Welcome 2011

At the start of a new year, I often find myself reflecting back on what the last year has held for me and my family. I will admit now, looking back on the last 12 months, it wasn't as good as it could have been but it could have been much worse. I think I have the winter blah's or something because I'm having a hard time getting excited about the new year and all the possibility it holds.

But enough with the blah's, 2010 had some great moments that we can't forget and all in all we laughed more than we cried last year and that's really all we can ask for, right? 

Some highlights of 2010:
* Trip to Newport Beach for 10 days with my family in November and being able to see Maren and her cute kids.
* Cooking my first full Thanksgiving meal for James's family.
* Visiting Tonya and Alex in Roswell in April and then seeing them again in September in Albuquerque.
* Bridget starting preschool.
* Being honored for my writing with the Valley Journals for the second year in a row.
* Being able to go to two University of Utah football games in Albuquerque and San Diego.
* Spending the 4th of July with my family in Dutch John and watching fireworks snuggled up with James and Bridget in the back of my dad's truck.
* Crafty projects with Bridget.
* Becoming a primary teacher.
* Getting our front yard looking good for the first time since we've lived in our house. Realizing that the hours spent weeding, digging and what ever else actually paid off.
* Being surrounded by family and friends who love us and would do anything to help us out.
* Becoming involved with the Utah County Blizzard hockey team. These boys are going places, mark my words.
* Celebrating my 35th birthday and my 7th anniversary. My 30's have been great, I don't miss my 20's at all.
* Endless scheming with my sister.
* Having the opportunity to take pictures with some amazing ladies in my life.
* Throwing Bridget her first birthday party with friends.

I won't launch into the bad things that happened last year because there are a few that I'd rather not relive again. 2010 is in the past and its time to move on.

This year we hope to make some changes to our family through the amazing foster care program. We've been directed that this is the way our family will grow and we are so excited to be going through this process. If you've been a part of it, thank you for your help! We couldn't have done it with out great friends and family.

We're also looking forward to James graduating in May from Salt Lake Community College. This has been a long time coming and Bridget and I are so proud of James for finishing his degree and surveying certificate. We're keeping our fingers crossed that he gets a job soon so we can get back to our fabulous life so please keep us in your prayers.

There is so much we have to be grateful for and although we're struggling right now, we know that the tough times yield the sweetest results and we have to persevere. Here's to hoping 2011 is the best year for our family yet!