Dear 2011...

Well, its been a year.  Micah turned 1, to start the year. And then we hummed along - Mark working, Kristen and Micah hanging at home, Naomi in her preschool two days a week.  We visited Alli and Chad in California.  We made plans to go to Colorado in the summer.  Naomi turned 5.  Mark lost his job.  We went on vacation.  Kristen started work part time.  Naomi started Kindergarten.  Micah started daycare.  Mark started a new job.  And then it was Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and now we are here, at New Year's Eve.  We are thankful for provision, and new experiences, and family and friends.  We are grateful to be reminded of how we are cared for.  This is a year full of small family memories not summed up in the big changes - like sitting around the dinner table together.  Micah and Naomi really starting to play together.  An unexpected summer of family time.  A week of holiday time at home.  We are also aware of both relief to be somewhat past those changes and curiosity and anticipation about the next year - because we are still adjusting to the newness those changes brought.  

For now, we remember we are cared for, and provided for, and we are grateful for our family.  Happy New Year!