a look back

I'm not going to lie to you, the beginning of this year was less than stellar for me. It will go down in history as one of the lower times of my life. I could tell you the exact date it all turned around for me, but it's really more than just my story... so we'll just say it wasn't good and I was glad to see the tide finally turn and I felt lighter.

Now the second half of this year will go down as one of the best. Even with the hiccups like the never ending mortgage renewal, the lien against our property because "Mike" wasn't making his child support payments and our central air dying during the last big heat wave.

We've had great adventures with great friends. Fun parties with lots of laughs. Jammie movie night shows no signs of slowing down, ever. I accidentally on purpose jumped right into the deep end and started a little baking enterprise that could only be declared a success. I live in a community of friends that I can borrow eggs and sugar and tinfoil from. Friends who will watch my kids and hide their Christmas gifts at my house. Friends that will drive 40 minutes to watch my girls in a Christmas pageant. I have family who is always willing to pitch in, no matter what is going on. Family that really buys into the whole "it takes a village" mentality. I've enjoyed the many new volunteer opportunities that have come my way. Even the ones that were outside of my comfort zone.

I am blessed and lucky and grateful.

I cannot wait to continue the ride in 2011.