A Year in Review...

We missed the Christmas card this year; so I figured I'd better at least make one feeble attempt to update the blog, as it was one of my New Year's Resolutions. I thought I'd try to post before January slips away, along with my long list of 'other resolutions', which is not unlike any other year. But, hey--a girl has to try, right?

2010 was a year of milestones for our family. Some big ones, some small ones, but all important in their own right.

In no particular order, here are our Top Five highlights from 2010:

Minnie & Me

Rockin' the Ears & the Shades with Cousin Aden

1)  We took Lake to Disney World for the first time. He was enamored with the pool. Mickey, not so much. He was not a fan of the characters' costumes. He eventually warmed up (more like slightly thawed) to the idea of high-fiving Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Mickey over breakfast at Chef Mickey's; which at least allowed us to capture a few minutes of that magic on film.

Par for the Course

Girly Time

Beatin' the Heat

Making friends

Note to self, 2 year-olds probably aren't quite ready for the most Magical place on earth--especially the second week of June when Disney hotels are at capacity and it's 98 degrees in the shade. We were incredibly blessed to go, however, and Lake and I got to spend an amazing two weeks with both John's family, and my family (back to back weeks) at Saratoga Springs.

I even got to squeeze in some good girly time with my girlfriend Carrie, have at least one date night with Johnny, and we all made some fantastic memories.

2) Johnny launched his own Architecture Firm, DKGR, in July of 2010. Wow. I am so proud of him. It's a huge risk to quit your job, where you are an Associate Partner with ownership opportunities, let alone in a 'shaky' economy--but he did it. And in typical Johnny form, he's blown it out of the water. I couldn't be more proud of him. In their first quarter of business, they surpassed the first year goal they had set for themselves.

Needless to say, they'll get to keep their doors open for a little while longer..and we are filled with joy that God has given him some many wonderful opportunities. It's not without its sacrifices, but it will certainly pay off in the long run. They are currently in the process of renovating a new office space on Monument Circle  which will be ready for them to move into in February, are busy with 34 projects under contract, and are gearing up for some big projects coming up in preparation for Indy hosting the 2012 Super Bowl.

To see what they are doing, check out www.dkgrar.com.

3)  It doesn't pay much, (in the monetary sense), but last summer I launched a small, faith-based nonprofit organization called Uncovering Grace. Over the past several years, God has put a dream on my heart to start working with women who have been victims of abuse; primarily in the areas of domestic violence and/or sexual abuse. With an amazing team of women supporting me, I was able to incorporate it as a non-profit last year, launch our website, and begin leading a 24 week support and recovery group for those in need of sexual healing on Monday nights through our church.

It's been a huge time of learning and growth for me. Hearing the stories of these women every day can be a challenge; but seeing them discover revelations about their healing, relearn trust, and come to an understanding that they do not have to live their lives in pain-but can walk in freedom--is a beautiful thing. My support group will finish up in May, and I'm hoping we'll have fifty changed lives on the other end of it. Or at least they'll have taken the steps towards making that permanent change.

To see what we're doing, check out www.uncoveringgrace.org.

4) Lakie had so many beautiful things take place this past year. He started singing songs, talking in paragraphs, and of course, one of the greatest things he did--was MASTER the potty. He was a potty rock star. We potty trained him, boot(y) camp style, in a weekend toward the end of summer. (If only I had attempted that before Florida!)  I can't believe how fast he's growing, and how FUNNY he's becoming. He has an effervescent personality, (meaning he's quite charming, but can throw some of the most outrageous fits!, at the most inopportune times-you never know when he'll bubble over!). He started in the PreSchool class (3's and 4's) at school, and is always asking me how to spell different phrases. It's such a sweet time. Some of the funny things he's said lately:

In response to me telling him, he's cute enough to eat, he said, "Do it Mommy. Do it. Put me on a plate and eat me!"

He walks around the house saying, "Mommy, what's the big idea? What is it Mommy?" What's the big idea...

At bedtime prayer we say, "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I get sick before I wake, I pray to God my sickness he'll take." He says, "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I get sick before I wake, I'll just take some medicine".

5) Somewhere in the middle of traveling, launching a company and a non-profit, making time for friends, hosting house church, loving life, (and each other), we made a baby. If we haven't talked to you in awhile, or you missed my random posts on Facebook, we are expecting baby number 2 in August 2011. We are all very excited and blessed beyond measure. Lake is gearing up for diaper changing duty, and is busily talking to the baby in my tummy. He says, "I love you baby." Or, "Stay in there baby, it's cold and dark out here!" Smart kid.

We'll keep you posted as things progress, but they have a plan for my care this time around; which may or may not include steroids and early delivery (36-37 weeks) again. At least we have an idea of what we are dealing with this time. The walker and crutches are in the basement; but we're hoping (fingers crossed) that they'll stay there this time!

Which means 2011 will be another busy, bustling year! But, we wouldn't have it any other way. Wishing all of you a healthy, happy, prosperous, blessed 2011!

Peace & Love,