Looking Back. Looking Forward.

Before this past year, 2005 brought about the biggest changes in my life. I graduated college and married the man of my dreams. I left the comfort and safety of my parents care and joined together with the one I love to create a life of our own. That was a big year. An amazing year. But 2009 brought about an even bigger change. Had the events of 2005 never occurred, we would not have had what we did in 2009. The best, most exciting, biggest life changing year of both of our lives. Our flesh and souls were meshed perfectly together to fashion the most amazing gift of all, our baby boy.



I've realized that the biggest years of my life to date, are the years when I take on a new role and gain a new name. My entire life, I was Whitney: Daughter, Sister, Granddaughter, Niece, Friend, along with several other names concerning things I filled my life with. But in 2005, I became Wife. This was the biggest name on my list, because it wasn't something I was born with or given beyond my control. This was a name that I chose. A name that I always dreamed of having. Wife.



This year, I became Mom. Yet another name that I chose. The sweetest name on my list. Mom.

I have wanted to be a Mom for as long as I can remember. My goal in life was to get married, have babies and make my house a home while raising and guiding my children. 2009 brought that dream my reality.



The other names on my list are no less important than that of Wife and Mom, but they are ones that I am used to having. Ones that I feel complete and comfortable in. They have always been a part of my life and being a wife and mom have not. These are my newest names and I am constantly learning, constantly gaining wisdom and constantly seeking God's council in these two areas so that I can better perfect these roles as I walk through life.



I am blessed beyond measure as I enter 2010. My beloved husband gave me the new name of wife in 2005 and I look forward to enhancing that role with him for the rest of our lives. My precious son gave me the new name of mom in 2009 and I look forward to raising him with grace and cultivating a family legacy for him as best as I can.



Here's to another year of exciting beginnings, family health, lots of laughter and experiencing God's goodness and mercy day in and day out.

Happy New Year, friends of old and new.



(And for funzies, my disheveled little dumplin'...)