That is my theme for the New Year approaching! As usual, the end of the year brings a nostalgic feeling – and as I reflect on 2008, there is not a thing I would change… and I love that. I am perhaps one of the most blessed people in this world, and I believe that with all of my heart. I have the most amazing “little people” who live with me – and I can’t imagine what my life would be like without my daughters.
In 2008, Kate grew exponentially, and her personality changed more than any other year. She is just delightful, especially when you have her one on one. She loves to help out and is very sensitive…believe it nor not! She is an “old soul” in a very young body – and she has some amazing gifts she will give this world. I imagine with great anticipation, what my beautiful daughter will grow and become.
In 2008, Molly also grew and matured. She is officially a “tween” now, and although she is more often embarrassed by mom than not, she still enjoys our special time together. I am sad to see she is not into the “little girl things” like she used to be, but at the same time – I love to see her develop into someone I can have long and delightful conversations with. I’m really beginning to know and understand her on a whole new level – and that’s pretty exciting. Molly is just an awesome person.
As for me – 2008 has been a year of learning – that’s for sure. I began Volunteering in February for the Pediatric Palliative Care Team at our Local Children’s Hospital. This is the same team that took care of Emily when she was in the Pediatric ICU. Now, 5 years later, I visit the parents in the PICU and spend time with the children who are in need of palliative (comfort care) services. I typically go up every weekend I don’t have the girls and don’t drill with the National Guard – which means I’m there once or twice a month – and I LOVE it. On a less positive, but equally important note, I have been actively involved with the legal system since February as a result of my stalker – but I have taken control of my life again, and that is an amazing feeling. As I always say, you may not be able to prevent being victimized – but you can refuse to be a victim. Life is not about what happens to you – it’s about what you DO with what happens to you. I am thankful to “L” in some small fashion, for helping me to establish healthy boundaries. This year was also my 5th year of grieving Emily’s death – which was significant. Our “Emily week” was one of the most difficult it has ever been, and this year ~Angel day~ was practically unbearable. BUT, with a very special group of friends and family surrounding me, I made it through and am better for it. As excruciating as it was, I think it’s good (even years later) to feel the intensity of one’s pain for a little while. It’s a reminder that our loved one was here, and they remain a part of us. BUT MOSTLY, I’ve been thinking about the best things we accomplished in 2008, and of course the first thing that comes to mind would be the DISNEY trip! We had an amazing time. We also had a great time when we went to Niagara falls twice, as well as a couple of other weekend trips away. This year, we discovered “Castaway Bay” and that is our new favorite hangout. By far though, the best thing about 2008 has been the growth of friendships. I am SO blessed with wonderful friends. Whether it was an old friendship I sought out after having lost track of each other for years, or a new friend I discovered through a group, I am thankful for each of you and look forward to continuing our fabulous relationship. I am amazed at the people God places in your life, just exactly when you need them. Nothing in this world is random…. I am convinced of that. Every life event given to us is a tool – we just need to pay attention, and learn how to use it.
In 2008, I have gained SO much….. And probably one of the most important things ever – I got my sister back!!!!! Chrissy and I never got along as young children, and certainly not as teenagers! After my Emily died, when I was hurting so deeply - I lost contact with Chrissy, as I pushed many people out of my life. It was self preservation. In January 2008 I received a phone call from an out of state number, and reluctantly answered. The voice on the other end said very quietly “Missy, don’t hang up.” (insert long pause here) “This is Chrissy, and I was wondering how you’re doing.”… needless to say, she had my full and undivided attention. I am elated to report I have the most amazing little nephew ever, and have a new niece or nephew on the way in March! I also have grown to love (and deeply respect) my new brother in law to be, Jamie. He is a truly incredible man, who I would do anything for. He is a wonderful partner (and soon to be Husband) to Chrissy, and an absolutely amazing father. He is wonderful to our family, and I am thrilled to have him as part of my life. Chrissy is an awesome mother, and we are developing a wonderful friendship together. I am elated to have a sister in my life, who I can relate to.
2009 will be a very full year for my little family. Molly will turn 10 - and Kate will turn 5. We have a HUGE birthday party planned for August 15th (so save the date.) and it should be a LOT of fun. Sooner than that, we have a Valentines Day trip planned to Niagara Falls! My girls will be bringing their friends A and A – who are sisters. A1 is Molly’s 12 year old friend who comes to Niagara Falls with us each year. A2 is Kate’s friend (who is just 3 days younger than her) and this will be her first trip to Canada. I *might* be crazy for taking a 12 year old, 9 year old and two 4 year olds to Canada by myself…. It’s possible, but we’re making memories and strengthening friendships – so nothing else matters…right? I will be on active duty for part of this year, leaving for Mississippi in May and not returning until roughly August. This will be tough for me and the girls – but it is something I need to do, in order to be able to provide for our futures and ensure our stability. It is not an option – especially with this economy. On a positive note, we have a week long trip to Virginia Beach and Colonial Williamsburg scheduled with my friend Aimee and her 4 year old triplets sometime upon my return, so that should be fabulous.
Looking back, I can say life WAS great in 2008…. But life will be FINE in 2009! Wishing each of you a “FINE” 2009!
In 2008, Kate grew exponentially, and her personality changed more than any other year. She is just delightful, especially when you have her one on one. She loves to help out and is very sensitive…believe it nor not! She is an “old soul” in a very young body – and she has some amazing gifts she will give this world. I imagine with great anticipation, what my beautiful daughter will grow and become.
In 2008, Molly also grew and matured. She is officially a “tween” now, and although she is more often embarrassed by mom than not, she still enjoys our special time together. I am sad to see she is not into the “little girl things” like she used to be, but at the same time – I love to see her develop into someone I can have long and delightful conversations with. I’m really beginning to know and understand her on a whole new level – and that’s pretty exciting. Molly is just an awesome person.
As for me – 2008 has been a year of learning – that’s for sure. I began Volunteering in February for the Pediatric Palliative Care Team at our Local Children’s Hospital. This is the same team that took care of Emily when she was in the Pediatric ICU. Now, 5 years later, I visit the parents in the PICU and spend time with the children who are in need of palliative (comfort care) services. I typically go up every weekend I don’t have the girls and don’t drill with the National Guard – which means I’m there once or twice a month – and I LOVE it. On a less positive, but equally important note, I have been actively involved with the legal system since February as a result of my stalker – but I have taken control of my life again, and that is an amazing feeling. As I always say, you may not be able to prevent being victimized – but you can refuse to be a victim. Life is not about what happens to you – it’s about what you DO with what happens to you. I am thankful to “L” in some small fashion, for helping me to establish healthy boundaries. This year was also my 5th year of grieving Emily’s death – which was significant. Our “Emily week” was one of the most difficult it has ever been, and this year ~Angel day~ was practically unbearable. BUT, with a very special group of friends and family surrounding me, I made it through and am better for it. As excruciating as it was, I think it’s good (even years later) to feel the intensity of one’s pain for a little while. It’s a reminder that our loved one was here, and they remain a part of us. BUT MOSTLY, I’ve been thinking about the best things we accomplished in 2008, and of course the first thing that comes to mind would be the DISNEY trip! We had an amazing time. We also had a great time when we went to Niagara falls twice, as well as a couple of other weekend trips away. This year, we discovered “Castaway Bay” and that is our new favorite hangout. By far though, the best thing about 2008 has been the growth of friendships. I am SO blessed with wonderful friends. Whether it was an old friendship I sought out after having lost track of each other for years, or a new friend I discovered through a group, I am thankful for each of you and look forward to continuing our fabulous relationship. I am amazed at the people God places in your life, just exactly when you need them. Nothing in this world is random…. I am convinced of that. Every life event given to us is a tool – we just need to pay attention, and learn how to use it.
In 2008, I have gained SO much….. And probably one of the most important things ever – I got my sister back!!!!! Chrissy and I never got along as young children, and certainly not as teenagers! After my Emily died, when I was hurting so deeply - I lost contact with Chrissy, as I pushed many people out of my life. It was self preservation. In January 2008 I received a phone call from an out of state number, and reluctantly answered. The voice on the other end said very quietly “Missy, don’t hang up.” (insert long pause here) “This is Chrissy, and I was wondering how you’re doing.”… needless to say, she had my full and undivided attention. I am elated to report I have the most amazing little nephew ever, and have a new niece or nephew on the way in March! I also have grown to love (and deeply respect) my new brother in law to be, Jamie. He is a truly incredible man, who I would do anything for. He is a wonderful partner (and soon to be Husband) to Chrissy, and an absolutely amazing father. He is wonderful to our family, and I am thrilled to have him as part of my life. Chrissy is an awesome mother, and we are developing a wonderful friendship together. I am elated to have a sister in my life, who I can relate to.
2009 will be a very full year for my little family. Molly will turn 10 - and Kate will turn 5. We have a HUGE birthday party planned for August 15th (so save the date.) and it should be a LOT of fun. Sooner than that, we have a Valentines Day trip planned to Niagara Falls! My girls will be bringing their friends A and A – who are sisters. A1 is Molly’s 12 year old friend who comes to Niagara Falls with us each year. A2 is Kate’s friend (who is just 3 days younger than her) and this will be her first trip to Canada. I *might* be crazy for taking a 12 year old, 9 year old and two 4 year olds to Canada by myself…. It’s possible, but we’re making memories and strengthening friendships – so nothing else matters…right? I will be on active duty for part of this year, leaving for Mississippi in May and not returning until roughly August. This will be tough for me and the girls – but it is something I need to do, in order to be able to provide for our futures and ensure our stability. It is not an option – especially with this economy. On a positive note, we have a week long trip to Virginia Beach and Colonial Williamsburg scheduled with my friend Aimee and her 4 year old triplets sometime upon my return, so that should be fabulous.
Looking back, I can say life WAS great in 2008…. But life will be FINE in 2009! Wishing each of you a “FINE” 2009!
These are the newest members of our family. Both arrived last week, just before Thanksgiving. "Misty" whose proper name is "mist walker dreamer" is a leopard gecko, who is native to Afghanistan. She is sweet and wonderful, and a beautiful shade of yellow, blue, purple and brown and black stripes. She is striped as a juvenile, and as she grows, she will become spotted. She should not exceed 10 inches in length, and will live in captivity for approximately 20 years. The girls are VERY much looking forward to growing up with her. Especially Molly, who has really taken Misty under her wing. Molly came up with the name "mist walker" after a book she is reading about wild horses in Hawaii. I thought it fitting. Kate immediately advised she wanted to name her "dreamer" and I also thought that was fitting. He has decided now, we need to change her name to "pinkish" which makes no sense to me, since she is in no way "pinkish" - so we are not doing it. Sorry Kate. The world is tough.... best to learn that now.
