we moved to a new state; visited “back home” for a family reunion that was cancelled due to Grandpa’s hospitalization, death, and funeral; found out i was pregnant again (surprise!) when the little one was only 8 months old .... and next year will bring this baby’s birth, followed closely (like maybe 3 weeks close) by a cross-country move, hubby getting out of the military and transitioning back to civilian life (for the first time in our marriage). we just go with the flow around here, lol!

This was the year we TRULY learned to lean on our Lord!  The Tuesday after Easter, DH was laid off.  Through 3 weeks he looked for jobs while struggling with a “bug”~ he even went to thedr. with out prodding from me.  Inthe course of the next week, many more dr. visits ending with my asking that he be checked for a possible mini-stroke.  He was sent to the local hospital, which diagnosed a mass on his brain.  Not trusting him to the local hospital, I had him flown to a major teaching hospital about an hour away.  The next afternoon, docs removed a fist sized tumor form his frontal lobe.  My older brother, who’s a flight nurse for the same hospital, was wih me trough it all.  DH was released on 5/7, on Sat 5/10 the medical helicopter carrying my brother, a doc & pilot crashed~ there were no survivors.

The day after brothers funeral, DH went back into the hospital to have 3 MRSA infection sites surgically removed.  In July oldest DD also came down with MRSA, with a 3rd infection while at college in the fall.

DH got a job 3 hrs away, where he lives during the week & comes home on weekends.  Things were finally starting to even out when on 12/3 DH father passed away unexpectedly.  Following that, oldest DD, had to havetonsils out the week before Christmas ( not pretty for 19 yr old). Then, as if this hasn’t been enough, my older sister’s DH fell from the roof of their 2 story home , on Christmas Day.  Thankfully, he “only” crushed an ankle & broke lower leg.  His guardian angel was right there !

Through this all, we have been bouyed by the prayers of many~ like life preservers in the open ocean.  God’s presence has been very close & comforting, along with that of His Mother.  Here’s to a better ‘09!

Life can catch you completely off guard!  My husband and I were when he was laid off two weeks before Thanksgiving from a job that he thought he was completely in charge of—what are they going to do without him?  I guess it’s all about the money and making the stockholder’s happy because others were laid off too. 

It’s been 7 weeks now and no bites on a job, and I’m a SHW&M;.  It’s so stressful!  I’m glad Xmas is over.  We provided for our little girl a nice Xmas & at least she knows the real reason of the season.  She only gets one thing from Santa and three things from us because Jesus only got three gifts, too.  But who knows when my husband will gain employment?  Like many we have a mortgage and other bills, plus she’s in Catholic school.  Luckily, we don’t have any car payments and no credit card debt.  But like many, we were oblivious to the fact that one day we might need a “rainy day ” fund, and have no savings to live on.  My husband received a severance, and we are trying hard to make it last plus with a meager weekly unemployment benefit, but it’s so scary!  And, we’ll have to stay on COBRA insurance because I have pre-existing medical conditions that require meds and those are expensive out-of-pocket!

When will his new job come?  He’s working hard every day to do what he can to network, revamp his resume, job search—what ever!  It’s the unknown that’s wearying!  But since the day after Xmas, I started praying the rosary again because that’s all I can do, is rely on my faith, and the Mother of God to lift me up.  I have neglected God, the Mother, Jesus over this past year with a waning faith that I didn’t need them as much.  Now look at me.  I have been humbled.  I am sorry.

We’ve had our share of deaths, too.  I’ve known four people since August who have died—all 56 y/o, and younger, and that person was my sister-in-law.  The most recent was of a co-worker of my husband’s in his 40’s whom commited suicide by hanging just two weeks before Xmas. (He was not laid off.)  He left a wife and four children ages 21 to 16, all living at home still. 

Now that particular tragedy put a lot of things in perspective for me.  I have my wonderful husband and daughter, we are all healthy, and I am back on track spiritually.  Good riddance 2008!  I’m not looking back, but looking forward to the blessings of 2009!

I’m am sorry to read about all those who have had such a difficult year. I know many have, and trust that “leaning on the Lord” is the best outcome to be had. I’ve had my share of struggles too, but wanted to share some of the less painful surprises!

Oldest son scored 34 on the ACT. Looks like getting him into college will not be a problem. DD, who is over 16, finally agreed to get a driving permit! I am on medication for anxiety/depression—which the medication has truly helped…(we just won’t discuss the 20 lbs. that have come with the medication!). My youngest brother found a wonderful young woman and proposed to her. Yes, she accepted, and we will all be together in 4 short months to celebrate their wedding.

Two things that suprised me the most. 1) after the outcome of the national election, the wonderful on-line, prayerful, positive outlook I found from others who were disappointed as I, but taught me how to not be bitter, but better about it all. 2) growing closer to my dh of almost 20 years, in ways I didn’t think possible—and his faith has strengthened tremendously this past year too!

I can only wait to see what blessings and surprises God has in store for us in 2009!

A daughter was born to us in 2008, after four wonderful sons (no, we weren’t trying for a girl).

During 3am nursing sessions I stumbled across several Catholic blogs (including this one) that give me hope and inspiration.  Thanks.

My biggest surprise of 2008 was transitioning from two to three children.  I thought it would be no big deal, no sweat, I can handle it no problem.  I had no clue as to how difficult it would be, especially since my first two babies were decent night sleepers, and very good nappers.  I have newfound empathy for any mother experiencing sleep deprivation.  In 2009, my goal is to sleep in my own bed for four, maybe five hours. 
I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by this website.  Between the magazine and the blogs, I have learned more about my faith, my family, and myself than I expected to this past year. 
Thanks!