Usually we send out letters to our friends and family who we don't keep in close touch with. This year, I decided to just write it on here to save some paper and to include more people. If you are visiting for the first time...welcome! I am not a great blogger, but I love sitting down to reflect on something God is teaching me or just log memories for us to remember. I invite you to check back from time to time to catch up with our busy family. There is also a prayer request page at the top which I try to keep updated. We covet your prayers as we walk this journey of parenthood, marriage and so much more!
Ok, now for our annual "Christmas letter"...
This year is no different than the last few...Christmas is upon us and time is flying even faster. We have had a really good year together as a family! Hector had a lot of time off early in the year, and we thoroughly enjoyed just doing life together. Even if many days were spent in our p.j.s until noon or with routine trips to Barnes & Noble or the park.
We started out the year with lots of snow! We actually had a white Christmas for the first time. It was beautiful! Cohen made his first snow man and had his first, although unsuccessful, sleigh ride. We even had some friends literally hike to our house for a day of games, hot chocolate and snow fun because the streets were covered. Go here for more on the snow & last Christmas.
In February, Hector and I escaped for a week on a cruise with the band. We felt a little guilty but were thankful we didn't bring our 2-yr.-old to brave the crazy schedule and tight living quarters. It was a nice break from the cold and a great opportunity to hang out with a few of the other band wives who I love but rarely get to see. I travelled down memory lane as we spent a day at The Atlantis Hotel where I had visited with a good friend in middle school. Most of all, I reflected on the incredible journey God has brought me on since then and who He has shaped me into. Here are the guys enjoying a beautiful beach day.
And here are us girls dressed up for dinner one night.
We also celebrated Cohen's second birthday in February. I couldn't believe he was turing 2, and now he's almost 3. I planned for weeks, ok maybe months, for his train-themed party. I was pleased and he loved every minute of it. He's a blessed little boy with so many who love him!
HERE is a short post about his birthday.
In March, Hector's schedule began to pick up a little, although not bad. During this time, after several months of weaning off steroids for my eye condition, I was able to come off completely! Praise the Lord! I felt and saw myself return to normal within a few weeks. I have continued the eye drops on varying intervals, but I'm SO thankful to not have to use steroids any longer. We are continuing to pray for healing over my eye completely. I have not had any problems since April. I truly give God all the glory!
In April, Rome and surrounding areas were ripped apart by tornadoes and strong winds. It was a scary time, especially for those like me who have a strong fear of tornadoes. We watched storms tear apart homes and destroy lives on the news all around us. We were blessed to have no damage to our home! We were out of power for 4 days but protected from any physical harm to our home or those we love. I love the freshness of Spring but could definitely do without the violent storms it brings to this area from time to time. In between storms, Hector found a few weeks to play soccer with a local men's league. He loves it and is good at it, but often forgets he isn't in the condition he was in high school. Therefore, he tore his ACL one night and was laid up for a couple weeks before surgery and a few more weeks of crutches and little walking. This was a trying time for us mainly because he is such an integral part of our family when he's home. He is such a HUGE help to me! So having to play Mommy and nurse for a month or so was tough emotionally and physically. Cohen wasn't sure how to handle it, but we made it through and are thankful he has made a complete recovery!
In May, Hector began to travel quite a bit with a trip to Brazil and a week-long missions cruise to Jamaica. Cohen and I missed Daddy, and I began mentally preparing and praying for the Fall tour that was approaching. He was blessed and was able to serve on both trips. We had a low-key celebration of our 6-year anniversary in May also. I'm more and more grateful each year to partner with Hector in marriage, parenthood and ministry.
In June, Hector and I went with our youth group to Summer Camp. This was the first year in a long time Hector has been able to go the whole time! We went to Global Youth Camp in Chattsworth, Ga. and had an incredible time of serving teenagers we love and watching their lives change as they encountered God and His word in a fresh way. We love camp and love that we have the opportunity to keep going.
In July & August, Hector was traveling all over and we were savoring the little time we did have with him. One weekend we decided to board the bus and go along with him. It was good for Cohen to see where Daddy goes when he leaves, but a moving, sleeper bus is not the easiest place to bring a 2-yr.-old who isn't concerned with respecting others' space and sleep. It wasn't awful just a little hectic for Mommy. Thankfully, at the end of August he had some time off. We filled most of it with things we wanted to do and people we wanted to visit.
In September, we kicked off Fall with a Fall Retreat with our students which included Hector's first rafting trip since falling out a few years ago. All was well this time, and he enjoyed being with the students. The following week we headed to Florida for our bi-annual Universal trip with the band. We decided to take a few extra days to take Cohen to the beach and visit my brother and sister-in-law in Sarasota. It was a short trip but we enjoyed seeing their new home, new town, the beach and just relaxing! We spent 3 days in Orlando swimming, riding rides and eating some good food. It was definitely a treat for Cohen. For more about this trip and a very funny video go HERE.
At the end of September, the Come to the Well fall tour began, and Hector hit the road for almost three weeks. Cohen and I survived but were very anxious for his return. Unfortunately, his days home were fewer than those away from then on. Cohen was not sure what to think about Daddy coming home and leaving so often. It has been tough watching his little mind and heart process this crazy schedule. We pray for him daily to feel the security and peace of the Lord and trust that Daddy will always be back. In October & November, we enjoyed Hector when he was home and tried to stay busy while he was away. Cohen and I frequented the library, Barnes & Nobles' train table, the mall's playground, the park, and the YMCA. It has been a sweet time of bonding for the two of us, but reserved special times for when Daddy was home, like visiting the pumpkin patch, carving pumpkins, and Cohen's first real hike. We savored the crisp, cool air, beautiful colors and scents of Fall. We even got to host both of our families for Thanksgiving at our house this year since Hector had to leave that night. It was a sweet time of family fun and lots of food! We are thankful for their flexibility. Here are a few pictures from our celebration:
A little family competition...
My first turkey!!
And I guess that brings us to December...the highlight of our month so far has been the end of the tour!! Hector finished on the 4th and is home until late January. The tour went really well and he thoroughly enjoyed traveling with The Afters and Sanctus Real. We are so thankful for him being home to enjoy the Christmas season together. Cohen keeps asking if Daddy has to go bye-bye, and we joyfully get to reassure him he doesn't. We are praying this time off is sweet especially for Cohen and Hector and that God prepares us all for January and the Spring tour.
Although this season of life can be hard and trying, we believe God is walking each step beside us. We praise Him for his blessings and protection along with the trials which bring perseverance, proven character, and HOPE! (Rom. 5:3-4) We pray we are taking advantage of opportunities along the way to love and serve those around us and always return glory to Him! If you have made it this far...thank you for reading and walking through our last year with us. We pray this Christmas season finds you savoring the joy of knowing our Savior who is Christ the Lord!! And if you lack that life-giving relationship that you would seek Him and find Him waiting for you to accept his precious gift of forgiveness, grace and love. It's the greatest gift you could receive this Christmas!
