Happy New Year!

I can't believe that it's going to be 2011 tomorrow.  I love New Years!

2010 was a pretty awesome year...  some of the highlights for me include:

• Having the courage to quit my job.
• Seeing both my sister and Tom's brother get married in the temple.
• Getting out of nursery.  (Okay, that sounds like a bad thing to put as a highlight.  Although, I will admit that I learned a lot and enjoyed getting to know the other nursery workers.)
• Cabin trip with the family.
• Going to Chicago in March to see David and Jeanine get married.
• Several visits from Christina, John, Blake, and Lily.
• Teaching for IMS in the summer.
• Getting pregnant!
• Being able to spend so much wonderful time with Tom while we both worked from home during the summer and fall.
• Tom getting a job that fits him well.
• Doing movement therapy out of our home.
• All the great time with family and friends.

When I think over the year, however, my most favorite memory is when Tom and I were on one of our morning walks.  It was a beautiful, crisp Fall morning.  We sat down on a bench and just talked for an hour.  It was perfect.  It's a great reminder that no matter what happens in life, keeping those you love close to you and taking time to "just be" is worth more than any fancy vacation or new job.  

There were definitely some hard things about this year--although most of them were witnessed more than experienced.  I hate feeling helpless when those around you are struggling.  I have several friends who have endured more this year than I can imagine.  Their courage and strength continues to make a real difference for me.  Thank you.

I don't really do "resolutions" anymore.  For the past five or so years I've done themes, mottos, or mission statements.  This helps me keep an evaluative eye on my life, making sure I'm progressing forward the way I want without worrying about "failing" at some list of things I "should" be doing.  I still make goals, but I keep them more simple... month by month or day by day depending on what I'm working on.

This year's theme:  "Trust in God--Then Go and Do!"

I have a whole mission statement to go with it, but I'll keep that for my personal files.  

2011 is sure to be a year of great change for our family as we go from 2 to 3.  I am so excited to meet this little person inside of my belly, and scared to death that I'll mess them up.  It's the circle of life, right?

Happy New Year, everyone!