Bring it on!

As a new year approaches, I have many things to think about.

I'm looking back at all this year has brought, and looking forward to see what all this new  year will bring.

Some pretty amazing things have happened this year.

 I graduated! Sure it was just a two year degree, a stepping stone towards my goals. But I did it! With two kids, a husband, and a life, I did it! It was my first graduation since 8th grade. So it really is important. Not just for me, not just for my mom, but my kids were there. They saw me make a commitment to all of our futures and follow through with it. That was good this year.

Following the graduation, I was accepted at a University. A real, honest to goodness, four year, big kid University. And it just so happens to be the University I was able to watch my mother graduate from. The University of Alabama in Huntsville is my new home away from home. And after just one semester, I can't wait to get back! I keep getting a little bit closer to being the teacher I've always wanted to be! This has been a good thing. 

All year long my kids have been a good thing. They are a constant source of joy and laughter. Of course, they drive me crazy at times, but it's more happy then not. Lots and lots and lots of laughter. They are funny boys. I appreciate what they bring to my life. I like them and I love them. They are good things every year.

Speaking of those boys, I found them a great school this year! I've watched both of my boys grow and mature, gain friends, and excell. That's kinda new to this year. But it's not all good. At the end of the school year, the school will be closed down. For the rest of thier years in school, through the good and the bad, we will have to live with knowing how good it can be. So I guess that's a good and bad thing about this year.

My church is a good thing. The peace I feel everytime I walk into that building is a great thing. This year especially.

I've been able to reconnect with people in my family! And I get to know them as a grown up. I don't have to be just the kid anymore! I get to be an adult too! This has been a great thing this year.

I've mentioned before that I have a horrible memory, so it's with great truth that I say I can't remember many other great things that have happened throughout this year.

But I can remember some not so great things. Those seem to overshadow a lot of the good. And I really don't like talking about them. They bring up lots of hurt.

The things I have done, that other people have done, answers to questions that I didn't like, news I didn't want, realities I had to face.

But maybe a little good has come from the bad. (I am an eternal optimist, though I don't always let it show.)

I think I've learned from the bad. I've learned to trust more. I've learned to love more. I've learned when to fight and when to let it go. I learned that truth comes in many forms.

Another important thing that I've learned, from the good and the bad, is what for better or worse really means and what marriage means to me.

And I learned that my heart could open a little more.

As this new year rushes up on me, I will take all that I know, all that I learned, and all of those I love with me.

 I know that next year, just like any year, won't be all sunshine and roses. Hey, bad things happen.

You know what?

 I'm tough!

 Bring it on!