Year in Review Part 2

You can find part 1 of my Year in Review on Facebook, but that one is focused on the kids and I needed some space for personal reflection.  Luckily, that is what a blog is for.

I graduated from high school in 2002.  From August 2001-October 2002 was hard for me.  I was way too busy, I was sick all the time, and had some very difficult social situations to deal with.  Yet I still managed to get perfect grades that year.  It was the hardest year of my life.  Until now.

From August 2011-December 2012 is now the hardest year of my life.  I've express a little of that on this blog, but for anyone who saw me in person, I think it was pretty obvious I was struggling.  But after listening to our dear Stake President on Sunday, I decided to spend this time in this personal space taking inventory of all the blessings that I received throughout this difficult year.  But I'm just doing the fiscal year.  So here goes:

January

After spending most of the month as a single parent while Johnny worked the night shift, I learned the value of a good husband.  This lesson sustained me through the year, since my relationship with Johnny was strengthened through all my difficulties.

February

I discovered how much I rely on my friendships and how much we all need each other to make it through this crazy life.  Truly, no man is an island.

March

I learned how to ask for help.  I've never been good at this, but it was too obvious to ignore this time.  I hired some help to clean my house, and it was marvelous.

April

I regained some self confidence by spending my time developing a new talent.  I took photography classes and saw a huge improvement in my skills.  It was nice to know that I can still learn and grow and use my talents to help others.

May

I got to build my relationship with my sister and her family when they came to visit us.  I love them so much and it was great to serve someone else for a week.  It got to forget about my problems for awhile, which I needed.

June

June was my test, where I learned that I am willing to sacrifice everything, including my own selfishness for my family.

July

I got back into some of the most beautiful wilderness in this country and remembered how much peace can come from nature.

August

I had the most wonderful seminary training and was told yet again why I sacrifice so much for my calling.  It was only made better by the fact that my dear friend was joining me as a help meet this year. 

September

I was able to finally feel like a good mom again. Hey, I let my kids play on dangerous equipment, what do you do?

October

I learned the joy of scheduling little projects.  It kept little hands busy and our house decorated and non-preschool days fun.

November

The first vacation we went on that I wasn't stressed out during.  It was amazing to relax and say yes to the kids.

December

Johnny was gone for a weekend, which meant 13 days alone with the kids.  For the first time this has happened, I actually enjoyed our time together and wasn't pulling my hair out by the third day.  I rediscovered how much I love these kids.  

I'm very much looking forward to a new year, a fresh start.  I know it will be great for me, and hopefully all of you.  

Happy new year!