SAYING GOOD-BYE TO 2010 IN THE "LAST FRONTIER"!

As another year slips away, I'm surprised how far we have come this past year. And I'm not just talking about distance either. Our family has had so many awesome changes this past year, and I'm kind of hoping that God has a little less changes for us this coming year!
At this time last year, Phill and I were sitting at our computer looking at a far off land that we would soon be calling "home." While Phill was bursting with excitement with the idea of living in the one of the coldest, darkest places in the world, I was praying "God this can't possibly be what you have in store for me!"  As I continued reading the vivid descriptions of the "Last Frontier", I became more and more certain, that I would never be able to live in such a terrible place; moose, wolves, bears, darkness, snow and cold! I remember reading an article entitled "Alaska, A Nature Lover's Paradise".  I HATE nature, animals, snow and anything labeled as "scenic"!( it's just a glorified word for "cliffs", which with 7 little kids terrifies me.)
As, much as I argued with God about this journey, I'm so thankful that the Lord knows what's better for my family then I do and He doesn't let my stubbornness get in the way of his amazing works!
While I still prefer the sun and the heat of the desert, I'm surviving the dark, cold, wilderness. And hopefully, in awhile I'll not only be surviving but thriving . If that happens, it will be by God's grace, because nothing about Alaska appeals to me. God has always been faithful to change me when I fall short. Even though the process of adapting to this kind of atmosphere has been quite painful for me, I know it is what God desires of me and His desires are aways for the best.
2010 has been a "we did it" kind of year. In April we introduced our 7th baby to the family, our son Matty. Never did I  imagine I would of been blessed with so many children, but God knew and He chose the perfect kids to put into our family. 5 weeks after Matty was born we started our journey to Alaska. After, 4400 miles, and 11 days, we arrived at Fort Richardson only to spend the next 4 weeks living in post lodging.  The trip was long and difficult. There were times during our trip that I thought "there is no way we are going to make it!" There were times when I thought for sure the kids were going to kill each other in the backseat and even one moment when I thought of leaving a couple of them on the side of the road, lol!  But, at the same time we created some of the GREATEST memories ever! Our faith in the Lord deepened, and we became stronger as a family and as a married couple. God blessed us with an awesome house and the kids got settled into school and Phill into work. And God provided me with wonderful ladies at PWOC to fellowship with. God is GOOD!

We have been able to have lots of family time since we arrived here. For which I'm so grateful. For Christmas, Phill took 2 weeks of leave and we actually stayed home and celebrated Christmas alone. I miss extended family very much, but it was wonderful to spend good quality time together and for the kids to spend time alone with Phill. We went to the movies, sledding, played in the snow and lots of other fun activities! And now I'm saddened that on Monday it will all be over.
 Now that 2010 has come to a close, I can look back at even the terrible moments and see God's incredible work at hand . He has always been faithful to take care of us every step of the way. I know that all the changes and frustration we went through this past year was preparation for things to come. With Phill's up coming deployment, being a single parent household again and the starting of our homeschooling, I know our hearts, spirits, and faith are prepared for what lies ahead of us in 2011. I pray all of our friends and family have a wonderful year with many blessings from or Lord! Happy New Year from the "Last Frontier"!