Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We hope you have enjoyed a wonderful 2010. Life as a single mom and grieving widow is one of the hardest things I've ever done, but as Mary Beth Chapman, wife of Steven Curtis Chapman, says, "I believe God can handle my heart, my questions, and my anger. It's okay to want [Andrew] back. It's okay to be angry. The question is, what do I do with it all? What do I do with God? In the midst of such heartbreak, do I really believe that all things work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose" (Chapman, Choosing to See)? Alongside such darkness, loneliness, and pain, the Lord has blessed us with great richness in our life as well.
AJ is five now and enjoying his first year in kindergarten. He loves sticks, trees, snow, and paper airplanes. He is a very loving and sweet boy, who has always seemed to understand everything that's going on around him.
Gracie, who is four, is very strong, independent, and fearless, so much like her papa. She is a very sweet girl and loves to make new friends, whether at St. Andrew Preschool or anywhere new she goes.
The children keep me very busy, but I can't help but keep writing and am grateful to be able to be dancing weekly my favorite dance classes I've ever taken in my life. One is at the Academy of Russian Ballet and the other is a cardio dance class, where our amazing instructor has us do every dance form under the sun in an hour-and-15 minutes from all kinds of Latin, to tap, to ballet, to Broadway, to Indian, and any other form of dance that you can think of.
We are grateful for our church and all our relationships there and in Minnesota.
We are grateful for our church and all our relationships there and in Minnesota.
Hope you all are having a wonderful holiday season!
Love,
Grace, AJ, and Gracie
Happy New Year to you and your family Grace!! :0) You go woman with your faith determination and love for your family friends and above all your love for God! I'm so happy that you're willing and able to bring back your passions in your life... dancing!! and writing!! Your favorite-ist activities that make your heart soar and soul alive! :0) Keep that spark alit as it's certainly been passed on to AJ and Gracie!! :0D ... and to us too!! Wishing you the bestest brightest warmest new year to you and your loved ones! Aloha, Tara :0)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you and your little ones! They are getting so big and already athletes and artists :-) I loved that quote from her book...its such a great mystery to sometimes engulfed with so much deep sorrow and have joy and trust in who God is. I'm glad He is not shocked or dismayed at our questions and confusion, but that He still comforts in the middle of our tears. I still remember you in my prayers, please let me know how i can continue to pray for and with you. Best, Jessena
ReplyDeleteThe expression on AJ's face in the top picture reminds me so much of Andrew and look at that big smile on Gracie's face. You have a beautiful family. Hope your 2011 is filled with joy.
ReplyDeleteSherrie & Ron