Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Sam and I wish each and everyone of you the merriest Christmas.  Looking back over the last year brings a smile to my face.  It has not always been easy (it never is) and there have been some really sad times, but it has been worth it.  I have never been more tired, more joyful, more frustrated, or more thankful in my entire life as I have been in 2010.  Becoming a mother, in March, changed me in ways I could have never dreamed.  It is true that you can never understand (or explain) the depth of a mother's love till you become one.  For the first time, in my life, I realize every choice I make and every word I speak will influence and mold a little mind into the choices and words and actions he will make, speak, and do for the rest of his life.

This year has brought Sam and I closer to one another and to the Lord Jesus, as we have chosen to rely on Him to meet many of our needs.  I/we feel God is continually showing us and challenging us to live more simply and to speak more truth.

This year, we hosted "guys" weekend, at our home, with the Collier's, the Kleinfeld's and the Youngblood's.  We expanded our family to 3, welcoming James Bennett in March.  We were blessed to vacation with my family in Hilton Head, in June.  We watched my cousin Allison wed Royce and Sam's cousin Matthew wed Jacqueline.  We said goodbye to my papaw Jim, in August, who has been a true pillar of strength in my life.  Sam celebrated his 30th birthday in March by completing a century (100 mile) bike ride with his brother, in October.  In November, we spent a weekend in Orlando, with our dear friends the Ross's and the Shah's, visiting Universal Studios and the ever popular Harry Potter "world" (I have to admit....it was really AWESOME)!  We each continue to be a part of Bible Study Fellowship, even Bennett, studying Isaiah this year.  Sam has worked on a lot of fun projects this year and is officially a P.E. (professional engineer).  I have stayed home with Bennett, hopefully not forgetting too many physical therapy skills, but everything I may have forgotten has been worth it.  In return, I have got to spend countless hours nurturing our little boy and learning to better manage our home.  I have also been able to learn/practice more photography skills and express myself through writing, both of which are hobbies I am extremely passionate about.

Thank you for the role each of you have played in our lives and for journeying along with us.  God bless you this season and always.  May the peace of Christ rule in your hearts!  Love, The Cullums!

18 comments:

Traci Michele said...

Merry Christmas Amber! You have such a beautiful family!

Love,
Traci

Kindra said...

Your card is absolutely gorgeous sweet friend. I'm SO glad you decided to share it this way. The pictures of Bennett playing with the lights are priceless. You brought tears to my eyes when you shared about how being a mother has changed you. It is maturing my heart in so many ways and has shown me just a hint of how Christ loves me. I'm so thankful for you and the impact your walk with the Lord has had on me. Love you!

Ashley Sisk said...

Merry Christmas Amber!

Kelli said...

Amber,
I love you and miss you!! Hopefully soon I will get to see you and hold your sweet baby. You are so blessed! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Kelli

Amanda said...

Merry Christmas! I think your Christmas card blog is beautiful! Enjoy your first Christmas with Bennett. It will be special! X0X0

The Thomas' said...

Love it!! You did a beautiful job - on the card and the family :)

Larri said...

Thanks for sharing your heart today. Visiting from iFellowship. Merry CHRISTmas to you and your beautiful family. :o)

heidi @ wonder woman wannabe said...

Merry Christmas, Amber! Your photos are great!

I love how you're actively choosing to find the GOOD in your current season of life - these are tough years when our littles are so needy and dependant and it's hard to get used to putting our needs a step behind theirs.

From what I can observe it seems you're doing a great job and handling it with such grace and humility. Thanks for sharing your journey!

-h

Theresa said...

What a beautiful Christmas card!
Visiting today from iFellowhsip.
Merry Christmas!

doodle said...

Amber you are and always will be my other daughter. I love you so much and feel so blessed that you are in my life. You are such an inspiration to all that are blessed to know you. I hope that you have a wonderful and blessed Christmas and that God continues to bless you through out 2011. I love you so much. Momma Helen

Unknown said...

What a wonderful Christmas card!! I love the pictures of your little man playing with the lights :) Your words remind me of 3 years ago when I became a mother for the first time too. It has been a joyful humbling ride that I am enjoying every minute of!

Visiting from ifellowship :) Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

So beautiful! Would love to have a copy of that if you are able to get them printed. Merry Christmas to you, Sam and Bennett!!

Carolina said...

Sounds like its been a blessed year! So thankful I have gotten to know you this year, I have been greatly blessed by your blog and friendship. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a great 2011!

Courtney said...

Merry Christmas! Love the photos of your sweet family :O)

Anonymous said...

Great Christmas card. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas.

Laura T. said...

That Christmas card is beautiful. I love your little boy wrapped up in the lights ... priceless.

Warren Baldwin said...

Very nice card and greeting! Thanks for including our family in your list to send it to. Glad for so many good things for your family this past year, and hope/pray for many more next year.

The Baldwins

Warren Baldwin said...

And great video! We sing that song at our church. wb