I have a lot of catching up to do, but...

I had to post this...

Stationery card

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claire {one year}

Happy Birthday Baby Girl! Today marks the completion of your first year of life, and though in perspective it hasn't been a long time, I try to look back and cannot imagine my life without you. I believe this past year will always be burned in my memory, for many reasons.
Your arrival marked the beginning of a new journey in parenting for your dad and me. We quickly learned that parenting two children is much different than parenting one child. Sorting out the balances has been a challenge, and has sometimes felt overwhelming. I am thankful for a God who stretches us and allows us to grow into the circumstances in which we find ourselves. I have experienced myself and my brokenness as a human being more this past year than I ever have before. I have also learned a lot about grace and have experienced the unfailing love of my Savior in ways I never have before.

Gratitude

I'm working on the Christmas posts, but reading blogs tonight, I came across a song I love that I had nearly forgotten.

There are a lot of things I want to do in 2011. I want to buy a house. I want to exercise regularly. I want to run my home well and efficiently, and establish routines for myself and my family. I want to put a huge dent in the student loans. I want to see a dear friend marry her perfect match (*wink* *wink* if she is reading this). I want to be intentional with my friendships. I want to read and study the Word daily. I want to be a good "Paul." I want to love my children well. I want a lot more than all that too!

As I thought about these things driving today, the thought occurred to me that many people I treasure have been through some very hard things in the past couple of years. (Though we may not connect outside of the Facebook or blogging world, there are so many wonderful women I think about and keep up with often)