2007 In Review!!!!!

First of all...Happy New Year!



As I look back over the past year, so much has happened in my family. Starting back in January, we were just getting used to me being back at work. 2006 was a rough year for the Bills, so 2007 had to be better. Stephen had been working at Farm Bureau Insurance for almost 9 months and I had been teaching for about 6. Keatyn was truly adjusted to being in childcare and we were trucking along. Life was pretty normal a year ago. We were walking through a tough time with Katherine and Justin as they rummaged through what was happening with their family planning. That was tough for all involved and really all we could do was just pray for them. Soon March rolled around and Keatyn turned 2. We enjoyed a Cowgirl party and a bounce house. I almost feel like I need to do a year in review from that point. She is probably one of the best things that has ever happened to Stephen and me. We learn so much from her and we LOVE watching her grow and change. You've read in previous posts what all we have been learning in the last 4 months or so, so you know what the 2's have been like. In April, Stephen got an amazing interview opportunity with Astra Zeneca Pharmaceuticals and got the job rather quickly. We were stoked, because even though we knew insurance could provide for us, we were in desperate need of something more consistent and flexible. He officially started May 1st with several week long trainings and then a three week training in Willmington, Delaware...who knows where that is?! He was out in the field and on his way by summer time and absolutely loving it. Stephen has tried a few jobs since we left Truett Seminary and we believe each one had purpose, but as we look at his job now, he has found something that fits him. He is really good at what he does. I am soooooo very proud of him and the strides that he has made in this job. In July we found out that we were expecting our second child due in April. We couldn't be more excited about it. I am halfway through my second year of teaching at Pine Tree and I cannot wait to be back at home. We have also come to a place where we feel very strongly about me staying at home while our girls are young. Circumstances happen and we have to do what's best for our family, but we have since realized that me being at home is what we definitely want. A huge P.S. to the Month of May...Katherine and Justin found out that they were expecting their first child due in just four short weeks!!! Praise the Lord...this process took them 18 months and a fridge filled with fertility drugs! Summer time brought vacations, 10 year high school reunions, swim lessons and fun times in the pool. September brought a new school year, a new classroom and Keatyn starting a new phase in her life...potty training and programs at school. October brought our annual trip to Arkansas and I got to enjoy a little reunion with some girl friends from Seminary. November brought Thanksgiving and LOTS of embroidery for Stitches and Threads...we more than doubled our business since this time last year. We are really excited about what it to come with this little business endeavor!



Well, that pretty much brings us around to December. Stephen and I celebrated 7 years of marriage on the 16th. It has been an amazing journey and I look forward to many more years with him. Christmas soon arrived and we celebrated with both Stephen's family and mine and enjoyed time off together. I am amazed at how much Keatyn has changed this year and how excited she is about the changes we have coming.



For 2008 I look forward to...

*Adding to our family

*Being at home with my girls

*Slowing down and being healthy

*Learning something new...



I thank the Lord for the blessing and challenges of 2007 and look forward to the challenges and blessing of 2008!