Happy New Year

This year has left much to be desired so I've decided in all my humility, hard times, emotional setbacks and breakdowns that, frankly, this new year couldn't get any worse than 2006 so I'm actually looking forward to a fresh start with many great changes in the weeks and months to come.

I've learned a lot in this last year....lots of relearning... things I already knew but have had to re-examine with a fresh set of eyes.

I've learned that sometimes you just have to let go and give it to God.

I've learned that my children are my biggest treasure and accomplishment.

I've learned that you can't make people love... or even like you... they either just do or they don't. It's just that simple.

I've learned that sometimes you just have to sever ties with someone that poisons your soul -- no matter how hard it may hurt... in the end, you have to look out for yourself, your family, your children.

I've learned that I really miss having my best friend around.

I've learned that I am strong enough to just be me -- and that is good enough.

I've learned that I'm never going to be a size 4 again... and that I really AM okay with it. Now getting down to a size 6 still.... that's a goal but I'm actually comfortable in an 8... as long as they stay loose.

I've learned that I have a heart and love for working with children...

I've learned I need to finish what I start...


Have I made any New Year's Resolutions? I've made a few...

- to learn to say "no" so that I'm not over-scheduled, over-committed, over-stressed

- to scrapbook at least 5 layouts a week -- they can be either one or two page layouts but that will keep me on track and get me using my stuff up

- to get handmade birthday cards made a month in advance for all my upcoming birthdays

I've got a scrap calendar I've started (but still need to finish -hence the previously stated resolution) over the last few weeks so that I'm on top of my projects that I want to work on so that nothing catches me by surprise and leaves me with no time to be creative.

I have taken several trips this year... my most favorite was Colorado.... it's just "home" to me. I can't wait to go back in February. I know the boys will just love it. It will be fun to hit the slopes.

I've had a few medical issues this year that I could stand to erase from my memory and body but I guess they make us who we are. When you get through something challenging -- you have to realize if it doesn't break you, it only makes you stronger. I haven't found all the strength yet from a few of them... but I have faith that I will get there someday.

I have begun to say prayers again... and even say them for me. I have begun to say a blessing over my children at night so that they learn to hear prayers from my lips and not just recite sing-songy rhyming words. I wnat them to know to be truly thankful in their hearts for the many blessings that have been bestowed upon them... and that throughout all the changes in their lives, that they are loved by many people. How lucky they are to have so many people that love them.

I've had many positive changes in my life over the last few weeks.... and I can only say that the moving forward will be a good, cleansing move for my heart and soul.

And although this is totally off topic for a "happy new year post", please keep Drew in your prayers tonight as his temperature is continuing to spike. It's back up near 104. My new year is spent with a very sick little boy - an exhausted mom - a grumbly stomach .... and a partridge in a pear tree.

I wish all my friends, loved ones and family the most wonderful new year... I hope you have many blessings in the coming year.

I'm so happy to say goodbye to 2006... and hello 2007!