In a few short hours I will be chronogically another year older and these last few days I have been thinking a lot about what all has happened this last year. As I reflected over this last year I have to say I think it has probably been one of the best ones of my life. And the great thing about that is that I have said that many times now but things just keep getting better and better. I thank the Lord for these blessings he has put in my life because without Him I may not have so many things to be thankful for over this last year. It feels like this year has gone by fast and slow all at the same time and SO many things have happened. I decided tonight while the rest of my house is sound asleep that I would blog about them that way in a few years I can be reminded of how good life is and hopefully how many ways it is even better by then.
There were certainly some hard times in this last year as well which include my sister leaving to war in Afghanistan and having to leave her two boys behind. One blessing was that I was able to see her just a few days before she left but it was incredibly hard because I didn't know if that was the last time I would ever see her again. I couldn't even bring myself to say goodbye to her because it made it too real for me. I had to try my best to put on my brave "big sister face" and hope that I could make it out of her eyesight before breaking down. I didn't I ended up crying a good part of the way to the airport. On the plus side I was able to go to California in March when she came home safely. I had intended on surprising her when she came home but the news got leaked so it wasn't a surprise but it was amazing none the less.
In August Mya started Kindergarten at Anchor Lutheran. And thankfully that first day of school wasn't as hard as I anticipated. I think her going there every day for like a year before really helped take that sting out of "My baby is growing up" not only did she start kindergarten but she became a big sister all in the same week. And oh what an amazing sister she has been. She absolutely adores Ava and can't get enough hugs and kisses even if that means she makes Ava scream. She is the clown of the two so far and she does whatever she can to make Ava laugh. I think one of my favorite parts of the day is when I pick them both up and all I can hear is laughing coming from the back seat of the car. I can hardly ever see what is so funny but I guess it's none of a mom's business anyway.
We took a family vacation over spring break and it was probably one of the most fun times I have ever had. We went to the Great Wolf Lodge and it was AMAZING!!! I am counting down the days until we can go again. During our trip Mya got to see a little glimpse into the life of a cowgirl and she is HOOKED. She asks pretty regularly when she is going to get to go to aunt Carrie's again and ride horses. She even got pink cowgirl boots for her birthday and she told me right away she is going to wear them when she goes riding at Carries.
Ava has been such a wonderful addition to our family. Before she was born it was really hard to imagine diving the love I had for Mya between two babies but thankfully God doesn't make you do that. He just gives you more love to go around. Ava is a completely different kid than Mya ever was. That makes me nervous for when they become teenagers. Ava has made all of the milestones along the way and is even walking now. She isn't walking full time but a good portion of the time. She can walk from one side of the livingroom to the other and she's only 10 months old. I have a feeling we are really in for it with this little bundle of joy. She's saying quite a few words such as mama, dada, mya, bye, ny night, up, hi and has even put two words together. Mya bye (she was crawling around looking for Mya one day when she was out) and hi dada.
Mya has had all sorts of things happen in her little life this year also. She became a big sister, started school, lost her first tooth, learned how to ride a bike. She's on a roll... rapid paced even. Everytime I blink my eyes she's doing something new to make me feel old.
I have also had the priviledge and blessing of abundant friendships this year. I was able to stand up next to a very close friend of mine as she married her best friend. That wedding was the most God filled one I have ever been to and certainly been a part of. You could just feel the Holy Spirit abundantly present that day and I look forward to seeing how their love and marriage grows over the years. She is so amazing and deserves a man who loves her like he does. I have also been blessed to grow amazingly close to my friend across the street. She has been there for me in SO many ways its hard to list them all. She loves on my babies when I need a moment, and just because she enjoys it. She cleaned my house while we were on vacation, she's laughed with me, cried with me...just been amazing and I can't imagine what life would be like without her. It blows my mind how God chooses the people He places in your life. I think thats certainly one of His ways to show His love for us by giving us unbelievable friends and family. Today I came home from work to see a gathering of colorful papers sticking out all over our front door. After we pulled into the garage I went to the front of the house to see what was there and the sweet kids that live in the neighborhood had handmade birthday cards for me. It was the sweetest most heart warming thing. I love those kids and I am so thankful for their love for me. The simple things go a long way.
And lastly my sweet loving husband. I don't even know where to begin with him. He starts every single day with making me a cup of coffee just because he knows how much it brightens my day. The other night my back was hurting really bad and so I got in the shower for a while to soak it. When I got out he was already in bed and as I climbed into bed my side was scorching hot. I thought maybe he had laid on my side until I got out of the shower but to my surprise he had gotten the heating pad and plugged it in so that it would be nice and hot for my sore back when I climbed into bed. Today I got a mysterious flower delivery today at work and my boss and I speculated who could have sent flowers. I said well I know it wasn't Dustin because as long as I have known and loved him he said that having flowers delivered is a waste of money. I decided to call the flower shop to see if they could tell me who sent them and....IT WAS HIM. I couldn't believe it!!! He's always finding new ways to sweep me off my feet. I don't know what I have ever done to deserve him and all of his love but I am so thankful that I did it. Just when I think he couldn't be more incredible I wake up, its a new day...and he does something all over again to make me have butterflies.
Thank you Lord for the best year of my life so far. I can't wait to see what 27 has in store for me.
~Rozi Drue
