Our Family: Reflections of the year with pictures

It is hard to believe that 2009 is drawing to a close. We have had such an eventful year.

Christmas 2008 brought us a Christmas to enjoy with our first born. James was only 6 months old and didn't really understand the concept of opening presents and the reason for the season. He sure knew how to play with the many toys though. This year James is 18 months old and a bundle of energy. He listens intently at church when Ms. Lovella tells him stories about Jesus. This year he enjoyed ripping into every gift and even practiced earlier in the week with Bethany's gifts that were under the tree from us and Grandma/Grandpa. He has brought us joy and never ending excitement. He also enjoyed eating birthday cake yesterday for Jesus that his cousins made and decorated.

We added to our family in September with the birth of Bethany Grace. As we celebrated her first Christmas we see the many resemblences she has to my mom and her big brother. She had no idea what was happening yesterday and can't really play with any of the toys she recieved. However, big brother is making a good attempt at keeping her toys warm for her until she can play with them herself.

This year has had its ups and downs. As 2009 started Barry learned that he would be laid off in March. This was about the same time I discovered I was pregnant again. We were excited about the new addition but worried about the financial aspect of an extra person to feed and clothe. We trusted in God and knew that He would provide for us. He provided Barry with a new job as his unemployment was running out in June. He gave us the wonderful gift of a healthy baby girl in September. He gave James the understanding to be gentle with sister and protect her. Which he does quite well. We have been blessed beyond measure in 2009 and look forward to what God has in store for us in 2010.

Please enjoy the pictures below from our Christmas celebration.

James, mommy, and Bethany opening one of Bethany's presents.