Happy New Year!

For all my Asian friends and family, and for those who just like a good party - today is Chinese New Year! It seems fitting at New Year to catch up on the missed stories of the last few months, and count the many blessings we have had this year.

We had the pleasure of having my brother and sister-in-law visit us for Christmas. It was wonderful to have family to celebrate our first Christmas in Texas. I splurged and ordered a tree from Nova Scotia which was AMAZING. Best tree ever. Totally green and fresh and the best smell ever. There was lots of cooking and laughing and relaxing.

Then we were off to Jamaica for one of my best friend's wedding. It was a totally relaxing week. Lots of laughs, lots of food, lots of swimming in the ocean. It completely solidified for us the joy of a destination wedding and now we are happily back into the thick of planning our wedding for next November.

When we came home I finally had all the paperwork in place for a visa - so it was a quick overnight zip to Canada to make it legal! Sadly I still can't start work...takes 4 weeks for a social security number, then 6 weeks for a prescriber ID from the department of public safety, and on and on. But at least things continue to move forward.

We had a wonderful visit from our godparents as well. Charles and Dianne are always a welcome addition to our home as they fit so seamlessly into our lives. It feels as if they are family and are just meant to be in the livingroom when I get up in the morning!

And last but not least we got a dog! Wooferson Roswell Chung (or just Woof) is the best dog ever. We adopted him from the pound in January. He was found as a stray 2 months ago, but obviously someone has spent a lot of time training him. He is the quietest, gentlest, politest guy ever and we just adore him. He makes for a great foot warmer and loves nothing more than to have his belly scratched and go for walks. He is a welcome addition to the family :)

Unfortunately the last few months have held a lot of sickness for our family, and we are praying that this new year will bring good health to all. Our current prayer requests are:
My stepsister as she recovers from a blood clot in the brain
My stepsister-inlaw as she recover from an appendectomy
My mom as she recovers from surgery to remove cancer in her thyroid
My sister-in-law's dad who is being investigated for a mass pressing on his spine, causing him to lose the ability to walk.
My cousin's father-inlaw in ICU in Taiwan for lung problems
My cousin who is suffering from a torn meniscus in his knee and awaiting options for healing/repair.

Of course our bodies also bring many miracles - and we are thankful for the safe and healthy births of our two new neices - Aria and Olena. And pray that Kristie and Nikki (two of our good friends) will have healthy pregnancies this year.

"According to Chinese tradition, the Rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves.  It is a time for negotiation.  Don't try to force issues, because if you do you will ultimately fail.  To gain the greatest benefits from this time, focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships with women and children.   Make it a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you will be able to calmly deal with any problem that may arise."


May this New Year bring you all peace. May your hearts and minds be calm. May health flow through your families. Many any discord or grudges be washed away. And may all your days bring you happiness.

Lots of love
Pamela

p.s. New Year has brought an ice storm to Texas - we've been at home for 3 days with no end in sight! They don't know how to plow here :) May the New Year bring winter-related knowledge and skills to all Texans! hahahaha