I've decided to start blogging

Here it is! Almost the start of a brand new year, and I wanted to start blogging so I can have all my thoughts in one place, instead of all over the place.

I will just make my first post about the year 2008. I will start by expressing how truly blessed we are as individuals and as a family.

In the first quarter of 2008, we joined a new church; Trinity Fellowship here in Pampa, and the people there and the church have been nothing but a blessing to us.
I know that myself & Brent have gotten a stronger and closer relationship, not only to our Lord and Saviour, but to one another and to our children. I can say without a doubt I'm not who I was. If anyone has ever heard that song by Brandon Heath, "I'm Not Who I Was" I would just call it my motto song for 2008.

In March, I decided to get along with a small business venture, I don't even know if I would call it a business, as much as I'd call it a hobby w/ a little money making potential. I started making hairbows and things for girls, like ribbon onesies and shirts. It's slowly morphed into other things, as I see ideas or people ask for something specific. I am really proud of Little Miss Priss Bows, and although its not huge, it makes me happy and allows me some alone time and to be creative.

In June, we took our annual vacation to the lake for a week. Possum Kingdom was the lake of choice, and normally is. We don't plan to venture out on really long road trips until the kids are a little bit older.

In July, Garrett turned 4 years old and had a waterslide birthday party with about 10 of his little buddies, and a few of Abby's little girlfriends. He was a proud boy of his John Deere cake!

In September, Abigail turned 2. That was pretty hard for me. She is growing up and she is also the baby of the family. She ended up having a Hello Kitty party just with her Daddy, Mommy, and Bubba. We had to cancel the party the night before, because Garrett & Brent were pretty sick, and we decided not to infect her friends. I'm sure they all appreciate our thoughtfulness!
Also in September, Garrett started playing soccer. Now, when I say play, I mean, stand around, or run around like a little crazy person. Hiding in the goal, and not listening. The first game he played in, he layed down in the middle of the field, while his teammates and opponents jumped over him. Brent & I were pretty embarassed, but felt assured because the other parents told us this was what it was like when their kids first started.

Brent went on a Men's Retreat in September with our church to Red River, NM, where he spent 4 days in nature, and enjoying the company of his friends. This was something that I was so grateful that he had the opportunity to go to. Its something he truly benefited from and something that I believe really changed him spiritually.

The holidays this year have been fantastic. We are blessed in so many wonderful ways, and we owe it all to God. We've spent a lot of this Christmas trying to show Garrett the true meaning of Christmas, and not just getting presents and seeing Santa Claus.

All in all, 2008 was a year of change for us, and in 2009 we know that we'll be put to the test, in many ways, and we are ready to face another year.

2009 HERE WE COME

Another edition of the Carroll Chronicles will be coming soon!