A year of change...

So I am getting ready for what I feel is going to be a crazy year of change in my life. Some not so fun and some, more fantastic than I could ever imagine. What I am thankful for...I have been through some difficulties that make any new change, look like child's play. This year my husband and I have some definite plans for our kiddos, our finances, and our future and we are determined to prayerfully complete these plans this year.

The economy has been rough but my dear sweet husband and my understanding children have been as frugal as I have and we have learned to live on very little. This survivalist mentality has taught us, to be thankful for what we have and though I use the word survivalist very loosely because there are those who are much more devout than we, we are doing well in a time when people are losing their homes, their jobs, and their retirement savings everyday. We are blessed.
So I will list the year in review, by priority order...

This year has been one of true growth. I made a lot of mistakes that cost me dearly and taught me hard lessons. God can be seen clearer during those times. My husband and I have had some huge obstacles to overcome and there were a few times, when I didn't know if I could do it. But there were a lot times that reminded me of how blessed I truly am, to have such a wonderful man in my life. We toss the idea of having more children around and we look forward to planning vacations. We look into starting new businesses and buying investment property with my mother. I see him growing everyday and this year feels like it's going to provide even more opportunities to grow.

My children are becoming more of a hand full because they are actually becoming real people with opinions, thoughts, and suggestions (on even how I lead my life). I am seeing myself have to become less of a control freak and allow them to make independent choices and decisions. They have friends that I don't necessarily approve of but because I have faith in God and in the lessons I have been able to teach them, they are doing just fine and they make me very proud to be their mommy. My son and my daughter have been acting and modeling a lot. They are both so talented and special and I know there is a world of opportunities out their for them to take advantage of, so I will be there to encourage and pray over them like crazy because with opportunities come challenges - never one without the other. They are doing well in school, making good grades and keeping up with their hectic schedules...

Because I feel this year is going to be full of change, I am getting back into shape and ready for the next phase of my life. No diets. No crazy eating schedules. Just plain healthy eating and lots of exercise. I start Yoga on Monday and I have gone twice with a friend of mine and when I tell you... have never sweat so much in my life... I was drenched when I left and I felt fantastic. I am looking forward to feeling that way again.

The In-laws - my mother is doing wonderfully well and her counseling business is keeping her very busy. She is almost finished decorated her new house and I can already see that, "I want to build another house" look in her eyes. She works alto still and working keeps her young so I hope she never stops. She is traveling more this year, doing more things for herself, and I hope she finds time to do more "all of that" in the coming year. Our relationship has its ups and downs, but it is the best it has ever been and it is only getting better.

My mother-in-law is also doing well. She had her second bout with breast cancer earlier this year and she is now in remission. If she continues her medicine and watches her diet, she has a long life ahead of her. Late this year, she moved to Austin to take a job with the school district and I think some misconceptions about the "big city" Austin are being wiped away, now that she is there and God is seeing fit to make it such an easy transition for her and her BF, "Silver Fox."

My sister in law has moved from Fairfax to Williamsburg, VA. She is still a special needs teacher and is still singing like her big bro. She is leading worship for Relevant Church and having an awesome time with her friends there. I hope to have her come and visit Texas more.

JONAH, our charity, is doing awesome and it is growing by leaps and bounds. We completed a computer lab in the emergency shelter, had a couple of donation drives, raised $ 8000 in funds and goods for the Safeplace shelter, and had a wonderful Holiday party at the Shelter for Christmas. I can not wait for the good stuff coming down the pike...

Lastly, my career as a solo artist this year thrived and I am looking forward to what else is coming. Many new and exciting things happening there...too many to mention in this blog, but from my solo gigs at Joe DiMaggios, to becoming part of the Riverbend soloist team, to being part of the National Worship Leader conference, to working on my jazz CD and building the ultimate band, Unified Theory, my year has been full. My husband and I are working on this project together and I think it will be the best yet. We are going on tour in June of 2009 and this is a completely new experience - one that I know will stretch us as new musicians and artists.

So with all that said, much to do and 2009 will truly be a year of change but I welcome it, because change - no more what form, good or bad - always makes you a better person, smarter, wiser, and better able to conquer whatever challenges you face.