2009 Year in Review

Our year started off, well, a bit gloomy. Aaron had no job; our marriage was headed for the courts; and our dog died. Oh, I'm just kidding! We never had a dog!

Our first ray of sunshine came when Aaron started his job at Messerli and Kramer, a law firm in the cities (I'm still at the U of M Amplatz Childrens Hospital, NICU). Aaron enjoys his job and the people he works with. He is able to set his own schedule, which makes time spent at Grandma Sue's Daycare much less for the kids! Aaron continues working in Kid's ministries at church as well.

Our second ray of sunshine came when Aaron announced Allie and I were flying to Texas for my Birthday! Not only did I need a vacation, but I also needed to see my friend, Sarah (she has since moved home to MN, thank God!). We spent the week playing dress up, heading to the mall, going to The Little Gym, and visiting Frank Buck Zoo. It was indeed the best Birthday EVER! Oh, and don't worry, the guys had fun too. They managed to skip out on work and school and spend the entire day at Nick Universe at Mall of America, amongst other "guy things."

Our third ray of sunshine came upon us through therapy and hard work.  You know, the kind of work it takes to make a great marriage!  We discovered how to truly love and respect one another, how to communicate (we thought we knew how, boy were we wrong!), and most importantly, how to forgive!  I am telling you, great things come when you are both willing to forgive as Jesus forgives us (by forgetting!!!!).  I can sit here today and say, "This has been the best year of marriage thus far."

The fourth ray of sunshine was when we moved into our first single family home in July!  God has blessed us big time with this one!  Remember Aaron getting a job the first of the year (don't worry, he's still there)?  He met a man at his job, who happened to have a house for rent right where we want to be!  I love how God always has a plan.  The kids have a yard to play in, their own rooms (Jonathan's is decked out in Rock Star), a playroom, a driveway to ride bikes (Allie prefers skateboarding), and a great neighborhood!  We have the best neighbors God could provide.

The last ray of sunshine worth mentioning you ask?  Maybe you didn't, but it's out kids!!!!  Jonathan continues to do great in school.  We enjoy his ability to make armor out of pipe cleaners and robots out of legos, he's quite innovative.  His highlight this year was swim lessons.  He even skipped a class or two!  Allie, well she is the ray of sunshine!  She has this carefree, my life rocks attitude.  She keeps us smiling even when she's coloring on walls, smearing Play-Doh in the carpet, or kicking Aaron when she climbs in bed with us (bad habit, I know).  Her highlight this year was learning to write her name!  We are very proud of both of them!

Hope you are able to find your ray of sunshine this coming year!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

Aaron, Jolene, Jonathan, and Allie

Comments

Laura said…
Merry Christmas!! You're family is beautiful and blessed! {hugs}
Alyssa said…
I loved this post! I feel like I now know you better! Praise the Lord for those beautiful rays of sunshine!
MoJo said…
I wish I frequented your blog more often my friend. I so enjoy your writing, and your honesty. Blessings to your family. I am jealous that I missed out on the photo shoot AND the holiday party! I can't wait to see you all again!
Shannon K. said…
Awesome about your marriage getting back on the right track! First time visitor here. Loved the post.
The Unkept Cook said…
Wow, thank you Jolene! What a great post to get to know you and your family better. Thank you for sharing--what an amazing 2009 you had--here's to an even better 2010!
Happy New Year!!

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