A Year Remembered

2008

Our Dearest Friends and Family,
It is hard to believe that another year has gone by. This year has sure kept our little family busy. We decided one of the best ways to share what’s been happening in our lives over the past year is to remember what we have been grateful for this year.

Derrick: This has been quite a spectacular year. I was very grateful for my loving wife (and obviously I continue being grateful for her). I have a newfound respect for her after watching her deliver our son Jayden. She is the strongest person I have ever met, I love her dearly. I am very grateful that she strives to be such a wonderful mother to our son, and such a wonderful wife to me.

This year brought the most life-changing decisions that we’ve ever had. For those that didn’t know, I was finishing an internship in HR in Idaho Falls. When the internship was drawing to a close we had an interview for an HR position in Tillamook, OR for the county seat. We were offered the position, but something didn’t quite settle with us. The company I was interning with, Center Partners, offered me a full-time position after we got back from Oregon. We prayed about it and felt the decision to stay with Center Partners. We couldn’t be happier. This illustrates how grateful I am for the spiritual guidance we received this past year. We have learned that if we strive to do what the Lord wants us to, we will be awarded with His guidance.

And of course, I’m grateful for my family. For the support they give us, and the love they show us. I’m especially grateful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the focal point of our lives.

On a less spiritual note – I’m grateful that Rodizio’s is now if Fort Collins!!!!! I think that’s the reason the Lord wanted us to come to Colorado! (If you don’t know what Rodizio’s is, here’s a link http://www.rodiziogrill.com/)

Catherine: I have been grateful for many things this year. I am grateful for a loving husband who supports me daily. I am grateful for his love towards me and our son. I am grateful that he is an honorable man who is respected by many people. I am grateful that he has a career in which he excels and that he is able to provide for our family.

I am grateful that I was able to carry and deliver Jayden without complications. I am grateful for Jayden who is such a blessing in my life. I am grateful for how healthy and strong he is. I am grateful for how well he sleeps. I am grateful for his laugh that can brighten up any day. I am grateful for his patience with me as I learn how to be a mother.

I am grateful for grandparents who can give me so much knowledge. I am grateful for my parents and my in laws for how much they love and support our family. I am grateful for my siblings, my husband’s siblings and their children who bring joy into our lives.

I am grateful for wonderful friends who lend a helpful hand. I am grateful for the health and strength the Lord gives me every day. I am grateful for a place to live and the beauties of the world around me. I am grateful that I can learn new skills every day. I am grateful for good books and great music.

Most of all I am grateful for our Savior. I am grateful that he was born into this world and died for me. And I am grateful that we have this season of the year where we can focus more on his marvelous life.

Jayden (as observed by his mother): I am grateful for milk and rice cereal. I am grateful for my grandparents and my aunts and uncles. I am grateful for parents who care for me.

I am grateful for a clean diaper. I am grateful for sleep. I am grateful for my binky. I am grateful for attention from anyone but especially Mom and Dad. And I am grateful I can laugh and smile.

We hope this coming year brings you all much joy and happiness. May the Lord bless you.
Love,
The Pauly Family (Derrick, Catherine and Jayden)