And So It Begins . . .

. . . another year in which to enjoy this life that we have been blessed with.

Last year was full of making new friends, reuniting with old ones, seeing new places, and spending time with family. We saw our son marry a wonderful young woman and set up a home in Ft. Riley, Kansas. There were many reasons to rejoice last year and less reasons to mourn - you can't ask for more than that!

As we begin a new year, there are no resolutions being made, no promises to "do better" at anything; just the knowledge that we need to live the life we've been given to glorify our Lord and enjoy each moment to the fullest. And that's our plan for 2009!

Today we spent the bulk of our day with the Mackin family - James, Amita, Kelly & Kate. Kelly & Kate are our "adopted" granddaughters. Amita and I worked together for several years at our church and we became very close. Their daughters are so special and mean very much to us. We have celebrated Christmas with them the last few years on January 1st.

This year Amita's sister, Sheila, and her family were there, too. Amita made a marvelous brunch for all of us and while we ate our fill, we were able to catch up. Amita and I can pick up right where we left off the last time we were together and chat the day away. It's great. Finally, the kids were tired of us chatting in the kitchen - they were ready to open presents!

Amita had given me the girls' wish lists so I was pretty sure the presents would be a hit. They were! Kelly is 10, so she is very cool about her gifts. She was excited, but not over the top, "oh my gosh!!!" excited. But I know she was happy with them. Kate is 7, so there's still very much the little girl excitement in her. Even though it didn't take long to open just a couple of presents, we loved watching their reactions.

Kelly, Amita & Kate

Kelly

Virginia (Amita's mom), Amita, Kate, & Randy


After the presents were opened, and the girls were enthralled with them, the adults continued their conversations. All too soon, it was time to say good-bye. But, we'll see them again when we get back home next summer.

I hope your new year has begun with joy. I wish you every blessing this year and hope that you draw closer to the Lord as the year goes by and He shines His light on you.

Until the next time . . .