Hello 2009

A brand new year, full of fresh possibilities and opportunities.

And what better way to start of a new year than with a win?

Today I found out that I am one of three winners of the Baby Be Blessed contest over at Bring The Rain! I have won a customized doll and I can choose the hair colour, material, etc, and the BEST part is that I can choose a personal scripture that is printed on the dolls tummy. I'm going to give it to Julie.

Now I need to find the perfect scripture verse for it. Suggestions?

How exciting.

But even MORE exciting.... JORDAN CRAWLED YESTERDAY!!! Oh yes, friends, she is mobile and nothing is holding her back! She even crawled right over to me to be picked up. Poor little lamb has carpet burn on her knees to show her efforts.

Yesterday was a busy day but in a good way. Julie had her friend "L" over for a playdate. I am a self-proclaimed socialphobe but I stepped out of my comfort zone and invited her mom "N" to say for coffee and I am so glad I did. Conversation came so easily, although as it turns out, we were both a little nervous about that beforehand! We never ran out of things to talk about and the girls got along famously. They met each other in Girls Club. Ian and I will definitely get together with "N" and her "other half" soon.

In the afternoon, Sam had his friend "T" over to play. "T" is such a nice kid, so polite and sweet. They ate like horses, although I suppose that's what boys do.

I loved the comings and goings of these kids. I loved the sound of their laughter all throughout my home. Is there any better sound in the world than that of children laughing? They we happy, and therefore, so was I.

In the evening, my mom, aunt and nephew came over for a visit and we toasted the new year together before they left. Ian, the kids and I stayed up until midnight and watched the ball drop at Times Square. I cried as I always do on New Year's Eve.

I am only making one resolution this year - to let go. I have blogged before about how I don't love fully, and I don't live fully. I am afraid of being hurt or disappointed. I worry about what people think of me, or how I must look to others. I obsess about being perfect for other people and letting them down. I carry so much guilt and regret and shame. I'm going to let go of all of those things and just let myself go and find out who I really am... Who the Father created me to be. I'm going to surround myself with people I love and respect and who love and respect me. People who love the Lord as I do, so we can grow in Him together.

Blessings to you for this new year,
Kate