2007 Roundup....

WOW. It's here. It's the last day of the year. Honestly, I won't sit here and say, "Where did the year go?" Because it was the longest year of my life. I'm so glad to see it go. Today the girls and I had to run to the banks and pay taxes (yuck!). Then we went to the library and I grabbed Mc D's for them and Sonic for me and we went out to the local park and parked our booties on a picnic table and ate. We just enjoyed the sunshine and unseasonably warm weather. It's supposed to get nasty and cold later tonight. I couldn't think of a better way to end the year. It's been a year filled with so many lows that I wanted to celebrate today!

Where do I begin? Well, I might as well start out positive.

Maeve turned 2 this year and I absolutely cannot believe the changes that this child has endured. She went from babbling language that we didn't understand to talking in sentences! She even sounds like Kyra now with what she says! It's amazing! It almost happened overnight too. It's like something just "clicked" in her head. She started preschool and LOVES it. Her teachers are Mrs. Sharri and Mrs. Marcy. She calls Marcy, "My Marcy". Richard's new job will pay for 1/2 of her schooling per year, so we are STOKED about that. She's learning so much out there. There are a handful of kids in her class that are potty training. We are getting there. Today, I borrowed a potty training DVD from the library. We'll see how she reacts to it. She mentioned just washing her hands. Ugh. She's missing the point! LOL! But she's a cute kiddo and is so much fun these days.

Kyra turned 6 this year. She finished out Kindergarten on a great note. Her teacher was wonderful and she made so many friends! She went to art camp this summer in the town over and loved that. She's so full of excitement over arts and crafts. She loves to draw. She loves to create. I think her last year in preschool was when this started. She had an awesome teacher that came up with all sorts of fun crafts for the kids to do. It stayed with Kyra.

Kyra also had her dance recital last summer. She did so well! She was in tap and ballet. This fall, we've added jazz to the mix, so she'll have 3 different costumes for her next recital. She loves dancing. She's made friends there as well.

Then she started 1st grade! We read all summer long, but imagine my surprise when I have a conference with her teacher and learn that she's almost reading at a 2nd grade level at the beginning of school! She loves to read. She loves school. Her teacher this year in 1st grade is wonderful too. I secretly hoped last year that she would get her and she did! She has a slew of friends and knows what class all of the kids from last year's class are in! She's so bright and fun! She keeps her daddy in line too and I LOVE that. She helps her sister. She helps me. I couldn't ask for a greater kid.

Richard went through some big changes this year. Earlier this year, a maintenance position became available where he worked. He applied for it and got it. He got a wealth of experience from the job in just a few short months. But this left him aching for more. He now was where he wanted to be, but saw no growth company-wise at where he was. So in November, he went to a job fair at Samsung. He prepared himself and got an interview THAT SAME DAY. The day before Thanksgiving, he got a call that he was hired! He started on December 17th and is still in the training process. But he loves it. He said that so many things are different up there, but it's very positive. He's working in north Austin, but doesn't seem to mind the drive. We'll see if he still feels that way when he goes on shift and back to nights! I can't wait for that! I feel so out of it with him working during the day. I miss him. I know when he works nights, he'll be sleeping during the day, but it will feel like he's home more. Oh, and he can get all of the overtime he wants at this place, so hopefully we will work ourselves out of debt this year! YAY! Mamma wants some wood floors and wants to paint! ;)

As for me, I think I learned more about myself this year than ever before. I started the year in an ER with strep throat. For a few months, I fought a horrible battle with depression. In April, I found out why. My thyroid was out of whack. So on medication I went. I sought therapy and that helped tremendously. I also was introduced to some natural progesterone cream and I'm seeing great results with that. Slowly but surely, I was becoming "me" again. My hair stopped falling out. I stopped crying on a daily basis. I had an interest in more things. Then in November, things came to a screeching halt. I had Fifth Disease and had complications from that because I'm anemic. I gained 20 lbs. of fluid. My heart rate was low. Everything checked out fine though and the virus just had to run its course. I feel so much better now. But being so sick caused me to take a look at my life and realize that I needed a break. So, I took a month off of teaching. I worked out when I wanted to. I enjoyed the holidays and my kiddos more. It was so good for me.

I've learned to listen to what my body is telling me. If I can lay down, then I do. I don't force myself to take on things that I don't want to do. With my depression, I take it one day at a time. If I have a rough few days, then I always remind myself that this too shall pass and I'll feel better soon. And I do. I've learned to take signals from my body and go to the doctor instead of ignoring whatever is bothering me. I've learned to go and sit out in the sun for short periods and enjoy it. It really does wonders for your mood. I've learned that my house will be a mess. I have two small kids. It'll get cleaned up one day. But for now, I need to sit back and enjoy them! I'll get my house the way I want it one day!

The highlight of my year occurred on August 8th (yes, I remember the date because that's my niece's birthday). I saw Taylor Kitsch at the gym that I teach at and had my magazine with him on the cover with me. I actually got up the courage to go up to him and ask for an autograph. We chit-chatted for a bit. OMG! I have the BIGGEST (*coughobsessioncough*) crush on him. He's a gorgeous human being. I have the signed cover of the magazine framed and it's on my nightstand. LOL!

I've learned patience with a new puppy. I forgot about my sweet Zoe Lou! She came into our lives in February and has been going nonstop since. I pray that she calms down soon. Mia is adjusting and loves having a buddy.

I just want a healthier and happier year in 2008! I'll take it one day at a time!

Happy New Year everyone! Thanks for dropping in and reading my blog from time to time!