HAPPY NEW YEAR

Part one:
Well, the year 2005 was a long and eventful one for us. We started off in Biloxi, Ms. on a downhill slope which sent us on quite a ride. As the year began, we were already struggling with financial problems, which soon led to our first move of the year. This was a very difficult move for us emotionally. We tried hard to hold on to any upsides we could think of, but nothing seemed to work out for us. After we realized that there were no signs of sunshine heading in our direction and our dark cloud of debt seemed to be growing, we decided to pack up once again and move to Woodstock. This was also a difficult move for us, especially for Josh. He was born and raised in Biloxi, and it was very hard for him leave his home. I, on the other hand, am all too familiar with moving from one place to another due to life in the military. Although, it was very painful to ask my parents for help, yet again, after doing so entirely too many times. Once we got settled in here, we had a harder time finding work than we had expected. But, we eventually landed jobs, and our spirits began to rise a little. Unfortunately, more bad news was around the corner...Hurricane Katrina. We were glued to the TV, and we stayed in contact with our family and friends on the coast for as long as the lines would allow. We knew it was bad (as did everyone else), but nothing prepared us (or anyone else) for the outcome. Josh's Grandfather lost his house, his Aunt's house got flooded (we later learned they rode the storm in the attic), and his Great Aunt's house also got flooded (luckily, she didn't stay home). We had a hard time absorbing all we heard and all we saw in photos and videos. But, after knowing that everyone was safe, we couldn't help but feel blessed that we had moved when we did. Things will never be the same on the coast, and it's sad to say that I didn't miss it until I knew I couldn't go back to what we left.
It was definitely a long and difficult year, but we made it through it. The kids have grown beautifully during 2005. Brianna has finally broken through her social shell and is communicating better than ever. She has learned how to read very well, is now fully potty trained, and she began her first year of preschool in November. Sean discovered the purpose of his skull and made good use of it as his balancing slowly progressed. He also learned that it doesn't protect his lip or his teeth. After several busted lips and a chipped tooth, he figured it out. He learned how to crawl at 8 months, how to walk at 10 months, and how to drive us nutty just after his first birthday. So far, he shows signs of becoming a ball player (or hockey player;)and a comedian.
Well, time to move on to whatever 2006 has in store. Thank you to all of our family and friends who helped us make it through the last year. We love you all and are blessed to have you in our lives. Have a better-than-wonderful New Year!
Part two:
A new year is a time for new beginnings. This goes for everyone, weather you are looking for a new relationship, a new home, a new job, a new look, a new tradition, or a whole new way of life. I am sending my wishes to all of you for the best of luck in all you do this year to make your lives a little better, a little easier, a little healthier, and a little happier.
I would especially like to send my best wishes and hopes out to all of those who experienced a loss of any kind due to Hurricane Katrina. While most people are vowing to lose weight or quit smoking, like so many of us do each year (like Josh and I), so many others are vowing to rebuild their lives and just get back to normal, and they would give anything to just have the life they had last New Years Day. The resolutions they made exactly one year ago may now seem rather insignificant. So, here's to the coast and all those affected. May this year of 2006 bring them a bright new beginning to the return of the lives they once knew.
I would like to note a final thank you to all those who have helped and are currently helping to rebuild the gulf coast both physically and emotionally. You touch the hearts of more than those you meet.