Random thoughts into the new year

I always find the new year so fascinating. For me it's not only a time of looking ahead, but also a time of reflection. I think back to this time last year, and our house was for sale. We were so convinced we would move during the year, but we just couldn't get our house sold. Strangely enough, as the school year started, the leaves began to change and the holidays came upon us, I was so grateful that we were still in this home. It felt so peaceful to be here. I know that we need more space, but I do love this house! There were lots and lots of medical issues in our family in 2008, but I'm so grateful that they all turned out to be fairly minor and manageable. I'm grateful my children are growing safe and healthy, but I wouldn't mind if they stayed young longer than they are supposed to. Time passes so quickly!

One thing I don't understand about children (although I was the same way myself as a child) is that kids refuse to sleep and fight it even when they can barely stay awake. I wish I could take naps and go to bed early, but that isn't the way adult life works! You would think that bedtime was a jail sentence around here, especially when there is no school the next day. I really had to laugh on New Year's Eve. We left our friends' house shortly after Midnight and arrived home about 12:30. HT fell asleep literally as we turned the corner onto our street. I carried him into the house which of course work him. I gave him a kiss told him he needed to get jammies on and he announced in an irritated tone that he wasn't tired and wanted to stay up! I have to be amused that someone who had just fallen asleep could think he wasn't tired!

This wonderful break has gone by so quickly. It's been a wonderful time shared with so many family & friends and we definitely stayed busy. On Monday my wonderful husband and the kids go back to school. There will be lots of homework again, as well as basketball, guitar lessons, ballet lessons, scout meetings and early mornings. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be home with my kids and see the little things I get to see each day, and I'm grateful that my husband has a job that he really likes that is stable. I'm grateful for our family and friends and for all of the blessings we receive each day.

I hope everyone has a wonderful 2009 and I hope you look forward to it with excitement and anticipation. And I also hope that your 2008 was so wonderful and blessed that you are at least a little sad to see it go. Happy New Year!