Alas, another 3 months was swallowed in the faster than I can handle pace that my life has been chugging along at. It's February already - Carter turned one, Max 3, no holiday blog, no New Years note, no reflections on 6 months without dad, no thoughts on the inauguration of President Obama, though my thoughts on all of them have been vast, many and deep. And I have had the urge to write, I just haven't.

Last fall, I knew that the pace of my life was going to be faster than previously lived, I chose to savour the moments of life as they came rather than lament over not having the time or energy left to maintain a blog or scrapbook. I did take many pictures, and journalled a bit, so now I can go back and do that. I enjoyed the hugs and the meals, the moments with friends, the crying, the laughing - the frustrations and the exhilerating moments. I went tobogganing and organized the business. I've made plans and celebrated the milestones with exhuburance...I've treasured my life, my friends, my peace and my hope in the quiet moments and enjoyed the warmth of friendship and love as best I could.

Today we took a sick day. Though none of us is "can't get out of bed sick" - I kept Lucas, Max and Carter home with me today, because I've sensed the past week or so that we all needed a break. We're all on the cusp of colds, and in need of a little TLC - the snow falling outside (again) was the additional motivation to stay indoors. I promised the boys a nice long bath, and lot's of cuddles (as well as much needed naps for all of us - though they don't know about that yet). Chris is in Boston - another trade show, and though the list of "To Do" grows by the minute - today I've declared a Home Day, and if I get to that list, great - if not - it's home day - I'll only let the outside world in when I'm good and ready.

It's been a wonderful 3 months. Wonderful.

Business Trips

Otherwise known as strength training and conditioning. Chris' job takes hime away about a week or more a month on business trips across Canada and the Northeast USA, and during these trips I am left to care for the children on my own. Sometimes the task seems a bit daunting and usually by the end of such trips I'm pretty wiped out, especially if it's a long one. Lately though, I'm getting pretty good at keeping the boys on a schedule, so even though I miss my hubby a whole whole lot, it's not because I feel overwhelmed physically, but because he's my best friend and I miss his company at the end of the day. He's truly my best friend and though sometimes he drives me crazy with his messy ways (which he has passed down to Max :o); I can truly relax and laugh with Chris like no one else, and he's inspiring, he believes in me, he encourages me (esp. in my latest endeavour to get in shape) - when he doesn't come home at the end of the day, everything is just not right.

The boys notice it too, though they don't say much other than "I miss daddy" - by the end of a trip they are usually pretty "off"; thankfully, it is made better the moment daddy walks through the door. The whole house sighs in relief. So to all the women who have husbands who travel alot, God bless you today! Heaven knows we need it!

Two Faces

Most people know that January was named after the Roman god "Janus". It was a head with 2 faces - one looking ahead and one looking back. Appropriate for the season...

Looking Back

After creating memory albums for all our parents as well as our annual newsletter and Christmas Card, I feel like I've sufficiently "reviewed" 2007 in my mind. It was a year of definate extremes. Big losses, big gains. Exremely happy moments and extremely sad ones. It's also been a year of work, of plans and dreams.

Despite all this, it's been a "quiet year". I year of little moments, day after day of taking life in, absorbing it, loving it. Being grateful for all things. Enjoying the simple things. Appreciating order, walking in harmony and beauty. Finally, joy. It's been a joyful year. Truly full of joy. Abundant joy.

Looking ahead

And so it's a new year. How exciting...

What's gonna happen? Who am I going to meet? What new thing will I experience? What challenge will I take? In what areas will I grow? I'm believing that it will be another "quiet year", mostly because we are at peace. Our hearts and minds are at peace and it's in our home. The biggest thing is not feeling anxious anymore, about anything. Sure, we've got days that just aren't fun, but overall, Jesus has truly been our Peace. He's been our Peace in the Midst of the Storm and our fullness the rest of the time.

So trusting that the major things we lived through this year (deaths, family weddings, births, floods, renovations, financial setbacks) will happen to other people rather than us directly, I know our lives will still be superabundantly blessed because of Jesus and no matter what happens, we'll be at rest through it all. Cheers!