Outlook

Isaiah met my grandmother, his great-grandmother, for the first time when we got together with my dad's family for New Year's Day.  Last year, Isabelle was pouty when it was time to bow and say "Happy New Year" to our family members.  This year, Isabelle enjoyed the "bowing portion", but I think we'll have to work on her form for next year!  ;)  We didn't quite get a chance to practice.  Last year, Isabelle loved receiving the envelopes, but did not care for what was inside (money).  This year, after receiving each envelope, she tried to peek inside.  I love that my dad's family still gives me saebae don (money for New Years) even though I'm married, 31, and have two kids.  Hahahaha!

At my aunt's house this year, Isabelle shouted "Money!" when she received her first envelope.  It was a bit embarrassing, but hey, the girl knows!  :)  I don't think Isabelle really understood what was going on, but she went with the flow because she saw other people bowing and hugging and receiving envelopes.  Yes, I still get saebae don from my mom's family, too!  My aunts and uncles on my mom's family still give each of the "kids" an envelope for New Years.  I love that Alex, Isabelle, Isaiah, and I each get our own envelope!  I wonder how much longer this will last?!

Looking back, it's pretty insane how much has changed in a year!  Last year at this time, I was newly pregnant and Isabelle had just turned one.  And as the year progressed, the most challenging and rewarding times were adding baby Isaiah to our family as well as encountering a crisis in our marriage.  And yet, through it all, I felt God's blessings every step of the way.  This year, I look forward to see what God has in store for our growing family.  There are some things right now that Alex and I are praying for and we are eager to see how God will answer our prayers.

Outlook
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: point of view
Synonyms: attitude, direction, frame of mind, mind-set, perspective, routine, standpoint, viewpoint, views, vision
Antonym: indifference

I've been thinking a lot about what I want to focus on for 2012 and I think this verse best summarizes my outlook for the new year.  This year, I want to let go and trust God more in every aspect of my life.  It won't be easy, so I humbly ask for your prayers...

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.  - Proverbs 3:5-6