Goodbye 2013!

     For the past few weeks leading up to the new year, all I could think about was how 2013 was a really bad year for my family. Zeb has spent most of his little life sick. We’ve had to process news about some medical things going on with Camden and then turn life upside down to help him deal. Bliss had to start speech therapy, and we found out she has something wrong with her voice box. The treatment hasn’t been working, so we are back to square one.  I have had to battle some postpartum depression (and frustration because my baby weight is NOT coming off).  Add in homeschool, a busy husband growing his business, some other things I don't care to get into, plus everyone’s normal pressures of life, and you can see how things might be a little nerve-wracking.

     I was just ready to move on and turn a new page. I know nothing magical happens between December 31^st and January 1^st, but I was anxious to have something symbolic of a fresh start. Then last night before bed (I did not stay awake to bring in the New Year), something hit me. Zeb has been sick a lot, but not with anything life-threatening. Camden does have a nervous system disorder, but God has put us in a great position to help him learn to cope and learn to live life “normally”. Bliss does has something going on with her voice box. But without articulation issues and needing therapy, her therapist wouldn’t have been there to tell us she thought there was a problem, and we wouldn’t have sought help. Homeschooling has been a HUGE challenge this year, but I am so blessed to be in a position where I can be my children’s teacher and have some flexibility and teach them in a way that is best for them. Matt has worked a lot, but his business is booming, and God is beginning to reveal to us the next step we need to take with it. And, through all of this, I have had friends to support me and offer me encouragement. These things are praises!

     Also, I have learned a lot from this year. Many people make New Year’s resolutions. They plan what they want to happen in the future. I, instead, am going to list what I learned in the past. Accomplishments in my book!

     This past year:

·        I have learned even more patience.

             - from helping Camden work through his sensory meltdowns.
             -  from schooling a child with dyslexia and some obsessive behaviors
             - from having four kids. Ha! Ha!

• I have become even less judgmental, and realized more that things aren't always what they seem.  I have learned to think about not just people’s actions, but the reason behind their actions.

             -due to some things going on with another family member

       - due to my child having issues that many misinterpret as bad behavior from lack of discipline.

·        It has become more evident to me that everything happens for a reason.

       -by way of Bliss needing speech, but it becoming a doorway to discovering more serious underlying issues.

·        I have learned to be more careful about saying things I don’t mean.

       - I battled a lot of bad feelings for several months after Zeb was born, and said things I can't make people forget.

·        I have learned that I can’t do everything on my own. I always tell my kids, “There is only one of me and four of you.” But recently, I have finally started telling myself, "There is only one of me and four of them." That is big for me. I have to get help even if I have to pay for it, and I don’t like to spend money. I’m only one person though, and if it blesses my family, it is money well spent. 
      -I plan to continue get a babysitter once every week or two so I can clean, grocery shop, prepare freezer meals, or go on a date. 

• This past year is just another reminder that GOD IS FAITHFUL!

     Many of these lessons seem so cliché. Sure we hear them all the time, but do we really take them to heart? This year, I have really taken them to heart. I have really grown. This has not been my only bad year. I have had some doosies in my lifetime. I always tell people, though; I wouldn’t change my past because it is what has made me the person I am today. It has put me in the place I am today.

This is the place I am today.

I think I’ll keep it. While I welcome a more restful year this year, I can truly say, it is well with my soul.

P.S. I’m sure I will make some resolutions for the year like many others, so let’s pray for positive changes for one another. I have been encouraged from seeing people who have had a transforming  year this past year.