It's hard to say goodbye

It was a big year for us. A life-changing year. And it was kind of hard to say goodbye.

In 2009, we took our alter egos public as Sonny and Cher.

In 2009, we got a call that changed our lives...
Followed by the surreal moment of seeing this face...
And becoming believers in love at first sight...
In 2009, we went on our last family vacation as a family of 5. There was no pack-n-play and no stroller. That won't happen again for a few years. But there were plenty of treasured memories...

Like chipmunks eating out of our hands. Something that was fun, but also meaningful since Granddaddy used to tell the kids "Chippie the Chipmunk" stories...
In 2009, we survived lice...
Twice! And, as a result, our boys went from shaggy haired...
to clean cut...
In 2009, we traveled to Ethiopia. A country forever part of the fabric of our family. An amazing country filled with beautiful people. And met the most beautiful one of them all, our daughter...

Luci May Rediet Kollar.

In 2009, we became a family of 6...

In 2009, our house started looking like a daycare, my perfume became "Ode de Spit Up", and these rusty parents had to remember how to change diapers, prepare bottles, and swipe mouths for choking hazards...
In 2009, we had the joy of being with friends old...
and new...
In 2009, the tone in our family changed. We don't know if it was the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than ourselves or the magic of Lulu or simply an act of God, but there has been bitterness between our kids that has melted. Believe me, they still fight like crazy. But something is different. Something intangible, but very sweet. Not only are the older three in love with their baby sister. There has been a change in their love for one another. This fact, along with the addition of our dear Lulu, has made the fall of 2009 one of the sweetest times of my life...

In 2009, we also found out about my Mommy's cancer. With it, it brought the "new normal" of chemo and blood counts and all sorts of medical words I never knew before. But it also brought a heightened sense of appreciation. Life is short. And family is precious...
2009 reminded me to love deeply. To embrace whatever adventure God has in store. And to trust Him in the light of joy and the darkness of fear. I have loved the past year. And though I don't know what 2010 will hold, I am stepping into it with expectation that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.