Goodbye 2011!

As this year draws to a close I am reflecting back on the last twelve months and can't believe how much my life has changed. Some of the change is for the good and of course some of the change is for the not so good. When it is all said and done however, I wouldn't change a bit of it. The story is true about how much faster your life goes as you get older. It seems like once I graduated high school my life has been in fast forward ever since. With this year being no different. It makes me wonder if it's just going to keep speeding up. I remember growing up wishing and praying the time would just fly by so I could grow up and be a big girl. Now that I'm hear I wouldn't mind it slowing down a bit, so I can enjoy, what I believe, to be the best time of my life. I guess we'll see what's to come.

Looking back at a year ago from today I would have told you, you were crazy if you told me I'd be a stay at home mom today. Not just being a stay at home mom but if you would have told me I would be doing daycare in my home I probably would have laughed in your face. Not that there is anything wrong with either one of those things, but I never imagined they would be in my life plan. I always dreamed of being a stay at home mom, but never thought the option was feasible. I have worked since I was 15 years old and I thought that would be my life until I wasn't able to do it anymore. It's so funny how the good Lord give you a fork in the road of life and what path he advises you to take. I look at it now as a blessing that I am able to stay home with my little Ava. I get to enjoy every moment of my last born firsts and I thank the Lord everyday for the opportunity.

Another blessing I am thankful for in the last year is my renewed faith and the strength that it has given to me. I have endured and overcome obstacles in my life that have only made me stronger. I am proud to say that I am a mother of three beautiful girls and that I have a loving supportive husband. Darin is my rock and he has truly proven himself as the best husband, father and provider this year. He has carried our family through many hard times this year with his support and love. I am so proud to have him by my side.

This past year has given me opportunities to really focus on what I want to do with my life. I have had many moments of reflection on what kind of person I want to be and that I want my kids to remember most about their mom. I believe that motherhood is a constant learning process and I don't want to look back with any regrets. I want to look back and know that I did the best that I knew how and I want my kids to be proud of me for it.

The best part of 2011 was the birth of my little Ava Rose. It was a long, hard road to get her here and it was worth every bit of it. Our family is complete with her and we are all better because of her. She has taught us to never take one single thing for granted. Cherish every moment you have with your family and never forget who made it all possible!