For those who know our family well, 2008 has been a year of MUCH GROWTH. A lot of changes, lessons and tears. Though it's been a tough year, I'm still so grateful. We are SO BLESSED! God is constantly revealing to me, that this is all in His hands and reminding me of His promises.

Forgiveness seems to be the theme. We have such a need for justice, and we want everything to be fair. When Bryce got in trouble in the Spring, so much of that was unfair. I had always had all of this faith in "the system" and how if you tell the truth, it will all be ok. We teach our kids that, but that system was not fair to us this time. We found out that sometimes, it's all just a game that you are forced to play, and it doesn't matter if you like the rules, you play their way. It was SO hard not to get bitter, especially for me, when you feel like, at any moment, this could tear your family all apart.

But as always, GOD IS SO GOOD! He has turned it all into good, just like He promises us. Bryce is doing much better in school than he was before any of this happened, and he cares about his education. He is setting goals for himself and trying to maximize his last 2 years of High School. His relationship with his step brother and sisters has grown considerably. They all love each other so much, and it just warms my heart to see how they all get along.

We also found and got plugged into a great church full of people who have just loved us all and prayed and praised with us! I got the promotion to lead educator at work in October and that has opened up brand new opportunities for the future.

I'm very proud of my husband. He has been working through his own "growing pains", and he is a great leader of this family.

I LOVE THIS SEASON! The joy I feel at Christmas time, feels different this year. As I look back over this year, ready to welcome in 2009, I'm grateful. Grateful for all of the gifts I've been given. Salvation, life, family, friends old and new, and the strength God gives me to walk through all of these tough times in life with the Peace and Joy that only God can give.

I wish all of you, my dear family and friends, who read this blog and are such a valuable part of our lives...A very MERRY CHRISTMAS and Many Blessings in 2009!