeed at annually! :-)

In just a few days (February 11), David and I will have been married for 1 year!!   Yes, I said it...one year.   We were discussing this at the dinner table last night with a couple of the children and Jordon said... "It's been a long year...time sure does go by fast."   Contradicting statement, I know, but  I have thought about it since he said it and I have to agree.   A lot has happened this past year and that makes it seem LONG, but at the same time, it seems like the wedding was yesterday.  

Over the past year, we have been blessed by God in ways we could never have imagined.   We have accomplished many of our "Somedays" that we thought would be a long way off!   It started with the wedding and just got better from there! 
~ David was promoted to  General Manager of Tharp Funeral Homes allowing him to be able to work one job instead of 2 as well as giving me the opportunity to stay home.   I cannot begin to tell you how much that was needed for our health (emotional and physical).  
~Shortly after the wedding, we found our church home, Crossroads Church - TRBC church plant!  We had been church hunting for a while, all the while taking the time to heal and be spiritually filled!
When we decided to attend Crossroads one Sunday (because we were late to the one we planned to attend), it was immediately obvious to us that this was where we needed to be!  We now know why...we have had many opportunities to serve the community of Roanoke as well as I have become a  member of the Crossroads Staff!   This opportunity is one I have been looking for as it allows me to work part-time with flexibility as well as it gives me the opportunity to minister to children and their parents!
~ Of course, we can not forget the blessing of our chidlren, I will list them oldest to youngest!
      **Jaime - It is great to have her and her family back in the states so that frequent visits can be       made.  She, Jed,Simeon and Titus (baby on the way) have made their home in PA.  Jed was able to find a great job, giving Jaime the opportunity to stay home and homeschool the boys.  All are doing well.
     **Abbey - Justin and Abbey are still in Winchester and doing well.   The big excitement of their year was the birth of baby Isaiah...a true gift from God.   Justins job is going well and Abbey is enjoying her first year of motherhood.
     **Brittani - Britt has been blessed with a good job as a Dental Hygenist with Coots, Ward, Cross.   She is dating A.J. who is an amazing young man that hopefully soon we can officially "welcome to the family"!!  (hint, hint)
     **Brooke - Continuing her education at  Libery Univeristy (online) while working full time at Catawba Hospital as an activities therapist.  The load is heavy at times, but she will be finished soon!
She too is dating a great guy, Jesse, who is also continuing his education in hope to become a Dr. one day.  One day we hope to "welcome him to the family" as well!
     **Rachel - Rachel is continuing to be homeschooled and is doing well.   She will be getting her learners permit soon so time spent with her is spent in parking lots learning to drive!   David truly enjoys this time with her!! 
     **Kyleigh - Ky is in 7th grade at Andrew Lewis.   She is still active in Soccer  and basketball but has added Volleyball this year.   She stays active and has little time for rest.   So proud of her and her dertermination!
     **Jordon - J-man is in first grade and a very active little fellow!  He has played t-ball, basketball and football this past year and I have to say he is quite the basketball player.   He has a natural ability to handle the ball and loves it!   He is enjoying school but is challenged by the big jump from Kindgergarten work to first grade.  We have found the "singing" a book makes it more fun to read...he loves music!! 

Well, if you took the time to count you realize there are 7 kids and 3 grandchildren (soon to be 4)!   Let's just say that we are blessed beyond measure and enjoy each and every moment that we can spend with them.   Someday, we hope to have them all together at the same time...oh the joy that will bring to David and I!

God is good.   While this year was challenging at times, I could go on and on about little blessings we received along the way...looking forward to what the future hold as we know He has a plan for us!!