I've never been very good about reflecting on a year... or reflecting on anything for that matter. When I was in high school, I'd finish a test and turn it in -- no reviewing my answers, no checking for mistakes. It's onward and upward, don't look back.

Don't get me wrong, I have wonderful memories, and I love to think about them, share them with my family, etc. I just don't typically sit back and take a purposeful inventory.

Now I realize just how quickly time is flying by. My kids are growing up before my very eyes, and I just want to bundle them up, hug them, and keep them in my lap forever. Yet at the same time, I know none of us would be happy with that, for each new stage brings new wonder, new joy, new blessings.

So on this New Year's Eve afternoon, while I sit here alone with my thoughts, I'd like to share my "Best of 2009" with you -- and this is as much for me, as it is anything else! With the exception of the first one, these are in no particular order.

1. My Children's Faith. This is absolutely the best thing about 2009, without question. I know that in this stage of my life, introducing my children to Jesus Christ and nurturing their faith is absolutely my number one priority. While I don't always feel equipped for the job or the questions they ask, I know that with God and with Jon, we'll show them His Light. On December 3, Amara Hope asked the Holy Spirit to come into her heart. Dominic did, too, though admittedly I was suspect due to his age. I know I shouldn't shortchange that -- especially as I heard from his day care teacher that he told a classmate who asked, "Who is Jesus?" that "Jesus saved me from my sins by coming into my heart." A little child shall lead them, right? It gives me such immense joy to watch their faith grow, develop, and really become their own. I love the boldness, the honesty, the innocence with which they speak to God and speak of Him to others. I know they've got a lot more growing to do, and nurturing that is still my top responsibility, but oh, I'm so very thankful that God's working in their little hearts and minds.

2. Family Time. We started the year in Wyoming with Jon's family and concluded the year with my family here... and were able to enjoy time with both sides of the family on multiple occasions this year. We'd still love to be closer and have even more opportunities for family fellowship, but we're thankful for what we are able to have. We were both blessed to be raised in wonderful families who now are not just family but also our closest friends.

3. Vacation Time. For whatever reason, Jon and I have never taken a "real" vacation. We've never purposefully picked a spot, planned around and for it, and left. We've done family fishing trips (which were AWESOME), and tacked onto work trips (also lots of fun), but we've never taken a week to just get away. Not even for our honeymoon! This year we took not one, but two vacations! First in March, Jon and I joined our neighbors from Maryland on a trip to Mexico. Oh what fun that was! It was great to get away (the kids stayed with Jon's brother and his family), the warm weather was divine, and the company was as wonderful as we remembered it to be. Oh how we miss our neighbors who became our family. Our second vacation was also with Maryland friends, also who became our family. Our whole family joined their family for a trip to Ocean City, Maryland. Reconnecting with old friends really buoyed our spirits, reminded us who we are, and did a lot to energize us. We miss you!

4. The Bloom Book Club. It almost seems odd to be thankful for something online, but I'm so thankful for the Bloom Book Club, and especially "The Night Ladies." I've met some simply fabulous and inspiring people, all of whom are a huge witness to me. These ladies love the Lord and live their lives for him. Now could ya'll just move a little closer? :)

5. My Friends. For the first time this year, I was able to join my high school girlfriends on the annual reunion trip. It was SO nice to reunite with old friends -- friends I've known since pre-school in many cases. The only requisite is to have graduated from MHS in 1994 -- so some of them I knew well, and others not as well while in HS. It's amazing to me how much "differences" in high school just melt away as we become adults, raise families, search for our place in the adult world. I hope that I can continue to join them in years to come.

6. My Job. This year has been a rough one for many in terms of the economy and jobs. I continue to be so very thankful for my job, my company, and the wonderful people with whom I work on a daily basis. My company hires "the best of the best" as far as calibre of people, and I definitely believe that. It's a privilege to be able to work with people you also consider close friends.

7. Our House. We've done a lot of work this year on renovating our house. I won't lie and say it's been a breeze -- it's a slow and ongoing process. Our goal is to pay cash for each project, so there really is no deadline to any of it. That sometimes makes it even tougher to live through. However, our house is solid. It's warm. It provides shelter. We have a basement to live in while the upstairs is being fixed. It's a family project, and working through it has brought us closer (cancelling cable has helped with that, too).

8. The Gift Card Giver. This probably sounds silly, but I love it. Just before Christmas, Jon received a relatively anonymous letter in the mail at work. It was from "The Gift Card Giver", which is apparently a non-profit organization. The message inside essentially said that Jon was nominated by someone who thought Jon should be recognized for the services that he provides and the time he sacrifices. They thought he deserved a "date night" and the Gift Card Giver agreed. So Jon was the recipient of several dollars worth of movie and Applebee's gift cards. It was such a pick me up for Jon. Random Acts of kindness such as this -- love to see it, love to do it, love to be a part of it!

9. Love in Action. I had a few opportunities to see people truly being "Love in Action." In one case, I know for sure it was this person being obedient to God. A semi-homeless man walked into our Bible Study asking for help with his hotel bill while he was waiting for his job to pay him. One lady immediately stood up, walked to her car, drove to the hotel, and paid for the man's night. I got up to join her, not only for her safety, but also to give this man Jon's contact information so he could access help from the proper channels. To see that instant obedience was beautiful. The other was at Christmas time. Actually, there were two, now that I think about it. A person I know asked if Jon could find a family for them to adopt for Christmas to show their children "the other side" for lack of a better word. Jon found a family -- this family wanted some of the basic kids' toys, but also wanted an X-Box, and more than anything, the mother wanted her transmission fixed, because without her car, she would lose her job. This person met every single request, including fixing her car. Blew me right away! To witness that kind of generousity, caring, and kindness, just warms my heart and inspires me to seek opportunities to do more. Jon shared with me this woman's thank you letter -- it was the best Christmas her family had ever had. And more than the gifts, it brought back hope, made her feel less desperate. The gifts were great, but how awesome to give a person hope!

10. My family. Last but not least, my family. I will readily admit that I'm more than a little biased -- but we all should be when it comes to our family, right? My husband is generous and caring, he seeks to do everything in his power to help others -- but not by giving them things, by giving them skills. He strives to empower them to seek out the best for themselves. He's an amazing father and husband, putting God first, and showing us all how to care for others. My children are two of the warmest, most enthusiastic, caring children I've ever met. They're friends to all, bullied by none, and they have a heart for those who are being bullied. Their teachers love them and look to them as leaders and examples for others in the classroom. They have a heart for God, that I pray will only continue to grow.

And that, my friends, is the best of 2009. I'm sure I could think of many others, but those are top of mind right now. May you also reflect on 2009, pick out the best, and reflect on those things! Happy New Year!