Our Year - 2009

Jamie

It’s been a year filled with changes and transitions. The kiddos continue to grow and stretch their wings as they practice for leaving the nest. Timothy’s graduation was wonderful but bittersweet and while I’m excited for Tommy as he looks forward to UNC next year it’s difficult to not be a little sad. Johnathan is already working on whittling down his college choices, Jenny Girl is taking High School by storm…and I turned 40. Sigh. On the other hand, it is a wonderful privilege to watch each of the children mature into some pretty wonderful people and Troy just grows more and more adorable every day.

This Fall I became a part time nanny for two families who live on our block, so now I spend my days tickling and cuddling a darling pair of 21 month old girls (identical twins – too fun!) and a six month old Gerber baby (also a girl). I have completely fallen in love with these sweet little cherubs and it has been such a tremendous blessing for the whole family as now I can be home full time. They also ease my aching mommy heart as our teens aren’t so into cuddling anymore!

Public speaking is continuing to grow. In addition to numerous local engagements I have spoken for two women’s retreats and have been asked to present a parenting workshop at our women’s national denominational convention in Washington DC. We plan to fly out as a family and see the sites together …a trip we have promised for years. I am thrilled we are finally getting to go and that my stipend can help J I am also working on getting my talks written down to publish as booklets. It’s slow going, but pretty fun.

Currently I enjoy watching The Office as a family (SO blessed that we all have the same sense of humor!), playing FarmVille on Facebook (a guilty pleasure), and studying the works of some pretty great theologians!