Monday, December 30, 2013

Reflecting on 2013

As New Year's Eve approaches I've found myself reflecting on the past year a lot lately. I feel as if I've grown tremendously over the past year. There have been many ups and downs but those are the things that make us who we are. This year, 2013, started off rough. I lost one of my favorites on New Year's Eve. Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of the loss of Momee. It was a tremendous loss for our entire family. I've found myself on multiple occasions wishing I could just talk to her one more time. If only she was here to listen to what was on my mind and point me in the right direction. She was the most spectacular woman I've ever known (My mother is a close second) and I only wish that one day I can be a fraction of the person she was. I firmly believe that her loss has brought me closer to God. I talk to Him often. Steve and I have finally found a church that we all love. We feel like home there and have discussed becoming members. This is a HUGE step. We have been looking for a church off and on since we got married 14 years ago and had never found that perfect fit. I FINALLY think we found it. In 2013 I became a runner. I can't believe I can actually say that. Yes, I ran track in High School...but I never considered myself a RUNNER. In High School, I only ran short distances and hurdles...and I wasn't good at it. At all. One fabulous person who I knew through my boy's school posted one day on facebook asking if anyone was interested in a Couch to 5K class. I had attempted the C25K program many times on my own and had failed miserably. I immediately called my sister to see if she would be interested in taking the class with me. This class, called Running on Faith, met on Wednesday nights for 10 weeks. On the first day of class I couldn't run longer than one minute without walking. It was sad, but I was determined. Every Wednesday night our group would meet, talk about running and that week's devotions and then we would all go out and run together. Everyone would go at their own pace, but we were all there for each other. The accountability is what I needed. At the end of the 10 weeks I ran my first 5K with my sister. It was the first time I had ever run the entire 5K without stopping. I can't tell you how proud I was of myself! I've run in a total of six 5K races since completing the C25K class and can't wait to run more! Running has become a part of my life. I think I've finally decided what I want to be when I grow up! I know, it took me long enough...but I think I've figured it out. I LOVE working at my preschool. I'm in the toddler classroom two days a week and in the office the other days. I couldn't be happier. I have continued to take Early Childhood Education classes through Stanly Community College. I'm lucky that all the courses are offered online. I can't seem to take more than one class at a time in my crazy schedule, but I'm doing it! So far, I've made an A in every EDU class I've taken. One day I will finally have my degree even if it does take me forever to get there! The boys are getting older and everyday I think of how fast this time is going by. Blake is almost 11 and in 5th grade. Davis is 8 and in 3rd grade. I've learned in the past year to slow down and enjoy them while I can. The dishes aren't as important as playing Skip Bo with your oldest (even if he beats you every time) or checking out the frog that your youngest just caught in the yard (which could happen daily). They will only be little for a short amount of time, I need to cherish every minute. I've also learned that if you don't advocate for your child, no one will. You have to be your child's voice. That is one of your main jobs as a parent. Don't worry about what toes you have to step on, just do whatever is best for your child. It will all be worth it in the end. Steve and I celebrated 14 years of marriage. I feel as if our marriage is just as strong today as it was the day we got married. I can honestly say I married my best friend. I can't wait to grow old with him and can't imagine my life without him. I can't wait to see what 2014 brings. I'm sure it will be full of ups and downs, just like any year. As long as I have my family by my side, I'm sure it will be just as awesome as 2013.