Goodbye 2011

As the sun sets on another year it is the time to reflect and review all that has happened over the last twelve short months. 

Last few days of the decorations

This was the year cancer became a word known by our family in a very real way; which has given us a new perspective on how we view life as well as make us all so thankful for health and the precious people we share our life with.  Our hope in a Saviour who daily bears our burdens has been the strength we have been able to draw from. It is amazing how even in very dark times there is beauty; the love and kindness of friends has been very special to us over the last few months.

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Saviour,
   who daily bears our burdens. 

Psalm 68 v 19

It is such a delight and always a humbling privilege to see our children grow  and watch them develop their own very individual character and personalities.  Seeing them go through  both good and hard times,  become increasingly independent, yet still dependent on us for so much.  We are learning the balance of parenting teens  and tots,  again reflecting on how family life changes as the kids get older.

A bargain bay to adorn the front door

It has been a year full of the usual events of  our large family life:  Including starting school, taking GCSE options,  patching a lazy eye, music grades taken and passed, moving on from Beavers, football injuries and success at county level, far too many casualty visits, orchestra performances, lots of birthday parties, too many bills, household budgets to trim  and always parents working to keep the right work/life/church balance!

So as we move into a new year, may you all know much happiness and blessing and also strength to manage any hard times ahead.