2008: A Year in Review

What a whirlwind 2008 has been. I cannot believe that we are on the eve of 2009. A new year, a new start, new memories, new sorrows, new joys, new victories, new changes. But I feel like I cannot fully embrace the new year, without looking at where I have been, and what this past year has held. So here are a few highlights:

1. The wedding! The majority of 2008 was spent planning the wedding. From Bridal Expos, to many trips to Michael's and JoAnne's. Making invitations, favors, and centerpieces. Buying a wedding gown. Also, being engaged long distance is a challenge. We did our pre-marital counseling on weekends when I could be in Portland. Our entire wedding was planned this way.


2. The big move: I moved back to Portland in June. This was harder for me than I realized. After a few big break downs, I settled in. Some friends graciously let Ryan stay with them, and I lived in his apartment. It worked well, but the half hour drive every night began to take it's toll. It was a relief to finally get married and live together. We LOVE our little apartment so much!



3. Hadlie Michelle. Our ADORABLE niece Hadlie was born! What a joy she is to the entire Hawes/Werner family!


4. Ryan's Job. Ryan signed his new contract at work. Which means, he is now an Executive Producer!!! I am so proud of him. He will be over seeing the 8, 10, and 11 pm news casts. Which means, his schedule will change from 9-6 to 2-11pm. It's going to be a change for us, but we are so excited for this opportunity for him! This is after he launched the 4'OClock news, and the 5'OClock news. Both of which had unexpected success!!




5. Beaverton Foursquare. We found a church. We had been praying about finding a church in our neighborhood. We knew we wanted a place close to home where we could worship, learn, and get involved. We found it. After our first Sunday we felt like we were "home".


6. Westwood Baptist Church. I miss my students in Olympia. But I knew when the job opened in Beaverton, that I had to go. It was a very hard thing for me. I learned so much from the youth pastor I was working with. I learned how to do ministry well. My 9 months that I was there provided me with an amazing learning opportunity. I also developed many relationships with some AWESOME students.




7. 25?? Yup, I turned 25. A quarter of a century. I am growing up. My birthday was amazing. Ryan had a whole scavenger hunt planned. Including making our own wine, which we gave to our wedding party.


8. My Husband. Ok, so I already talked about Ryan a little bit, but I am going to talk some more. He asked me at Christmas what the highlight of my year had been. He said the wedding was excluded. Of course. But I knew however I answered he would be included. The Lord has blessed me so much in him. I have the joy of being married to an incredible man. He is my best friend. He laughs with me. Supports me. Encourages me to be better than I am. Prays with me. Loves me. Spoils me. Builds me up. Holds me accountable. Cherishes me. I couldn't be more thankful for my husband. 2008 was only as good as it was because of him.


So there you have it, a few highlights from my last year. There are so many sweet memories and big things, but I don't want to keep typing them all out!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Tis the season to be....grumpy?

I am guilty. The past few days I have been grumpy. Just ask Ryan. Something in me was just feisty and grumpy. He's been calling me "Grumpy Pants". So sweet. Have I become the Grinch?

It's not just me though. Everywhere I go, someone is grumpy. I just had a customer call at work, who was grumpy. People at the store...grumpy. Drivers...grumpy. Grumpy grumpy grumpy. I am trying so hard not to be.

I was in the grocery store last week. I almost hit a guy with my cart. I made a joke, he laughed. I tried so hard to smile, say excuse me, thank you, and just be nice. It's amazing that when ONE person is nice, your grumpiness just fades away. So if that's the case, why aren't we being nicer to others, so they aren't grumpy anymore?

Is it the snow? Because I am pretty sure that has added to my bad moods. Is it the stress of the holidays? All the craziness? The rushing? All the people everywhere you go?

I need to stop being grumpy. My poor husband. So, I am sorry to those I have been grumpy towards in the past couple of days. I am really trying to be happy, and nothing like the Grinch. Because, after all, isn't it the season to Merry, or is it Jolly?

It's Christmas Time

My all time favorite holiday is Christmas. I love the food, the smells, the sounds (boy do I love the sounds), the cold weather, the lights. I love everything about Christmas, except maybe for "Santa Baby" and "Jingle Bells".

We decorated our little home last weekend. My "Snow" theme is spilling over into the living room and dining room. Our small, but beautiful tree fills up the corner. My snowmen are sprinkled throughout the house. Candles are lit. Christmas music is playing. I love it!

Ryan and I are both trying to be very intentional this year. We really want to focus on the bigger things this season. While it's fun to decorate, sing carols, open gifts, and eat food, there is so much more. There is giving. Loving. Serving. And a precious baby that was born.

Our church is doing a thing called "Advent Conspiracy". The focus is to spend less, give more time, and love your neighbors. That is what we are trying to do this year. While we are having fun thinking of gifts to give one another, we are making the most of our time and resources. I am so excited to get to my Christmas baking, just to share it!

We are also trying to remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas. Jesus. I didn't grow up reading the Christmas story from Luke, but Ryan did. It's a tradition him and I would like to start together. We are also reading through a book called "Unafraid". It is by Francine Rivers. It's a fiction book all from Mary's perspective from the birth of Christ, to his death. It's been so neat to read this together and really focus on the miracle of Jesus' birth. To focus on the reality that he left Heaven and all his glory to be born in a dirty stall, and to sleep in a manger. He traded a glorious mansion, for a stable.

There is a song that always gets to me every year, it's called "Manger Throne" by Third Day. The lyrics always bring me back to Christ's birth.

What kind of King would leave His throne
In Heaven to make this earth His home?
While men seek fame and great renown
In loneliness our King comes down

Jesus, Jesus, precious One
How we thank You that You've come
Jesus, Jesus, precious One
A manger throne for God’s own Son

You left the sound of angels' praise
To come for men with unkind ways
And by this Baby's helplessness
The power of nations is laid to rest

What kind of King would come so small
From glory to a humble stall?
That dirty manger is my heart, too
I'll make it a royal throne for You

My heart is a throne
My heart is a throne for God's own Son