A New Year

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Oh, how I love the new year!  There were many joys and blessigs in the last year.  But it was hard, too. 

We had two failed adoptions. 

We entered our third year since Andy had been laid off.  (He now has a full-time job at an architecture firm -- hooray!)

Our middle children have been struggling deepling, and require much of us.  For the last few months, we've been feeling depleted and have not always up to the challenge. 

But every Christmas break, we have the opportunity to start fresh....to evaluate what's been working, and what hasn't, and make changes.  Sure, we can do that anytime, but after a week away, and lots of time away from usual routines, we always return motivated and ready to jump back into life at home.

This year, we're revisiting the books and blogs that have been instrumental in helping us help our children.  These resources focus on wounded children -- whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually, and how we can help them overcome and heal.  I can't wait to share what we're learning with you!

You'll also see posts about our family life and spiritual life -- what encourages us and keeps us going.  I'm looking forward to a couple of giveaways. 

And, when I have the time, energy, motivation, and pictures downloaded, you'll occasionally see a back-dated post pop up in your reader or inbox.  Those are the catch-up posts that I try not to burden myself with *having* to do.  But the reality is, there are some I want to get to because this blog is our version of a family scrapbook. :)

So, let's get to it!  If you like to comment (we read every one!), I'd love to hear your view on the new year.  Do you like to make New Year's resolutions?  Do you take a day to re-evaluate how life is going, and how your family is doing?  How do you celebrate the new year with your family?  If you blogged about the new year, feel free to post it here.  I'd love to follow your link and read it!