The Past Year "Bullet Point" Style!!

A suggestion was given on my blog to "bullet point" this past year (or more) to share what's been happening. OK, Janice, you asked for it, so here I go.....!

-This is hard to do....there's too much to tell

-June, 09---We had a second miscarriage, the previous one being Sept. 08. It was a huge blow, and a verrryy tough summer. The same day I started to miscarry. my almost 9 year old broke her ankle on the trampoline. That was one rough week. It had already been a tough year for me, so it ended on a low note. Not only had we begun the school year with a miscarriage, but we ended with one, too. In addition, my oldest had an unusually difficult Spring. She had a variety of medical problems, but that's a story for another time.

Poor daughter with broken ankle.....had to miss her dance recital and also her roller skating party for her 9th Birthday....we went to the movies, instead.

-July, 09--Still recovering from the miscarriage, but pushing myself to follow through with my husband's huge 40th Birthday, and hosting family. Helping daughter on her crutches for a few weeks. The party was a success, and Husband was blessed by the Birthday party!

--August, 09--Feeling a leading from the Lord to bring our oldest back to homeschooling (she had gone back to school for 7th grade). Due to the difficulties she had the previous year, she wanted to come back home.

--Sept, 09--Starting homeschool with 3 kids! Wow...what a challenge.

--Nov. 09--Sadly, Husband's Grandmother passes away. She was a great Christian lady. We will miss her dearly.

My girls want to do a pageant. Should I? They've been asking. I like the gal that runs it, and it's local. The girls just love to sing, so OK...YES! The pageant is on the same day of Grandmom's Birthday. Both girls win titles. My oldest wins the top title of the entire pageant. Boy were we surprised since she'd only done one other pageant as a little girl. My youngest daughter won in her age group against 3 other girls, 2 of whom compete in many pageants. They were ecstatic.

--Dec. 09-- A time of reflection for me, and finally a time to slow down and come to terms with no more babies, a transition time for me. Oldest sprains her ankle. My girls and their ankles! uggh. A very sweet Christmas....knowing the kids are nearing the end of childhood, entering a new phase of their growing up years.

--Jan. 10---It's gonna be a better year!! Positive outlook on life. The kids are learning a lot, and God is answering so many prayers, and opening so many doors. My son is finally connecting with a bunch of homeschooled boys, and reaching out for spiritual direction and interested in learning more about God. Health problems are kept to a minimum for all of us...yay!

One HUGE blizzardy winter.....several feet of snow, many days inside with hot cocoa and bundled in blankets by the fireplace.

Son and daughter Birthdays.

--Spring 10--My oldest is involved in a huge statewide pageant....I think we're in over our head, but what a great confidence building experience..."never give up" experience for her.

Ouch...I'm approaching a big Birthday this summer.

-June 2010--Dance recitals, Scout badge ceremony, end of year parties, and vacation...ahhhh. Looking forward to the summer! Another child's Birthday. They sure are growing up.

--July--Many enjoyable pool and beach days, playdates with friends, a time to get our house in order, and I'm finally able to truly rest and relax. I am enjoying the ages of my kids.

Turning theBIG birthday this month. Hubby plans a Birthday bash for me! A FIESTA!! My favorite thing...Mexican food, fun, music, etc. AND we're going to Fort Lauderdale, Florida....with my new camera. He's a great guy. Not just because of the trip and the gifts...he just IS a great guy--a sweet, patient, hardworking guy.

--August--17 year anniversary, and a wonderful 'second honeymoon' with my guy. What a special, fantastic, super, wonderful, romantic getaway....just the two of us, no kids. Drove to Key West for a couple days, too!

--Sept.-Oct. 2010--Oldest goes back to school for High School, 2 at home, and Husband takes on more responsibility at work. I'm taking art classes this Fall....and loving it! Each week I learn more and it's very relaxing. We're very busy with homeschool gym and swimming, art, dance lessons, drum lessons, scouts and Wed. night clubs at church. Life is full of ups and downs, but I'm at peace with my God and Savior, and also so happy in love with my husband and kids. I'm making more deliberate choices these days about how we use our time...having more fun, realizing how very short these years are with our kids at home, and cherishing every one!