Marching on...

Seems like time continues to march on - whether I'm on board or not.

2011 was a year of great joy and extreme sadness.  I cannot describe the absolute joy that Mary Hardin has brought to our family this year.  It is beautiful, exciting and infectious.  I've also been reminded of the Lord's deep love as I've attempted to walk beside a few dear friends who are experiencing grief and heartache that I cannot comprehend.  And I'm slowly starting to understand the meaning of living each day as God gives it.

I've always struggled with worry.  I still do.  But in this new year, my focus is going to be on thanksgiving and hope in the Lord.  Rejoicing in each day.   

We ushered in this new year with some dear friends, some cheap Mexican food and some bowling alley beer.  Yup, true story.  And I loved every moment of it.

Brad and I laughed.  Brad used the word "bitchin" to describe a house as we drove up and down dark streets just wasting time with good friends.  Laughing.  It was good to laugh about nothing.  It was good to talk about something other than children and worries.

Bowling.
Let me explain our names...
Corbin's name was CHIMI - short for chimichanga (which he would eat every night of the week if Byerly would let him)
My name was CIRCUS - short for Circus Monkey.  I'm not really sure how this came about in college - all I really know was that at some point Greg started to call me Gilky the Circus Monkey.  I'm pretty sure it wasn't nice, but I never cared.  And I think when Brad hangs out with Corbin he wants to quickly revert back to all things college.
Byerly's name was THE PEAK - short for the The Peak of Good Living aka Apex.  She lives her life at the PEAK (meaning she lives it as one should, experiencing both the full breadth of joy and sadness and showing everyone that she encounters the Lord's selfless love).
And Brad of course, just named himself Brad.  Boring!

Notice below - Chimi (Corbin) lost this game.  And let me tell you that I find a bit too much joy in seeing Corbin loose something - anything. That is probably a hold over feeling from college too. 

And in this game look who won!  BYERLY!  Girl power.

These boys make me really happy.  Corbin knew long before I did that Brad would make me a very happy woman.  He tried to tell me - I remember one time specifically.  But he was wise enough and knew me well enough to let me find my own way.  Eventually I did.

I'm thankful that he is still part of our story.  And I'm even more thankful that he married a woman whom I love dearly.  I know I've said it before, but dang these are just "good people."

Looking forward to walking through this new year with hope and love.