Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Slideshow: Our Year In Review

Well, it has been an eventful year for the Stroups! As we look back on the year we are reminded of God's faithfulness. He has given us so much that we don't deserve. Including his only son. What an incredible gift! As new parents, we are overcome with gratitude when we think about the sacrifice God made by giving up his only son. We certainly wouldn't be able to do it - I guess that's why we aren't God! Earlier this year I wrote an entry in my journal describing my new perspective:

As I sit there admiring my beautiful baby boy an overwhelming thought came to mind. I realized how totally and completely in love I am with this tiny little baby. I was so overwhelmed with love I began to cry. But what really hit me was thinking of God's love for his own baby boy, Jesus, and how much it must have hurt giving him up. I selfishly thought, I could never give up my little boy like that! I guess that's why I'm not God. I think I realized for the first time in my life what a painful sacrifice it must have been for God to give up His son. A painful sacrifice for me and for the son I am able to hold in my arms. It brings a whole new meaning to John 3:16 and again I am thankful that God has given me a son so that I can know Him more deeply.

Obviously, the biggest change for us in 2007 has been the birth of our first son, Micah William. We have spent a good part of this year adjusting to parenthood and re-ordering our lives. All of this change has been fast and furious, but we are truly enjoying this new phase of life. Micah brings us unbelievable amounts of joy and as I said before, we are learning more about God and about ourselves.

Micah has gone from sleeping, eating and burping to crawling, cruising and responding! From the first time he rolled over, I knew that he was going to be an active little boy. He started crawling right before Thanksgiving and quickly learned how to pull up. Our recent favorite is his response to, "How big is Micah??" he then lifts his arms up and we say, "so big!"
It's pretty much the cutest thing I have ever seen!



Chris is currently applying for PhD programs around the country. The past few weeks have been a bit stressful as he struggles to get applications in and complete all the necessary paperwork. He just completed his last application while we were in Colorado for Christmas. We are both relieved it's over, but wishing we didn't have to wait so long to find out where we will be for the next 5-6 years! We will probably know by mid-April where we'll be. We will keep you all posted! Chris will be completing his last year as a MAR student this Spring. It has been an incredible learning experience for him as he has developed great friendships and studied under great people.

In 2006 I quit my job as a daycare director and decided to take a leap of faith and pursue a career in teaching music. It was scary to quit my full-time, salaried position for something so uncertain, but it has been so worth it to find something I am excited and passionate about! I absolutely love my new career and am so thankful it allows me the flexibility to be at home with Micah most of the time.

To wrap up the year, we spent Christmas and New Year's in Colorado with our families. As is tradition, we spent Christmas Eve with Chris' family making breakfast together, attending Christmas Eve service, making a big dinner and finally opening up gifts. Micah wasn't exactly sure what all this was about, but he really enjoyed all the attention and boxes with gift wrap!

Early Christmas morning we headed over to the Moritz household for more festivities! Micah's cousin Maddie came in to town and so did Santa! We had a great time eating a big breakfast with my family, followed by gifts and lots of lounging around in our new PJs.

Our hearts are full as we return home! We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Grace and Peace,
Chris, Amy and Micah Stroup