2009 Has reached its end, and 2010 is now right in front of us.  As the year drew to a close, I reflected on the year’s events, and want to share my TOPS with you.  These are random things, really.  Some are very significant, and have been life-changing for me.  Others are rather innocuous, but stand out, all the same.  Here are my TOPS of 2009:

Significant Event: Taking J to Teen Challenge. If ever there was a hard parenting situation, it was this one. God is so faithful, even when we don’t know what He’s doing. Please don’t ever take for granted that your kids are doing okay. Don’t ever assume that just because they aren’t in TROUBLE at school or with the law, that they are staying the Path. We went through heartbreak and restoration all in this one year’s time, and all through it the Lord has had His mighty hand upon our family and our daughter. You just don’t know what it’s like to let go and let God do something until you have to drive your 14 year old 750 miles away, to live somewhere else for a whole year. We give Him all the glory for what He’s done in her life and in our family!!! She will be home for good when she graduates the program in June.

New Family Project: New Hope Boxes
A bigger, better, nicer site is soon to come!   The Lord blessed my husband with creativity and a vision to help raise money for Teen Challenge Rocky Mountains New Hope House. He is designing these beautiful jewelry boxes, each one unique, and selling them for New Hope House.  Also, each girl who graduates the program receives a New Hope Box.

Favorite Gift: I have to say two, because they are both so special to me.  First, of course, is getting our daughter back. Peace and restoration in our family relationships are the best thing ever!  And second, my Dad gave me my Mom’s wedding rings for Christmas. It was the last thing I was expecting to find in the pretty jewelry box he gave me, but when I spotted them I burst into tears and everyone in the house (all 14 of them!) fell silent as they wondered what was WRONG with me! =)  E said, “Don’t worry, Dawn’s okay. Her Dad just gave her her Mom’s rings.” Tears of joy, for sure! Now I just need to have them sized so I don’t have to wear them on my PINKY!

Best Realization: Homeschooling is our lifestyle, and we are comfortable with it. We don’t need what the public schools have to offer, nor do we want it. The Lord has always and will always provide what we need, when we need it, as long as we continue to seek Him FOR it.  It has taken me 12 years to really, truly become comfortable with it. Following the ever-changing trends in homeschooling is a surefire way to LOSE your way. Stay the path, follow God, and enjoy your kids. You’ll be surprised at where the Lord will take you!

Favorite Memory: Thanksgiving with J and the girls at Teen Challenge. Thanksgiving was the first time all five of our kids have been together since our daughter ran away in mid-May. It was the best, most special family holiday we have ever had, as agreed on by every member of the family.

Favorite Movie: Faith Like Potatoes. If you haven’t seen this movie, you MUST. It is based on the true story of Angus Buchan, modern day missionary to South Africa. Blockbuster has it, and if you rent it be sure that after you watch the movie, watch the Special Features and the documentary. The whole thing will blow you away!

Best New Recipe: Oreo Balls (To.Die.For.)– Scrape all the cream centers from a package of Oreos, and mix with a brick of cream cheese using a mixer, until smooth. Finely crush all the cookies in a freezer bag with a rolling pin, and mix into the cream cheese mixture until smooth. Refrigerate 2 hours. Roll into 1″ balls and dip in a package of melted Almond Bark. Put on cookie sheet lined with wax paper, and refrigerate 1-2 hours, until set. Store in covered container or gallon size freezer bag, if you manage to have them long enough to need to store them!

Favorite Book: The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas. Tells the story of the Roman Centurion who cast lots for, and won, Christ’s robe. I learned so much about the Early Church and the Roman government from this VERY engaging (and very long) book. I loved it and will probably read it again soon. My daughter told me she saw the movie and that it was fantastic also.

NEW 2009 Bloggy Friends: And each of these is also worth a Twitter Follow!

• Sprittibee
• Cheryl (Somewhat Crunchy)
• MamaArcher
• Kris (Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers)
• Robin Sampson (Heart of Wisdom)
• ApplieJuice
• Katie (Crazy Homeschool Mama)

God bless you and your families, and I pray that you have a great 2010!