Wrapping Up 2020

Most, if not all, Christmas letters this year will start off the same, "What an unprecedented year!" So, there. I've said it. Now I can move on.

We've had a fun full year of firsts. 

First missions trip with Livvy and Sam. We went to Juarez, Mexico in January to hand out Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Truly amazing time!

First Zoom meetings, mostly for Livvy, but some for Ben, Tom and I. We're all in agreement, they suck - pardon my French! Nothing about them is cool. Functional? Sorta, yes. But they are not a great way to learn, receive therapy, or fellowship. Just not!

First Cutlip kid to get their driver's permit, car and now license. Livvy has been working and saving for a couple of years now and was able to purchase a 2009 Nissan Versa from a friend. So proud of her!

First time having chickees at this house and first time Zacky got to hold baby chicks (and first time Jon and Danner remember holding baby chicks).

We LOVE fresh eggs!

First chicken coop built.

First time the two bigs hiked the San Francisco Peaks, separately, but each to see the sun rise.  

The middle kid is Sam.

First time building a pergola.

First time watching baby birds hatch in two separate nests.

My parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Tom celebrated his 50th birthday.

Second time fostering a pooch, but first in this house and it's quite the story. She'll be with us awhile.

This is Dakota. We all adore her.

First little garden at this property - the BEST tomatoes ever!! 

First boy Cutlip in high school Sam is now taller than even Livvy, who is taller than me, not that that is saying much, but... Now we have 2 high schoolers, 2 middle schoolers, 1 elementary and 1 preschool. Lord, give me strength. Chug, chug, chug...

Danner lost his first, and second, tooth.

First political rally back in November. As I'm writing this in January, Liv and Sam are with Generation Joshua in Georgia campaigning for the two Republican senate candidates.

First elk for Sam and Ben. Tom and the boys were scouting by themselves for the first part, and then our good friend, Danny, came and helped with both kills. No one is ever skunked when he helps. The freezer is full and that makes mama happy!

First 16th birthday. Kinda crazy that we have a 16 yr old in our midst. Livvy is so kind, mature and just the goofiest girl around! I love her confidence, love for others, and, well, just about everything about her!

Liv's party was to find or do 16 16's. Here there in front of the Harkins 16.

First track and field event for Ben. He said is was fun, but that he didn't need to race again. Fine with that.

First college class completed - ENG101 for Livvy. Next semester she'll take on ENG102 and be done with high school and college English - YAY!!! - sorry no picture:)

We had a wonderful Christmas and New Year's filled with some down-time, friends, family, a little quiet here and there. It's been good.

The year has for sure had it's ups and downs. We've had our share of struggles this year too - feeling cramped, criticized, loss of employment/income, loss of any sense of control, completely befuddled and confused, struggle to make sense of these crazy times, begging God for wisdom and understanding with not just the times, but also with parenting, marriage, etc. BUT GOD - those great words that proceed the turn events - But God has provided, calmed, stilled, and reminded time and time again that He is in control. Nothing surprises Him. He has been good, is good, and will continue to be good. He can be trusted.

And so that's how we go into 2021. Not with hope for "back to normal". Not for hope in any particular candidate or policy or vaccine. I will struggle, we will struggle, to put our hope and keep our hope in Him and Him ALONE. He alone can save.