happy new year!

Happy New Year!

Maia had this idea that we should have a New Year's party at the house today. All it takes is some cake and you officially have a party in this family.




Late this afternoon we bundled everyone up (except for Phil who always wears his coat) and headed out to the local conservation area. Tim and I finally got to put on our snowshoes -- one of the few things I enjoy about winter -- and we pulled the girls in sleds. That was a workout. But it's always worth it once you end up in the calm of a tree-lined path of beautiful, unblemished snow.

The girls are wearing brand new hats and mitts from their North Carolinian grandparents -- thanks Nai Nai and Ye Ye! They love them. And we have to admit, having gifts to unwrap on New Year's Day made it all the more special for everyone.




May 2010 be a beautiful year for each of you... a year in pursuit of the dreams God has for your life, close to His heart and to the hearts of those you love.... and some even some you don't know yet.

As for me, I've begun this New Year thinking about how I want to journey even closer to the heart of some important people in my life. How easily the ones we love can miss how deeply we care for them. I need to say it more. I need to say it better. This week we're grieving the loss of our friend John, whose heart we wish we had known how better to speak to and to lent hope to. John, how I wish you'd have known how many loved you and just how deeply.

To those who are reading this.... you are loved more than you can even know. (That's a start...)

Happy New Year.