All in a Year....

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 19:11

As I am reflecting on 2014 and thinking...here it is the end of the year and what have I accomplished? My mind went into over drive thinking about the blessings our family has had in 2014....

• Our year started when Morgan fell and broke her leg....but as a family, we pulled together and took care of her. She healed and moved into a much better chapter in her life (my opinion of course)
• Joe started a new chapter in his career with a position at Weber - Stephens .... Yep.... That's where they make the cool grills!!
• Re-committed my life to be a Jesus follower through baptism at West Ridge Community Church....Can not even begin to explain that day!
• I was asked to take on a ministry team leadership role at church. Not sure what God is thinking but I am attempting to listen closely and follow His lead.
• Joe and I celebrated our second anniversary (smartest thing I have ever done in my life!)
• I walked my 2nd Avon Walk for Breast Cancer...I take credit for that walk but I had so many supporters and could not have done it without every one of them....A special "Thank you" to Joe for walking the last couple of miles with me and pushing me to finish!!! Who is ready to walk in 2015 with me?
• We celebrated Joe's birthday in a hotel room after that 2 day walk and he was happy to take back stage to my sore feet!!
• Said good bye to my kids as they moved out of the house...hmmmm....or should I say that we got the house back to ourselves??!!!
• Had a great time making memories with Taylor Grace at the Barbie Dream House!!
• Welcomed a new nephew to our family....Ethan Alexander Butwan ..... Such a great day for my little sister to become a Mom!! Robin and Chris are going to be amazing parents!
• Began the journey with 12 other AMAZING people to raise money for our Fall mission trip
• Watched my amazing husband work hard to make our house a home!
• Celebrated my last "40 something" birthday!
• Had my last birthday phone call from my Father...Thank you to Erika (if you are reading this, you know why)
• Had an absolutely amazing vacation at Door County with the people that mean the most to me! Cherished time with the kids and grandchildren!!!
• Joe and I both avoided the ice bucket challenge!!
• We had to do an unexpected trip to Wichita, KS to say good bye to my Father. Praying every day for my Mom as she moves forward. 
• I had am amazing tour of the Stewart - Haas Racing facility. If you do not know what that means....it will not be impressive to you.
• I had a great time at concerts with some amazing friends this year....Matthew West and for King and Country (Joe's first concert....we are not counting the George Jones concert)!!
• A week at Sonlight Ministries in Haiti....If you do not already know how that was, see my previous posts!!
• Met our sponsor child in Port de Paix...Berlenda Joseph. An amazing young girl!!!
• Cannolis from Carlos Bakery .... ha ha Shari!!!
• Spent an amazing weekend with women I admire and cherish at the Women of Faith event.
• We had an amazing week long visit from Kaylea! It was great to spend time with this determined little person and get to know her better. 
• We hosted the family for Thanksgiving. Was a great day with a house full but was a little sad that my sister and her kids were missing.
• Welcomed yet another baby to our family. Oliver Blake Miller was born on 12/13/14! I am not the only Grandma in the "sibling set" anymore!! Welcome to the world Oliver and welcome to Gramma-hood Shari. Congratulations Megan and Andy!
• Kathi hosted our annual "Family Christmas" and it is always iffy with the weather and traveling. The weather this year was perfect for the drive and she did an amazing job hosting all of us at her house.
• And through all of these memorable moments, I had a full year of working with a group of amazing people at amazing hotels. We said good bye to a few of those hotels but welcomed new friends to our team. Through the year I had 30 airline flights and about 12 road trips. 

Wow....what a list! I know I have missed many many other amazing moments. As I think back over the year, I am realizing how many people have showed me support, friendship, love, encouragement and honesty. I am truly blessed...not by things or events but really by the people that have found their way into my life. 

My goals for 2015....the traditional "eat less" "exercise more" "spend wiser" etc but the #1 goal I have is to share Jesus in everything I do. I am counting on the honesty of those in my life to keep me on track next year.....go easy on the food part!!!

Love you all....Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Tami and Joe