Looking Back on 2009

The folder on our computer where all our 2009 photos are saved is entitled "2009 is the Bestest", the title perfectly describes 2009. My life, our lives, have changed so much in just one year---nearly every life event took place in 2009 for Matthew and I---engagement, marriage, moving across the country, baby, new job, quit a job, birth of a niece....

As a I take a moment to reflect on 2009, I realize how rich, full and blessed our lives are. 2009 brought along changes, surprises, laughter and tears. 2009 was the year I truly realized how important it is to hold the ones we love close (family AND friends) to our hearts, relish each moment with them and appreciate everything about them.

You may think I am a sap as you read all this, but that's ok---maybe I am. Either way, here are some of the highlights and the BLESSINGS associated with them!

Our Wedding: With our engagement on 12.22.08, we rang in the 2009 New Year with wedding planning in full swing. A quick courtship followed by a quick engagement meant all hands were on deck! My mother gets every shred of credit for the absolutely flawless, beautiful, elegant dream wedding she created for us on May 9, 2009 in Natchez, MS. All that mattered to Matthew and I was having our closest family and friends be part of the second most important day of our lives (the first being when we accepted Christ as our savior). We were honored to have each person there. For me, the moment I committed myself to Matthew for the rest of my life---I felt like I was complete. Thank you again to each of you for sharing that day with us, I will cherish it always and will never forget each face I saw as Matthew and I became husband and wife.

• Blessing-a husband grounded in his faith with the most selfless, patient and loving spirit.
• Blessing-our families expanded to include some of the most wonderful people in the world.
  
• Blessing-friends and family who consistently encourage and inspire us.

First Dance

Other Weddings: I do not have any sisters, but my cousins have always felt like sisters to me. Two of my cousins were also married last year--one in March and one in June (and yes--it was all on one side of the family so we were all very busy last spring). I was privileged to be able to attend both weddings and actually be a bridesmaid in one of them. Although they are sisters the weddings were beautifully and wonderfully unique from each other. I enjoyed seeing personalities emerge within the wedding plans.

• Blessing-loving, supportive and diverse family members who always keep a smile on my face!

Caroline McDaniel and Tyler Gray Wedding-March 2009

Ali McDaniel and Will Bolton Wedding-June 2009

Matthew's good friend Chris Evans also got married in June in Clinton, MS. It was wonderful to see his entire crew of friends together again and as groom/groomsmen. Many of Matthew's best friends have been his friends since childhood or high school and I truly enjoy watching them all in one place at one time. Although they are each in different phases of life and live in different places, each time they are together it is like they pick right back up where they left off.

• Blessing-faithful, enduring friendships with a foundation in the Lord.

Kathryn Hullman and Chris Evans Wedding-June 2009

Lyla Claire Burley: On June 18, 2009 Lyla Claire Burley was born to Matthew's sister and brother in law--Tim and Kimberly Burley. We were honored to be present in Mississippi when LC was born. She by far wins the prize for best and most photogenic baby. Matthew and I continue to enjoy pictures of our niece as she grows into a more and more beautiful baby everyday---not to mention marvel at how much she looks like Tim!!!

• Blessing-a precious baby safely born to wonderful Godly parents.
• Blessing-being a witness to God's absolute LOVE for us through miracle of life as LC grows and thrives!!

LC and us in July 2009

SURPRISE! Obviously the biggest shock of our lives this year was at the end of July when we discovered we were pregnant. Most people have a sweet story about how they told their husband they were expecting--well not me. I was in SUCH shock I was a complete nutcase. Matthew's friend Collin was in town staying with us for the evening. I took a test while they were downstairs thinking to myself "I am so silly and paranoid". Well---when the test came up positive in like 2 seconds I called Matthew to the bathroom while poor Collin was alone downstairs. When Matthew arrived I kept saying "ok do not freak out" over and over again. Anyone who knows us knows MATTHEW does not do the freaking out, that's my department. So, I was really trying to tell myself to not freak out. I don't think we believed it until a month or so later :)

Although it was a huge surprise, we can truly give all the glory to God that this was in HIS plan and HIS timing. God has been preparing us for parenthood the last 6 months and it has been an amazing journey! We feel honored that God has given us this little Blessing. We pray each night that we will devote this child to the Lord and lean on him for all the guidance we need as parents.

• Blessing-being part of God's huge and glorious plan. WOW, that is all I can say!

Ultrasound of our "Blessing" in October of 2009--we resisted the temptation to find out the gender; "Blessing" is giving us a THUMBS UP that all is well!

NASA and Regions: Before even finding out we were pregnant, Matthew started his job search since he was expected to graduate in December 2009. He applied for a few federal government positions and did not hear a response for months. Meanwhile, we learn we are pregnant. All in God's perfect timing, in mid-sept---Matthew got a call for an interview with NASA for his DREAM job in Washington D.C. AND I took a temporary job assignment to work for a non-profit on behalf of Regions. We learn the job assignment is through Thanksgiving which will prove to be a huge blessing later on. NASA asked Matthew to begin work before the semester but yet again God had a glorious plan---and worked it out so that Matthew could begin his new career AND finish school. The only downside....Matthew and I would have to live apart for two months.

The two months were challenging for us---Newlyweds, expecting a baby (which equals uncharacteristically emotional Kelly), selling a house AND moving across the country. Matthew was the ROCK through it all. I had a very smooth transition out of my career with Regions as a result of the temporary job assignment and was able to spend Thanksgiving with my family. God had it all perfectly planned.

• Blessing-learning that God's plan does not always unfold when and how we expect but that whatever it is 1) He is faithful and will take care of it and 2) His plan is PERFECT!
• Blessing-Matthew got his dream job
• Blessing-selling the house before leaving Birmingham.
• Blessing-support and prayers of our family, friends and each other as we begin our new adventure in D.C.

Masta Matthew: Even though Matthew had to finish half of his last graduate school semester remotely---he did it successfully! He now has a Masters of Science!

• Blessing-UAB and Matthew's professors worked with him to make this possible, without them he would not have been able to finish at UAB! Their partnership to help graduate is blessing that will keep on giving!

Da Masta Matthew!

Moving to Washington D.C: We found a wonderful suburb and church all in close proximity to the metro! The apartment we ended up selecting was truly discovered on accident and it is the BEST one of all the ones we saw--and we saw about 15 in one weekend!!! Although it is a bit of an adjustment going from a house to an apartment, but it did not take long for us to settle in!

• Blessing-GOD PROVIDES!!!
• Blessing-a church family and friends already!

Overall in 2009 God showed us that he will take care of us and his timing is the perfect timing!

2009 lived up to its name--THE BESTEST, but I know in 2010--it will just keep getting better! So, 2010 will be dubbed "2010, It Just Keeps Getting Better".

Happy New Year to all--I hope and pray this year blesses each of you who read this really long blog!!

Bring on 2010 and the Grant baby!! Love to you all!!