Chaney Christmas and 2008 Revue

Okay, okay, so "revue" actually means, "any entertainment featuring skits, dances, and songs." Sorry to disappoint, but there will be no singing or dancing associated with this post. Somehow, "revue" just fit.

This may be a whirlwind of a post, but seeing as it has been a couple of weeks since I have posted anything and we are embarking on a new year, there is some ground to cover. First, Christmas. After a busy couple of weeks in Wewa (which made the time pass by very quickly), including some youth events and our youth Christmas party, we set out for our journey home to spend Christmas with family. A little ol' 12 hour drive is nothing to us, although these days we're having to stop a few more times than usual. I imagine the same will play out for future trips. Nevertheless, we typically get in the car and we go, go, go and get the trip over with. Along the way we saw the guy that is in the picture toting a cross across a busy highway. I still wonder what his story is. That was about the most eventful portion of our trip - the rest consisted of much fog and rain as we headed from 70 degree weather to chilly single digits. But, those digits were welcome when it meant seeing some familiar faces as well. We enjoyed a good few days with my family and Sabian's family, including the introduction to our newest niece, Eden. I may be partial, but she sure is a sweet, sweet girl. It was hard to leave that little face. The caveat attached to going home means inevitably missing out on seeing some people. We'd love to see everyone possible, but it just doesn't always work out. Such is the hard part of having just a few days to spend at home. All in all we had a great time and enjoyed being in Illinois and Missouri. Only one of us got a few sniffles while there (me) and now Sabian is sniffing away.

We did celebrate our own little Christmas before we left town. Thanks to Mrs. Connie, our sweet and very much appreciated neighbor and member of our congregation (she was one of the first people we ever met here!), we even had an ornament recognizing our new family to be. Next year we will get to celebrate with Addie here! This ornament fulfilled a Chaney Christmas tradition, where we get a new ornament each year, usually from somewhere we have visited during that year. This one is extra special.

We've now been home a few days and are settling back in, although there is much scattered about that needs to find a place to rest. As soon as our new carpet is installed, we'll take care of that for sure. For now, things have a way of resting where they've been placed for the time being.

We did have a doctor's appointment yesterday, marking my 30th week of pregnancy. I am happy to report that all is going well and Addie is growing and currently weighs in (so they say) at 3 pounds, 6 ounces. It was fun to catch another glimpse of her but she still doesn't want to show us her face. However, we did get a great look at her rear end. I'm hoping this is the other way around when she is actually here. She may not have given us much a view, but here are a couple of photos. In the bottom photo, she was apparently holding on to her toes.


In a few hours members of our youth group will be showing up to ring in the new year with chips, soda, and pizza rolls at our house. If I take a minute and think of what we were up to last New Year's Eve, it was definitely colder and the new year was being looked at with much anticipation. At that point we didn't know that we would be moving, but we were pretty sure 2008 would bring some big changes in our household. Change, it did. A new town and a new baby on the way, 2008 will always stand out in our minds. I suspect 2009 will, too!

We know that, as with every year, our steps have been ordered by God, and we are not where we are by accident. Though sometimes difficult, whether it is 1988, 2008, 0r 2018, I'll always know that God is with us and will continue to provide for us, just as He always has, every year. I pray that as much as I KNOW this, that I will truly BELIEVE it.

Thank you to our friends and family who have supported us and encouraged us through this year with all that has taken place. We look forward to sharing this new year, and many more, with you.

Happy 2009!