Goodbye 2009

As this year comes to a close, one can't help but reminisce and look back at the past 365 days. This year was an incredible one for our household, filled with joy and laughter, tears and upset, but an overall sense of happiness and contentment.

Who would have thought a few years ago that this is how our life would be in 2009? Certainly not us. 2009 was a great year for our family as we finally added a daughter to our little family, and our lives took a turn for the better. Our marriage was strengthened even further, and our families all came closer together.

Not only did my immediate family grow, but my family of friends grew as well. Last year at this time I had a couple of good friends and two best friends. At the close of this year, I have four best friends and a bunch of good friends. Friends I know I can call and count on at a moment's notice. The beauty of that is I have the opportunity to be there for them on a moment's notice too.

This year I learned and grew a lot.

• I learned what it means to be a mother.
• I learned what it means to realize you don't always have the strength inside of you to conquer your battles by yourself. Sometimes you have to let others help you, and sometimes it is hard to see when that is necessary.
• I learned that letting others help you carry your burden makes it easier to carry. Sometimes we are too deep in our own muck to realize we need help.
• I experienced what a true best friend is like. The kind I always dreamed about, but never had until now.
• I learned that I cannot help those who do not want assistance, no matter how much it pains to me to sit on the sidelines and watch the people I care about battle their Goliath's alone.
• I learned what it really means to wish that time would slow down.

For the first time in a long time, I didn't go on a vacation this year, but I am okay with that. I didn't even notice until the end of the year when my paid time off was higher than I have ever seen it in my life. I really didn't mind when it came to being able to take the last two weeks off to spend with my daughter. That was more rejuvenating and fun than any vacation I've ever been on.

The absolute best part of this year was watching my daughter grow from a newborn to the cusp of toddlerhood. Watching her learn about and explore the world around her. Share in each and every one of her firsts. Feel my heart grow so much that at times it feels like it will burst from my chest just by looking at her.

I was very blessed in 2009. While it had is low moments, it also had its high moments, and they far outweighed the bad. If I could change only one thing, it would be the stupid traffic tickets, and that's it. :p

I hope and pray that 2010 is as blessed for our family as it was in 2009.

I wish you all the very best in 2010. I pray that it brings you all what your heart's desire.