what's in a name?

we have always loved the name lucy.  always.  it was our number one girl name pick.  for many years we didn't think we would have a lucy.  and then we she was here.  with us.  a blessing.  i have been thinking about her perfect name and looking at the meanings.  i've discovered how fitting her name is.

lucy grace

lucy:  light.  she is our light.  our light after darkness.  our answered prayer.  she lights up our lives and the lives of those around us.  st. lucy.  the patron saint of sight.  fitting

grace:  favor, blessing.  a virtuous name referring to God's grace.  it couldn't be a more perfect description.  she is our blessing.  given to us by God's grace.  

but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  therefore i will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.  

-2 Corinthians 12:9

2012 in Review

1.  What are you most thankful for?  

The gift of letting go, peace, and grace.  We began 2012 deciding to live life again.  We spent years dealing with the pain of infertility and we were really on the way to letting go...letting go of expectations, pregnancy, and the pain of the past. 

2.  What were the highlights of 2012?  

January--peace, letting go, and looking forward.  Began working out consistently with Michelle

February--finding out that we are expecting after 5 years of struggling with infertility

March--Joe goes to Uganda on a SixtyFeet Mission trip

April--We were able to 'announce' our pregnancy to our friends and family--it's real!

May--I said good-bye to teaching first grade at Viking School.  Looking forward to the next chapter

June--Family trip to Phoenix.  Will's first plane ride.  Our first family vacation

July--Enjoyed time at the lake...Will's first summer playing t-ball

August--Family trip to Minneapolis

September--Darcy's wedding and our 60 Feet friends came to Grand Forks

October--LUCY GRACE ZAVORAL joined our family--on my late father's birthday

November--Thankful

December--Rejoiced in our savior's birth as a new family of FOUR

3.  What are you hoping for in 2013?

A peaceful year filled with love, peace, and lots of laughter.

4. Who was God to you in 2012?

God was our rock.  Our strength.  Our peace.  Our joy.  He taught us to fully trust and believe.