Our Yearbook: New Beginnings for a New Year

It has been too long since my last post where to begin...

Thank you all for the prayers as Jay returned to work (shortly after Thanksgiving) after six weeks of recovery. Upon his return, he had his last follow up with the orthopedic surgeon and was discharged from physical therapy. He continues to have leg swelling interminably, but has been assured this is normal and to be expected as his leg continues to heal naturally. We've been trying to go for walks which we believe is helpful for his recovery. He recently returned to bike riding, increasing his distance with each ride. While Jay was out on disability, they're were many changes in his department. He's getting used to some "new" faces as well as an "earlier" shift.

I recently accepted a part time job offer in my "primary field" of social work as a research assistant. I will be providing support for a research study on nursing interventions with dementia patients at a local hospital and it's affiliate adult day care facility. My colleagues were very welcoming and eager about having me apart of the team. This has come at the opportune time as a week after accepting this position, myself and my two colleagues, were unexpectedly laid off from the tax firm (two weeks before Christmas). Presently, I'm exploring unemployment and teaming with my tax colleague to work from home, all the while adjusting to my social work position.

Jay and I can't believe how much has happened in the last few months of the year. From becoming new homeowners, to disability due to injury, to lay off, to returning to social work, to say it's been eventful is quite the understatement. Yet God has faithfully guided us during the times of uncertainty and disappointment. We've learned to have a heart of acceptance, willingness, and praise, so that we can say "To God be the Glory." Sometimes it's hard to trust in Him or to find the blessings, but we're grateful for His love, faithfulness, and patience. We hope that this new year you can sing along with us:

"Glory to God, Glory to God
Glory to God, Forever

Take my life and let it be
All for you and for your glory
Take my life and let it be yours."
(Glory to God Forever by Steve Fee)

For in disappointment and uncertainty there are blessings. Here's some highlights from the last few months.

a new home
new hair do (blond to brunette)
spending quality time with Uncle Bill and Aunt Kathy from Canada while Jay healed
celebrating Halloween in the usual extravagant tradition

Jay carving our pumpkin

Planting pumpkin seeds with Nolan

deadliest catch fisherman with his catch

crazy Canadians!

giving to those in need through:
Operation Christmas Child
Canning Hunger, Inc

packing boxes for Operation Christmas Child that were sent to the Philippines

Delicious dinner with Uncle Bill, Aunt Kathy, and Jay's parents at Mrs. Knotts Chicken Restaurant

winning the "grand prize" with our realtor's Thanksgiving Raffle (we won a $75 gift card to Trader Joes)

celebrating Thanksgiving with Jay's family and Skyping with mine
the strengthened friendships with my former tax colleagues
the foot in the door as a social worker
many home improvement projects(without injury)
watching the local boat parade

favorite boat with the Christmas Story movie theme