2012

I added to my cache of gratitude as I went to the local grocery store BY MYSELF (something in and of itself to be grateful for) on New Year's Eve.  As I drove through our neighborhood I took particular notice of all of the small, old homes that have fallen into disrepair.  At the store I was able to buy what I needed.  On the way home I noticed two women walking home with their arms full of grocery bags.  It was an icy, cold day, so they probably weren't just trying to get some fresh air.  I have so much.  While at times I may feel like I'm in the throws of poverty, I most certainly am not.  I have a beautiful home to live in.  I have a car to drive.  We have good food to eat.  I have a lovely family that I adore.

We enjoyed a night at home on New Year's Eve.  We watched some of the Dick Clark New Year's show.  We had the in-laws over for snacks, games, and old family videos of Scott learning how to walk (he had adorable curly hair - can one of my children inherit that please?) and his siblings playing on the farm.  At one point that evening I was sitting on the floor of Benson's room changing his diaper and watching him kick and laugh.  I had the distinct thought, "There is nowhere I would rather be tonight".  And that's the truth.

This New Year has begun with a burst of energy and motivation.  Closets and drawers have been cleaned and organized.  I did all of our laundry in ONE day on Tuesday.  Our stack of "to do" papers have been taken care of.  Our budget has been set.  The Christmas decorations have been stored and the house looks bright and fresh.  I'm anxious to start some decorating projects.  I may even find the motivation to get some sort of exercise.  I have an inkling of a desire to start up again, which is more than I can say for the last 15 months.

This New Year has already brought joy to my life.  I feel joy as I look back at last year and all that happened.  We started a chiropractic business, we welcomed a new baby into our family, we enjoyed our time on the Serr farm, and we moved into a new home.  We had good health.  I feel joy as I have gratitude for my many blessings.  I'm sure there will be hard things I will have to do this year, as there are every year.  But, I can do hard things.  I have joy in carrying the RIGHT load.