Happy New Year — 2025

At the beginning of each year, I try to look back over the year and just reflect. What have I done? Did I accomplish anything? How have we grown as a family? Have I learned anything? To be honest, it was a rather crazy year. Here are the highlights: *We took our first out-of-the-country trip to the Dominican Republic. We didn’t know whether we would like an all-inclusive resort, but we loved it! *We gained two daughters-in-law. Both complement our boys perfectly! *We attended two church camps. At one of the camps, I worked in the kitchen everyday and made some really great friends around the stainless steel tables! *I lost some friends this year. I learned that when you say to God, “God, you know they deserve . . . ” that God kindly whispers back, “Pray for them.” I had to learn to pray for some people who hurt me and it was humbling. I had to forgive them. *We did a major remodel of our kitchen and living room. I’m still getting used to it, but I love the simplicity and the new look. *I learned what freedom from stuff was. During our remodel, we did a purge. There were things that we hung on to “just because.” The freedom that we felt in getting rid of stuff and trying to declutter was worth the time and effort we put into it. We set up a booth in a local vendor’s store and sold around 400 items! We aren’t finished decluttering. We are on Winter Break! *We became empty nesters. *We watched our kids grow in all kinds of ways and take steps to become better in their personal lives, professional lives, and spiritual lives. We are learning that our kids are now independent of us, but still come to us for counsel, family time, when they need a dozen of eggs or a package of toilet paper . . . What a blessing these kids are to us! I trust that each of you have a blessed new year!