New Year's Day 2013

Happy New Year, 2013!

Writing a blog has been on my mind for quite some time, and I figured today was the perfect day to begin!

One cannot look forward to a new year without looking back at the past 365 days, so I will take the opportunity now to reflect upon the top moments of my 2012.

1. The pastor at my church, Cheryl, offered a class during Lent on prayer. It was only four meetings, but those four meetings completely transformed my prayer life. I learned that the traditional notion of praying (eyes closed, in silence, head bowed, hands clasped) was not the only way to pray. Now I am dedicated to having a daily devotional and prayer time. I also listen to hear God's messages to me, rather than just having a one-sided conversation.

2. I got a new job! I finally was hired as an instructional specialist at another school in the same district. It was bittersweet leaving the classroom, and I've had some growing pains in the new position, but I'm once again feeling fulfilled professionally.

3. We celebrated several birthdays this year, beginning with K. She turned the big TEN in January. Tim had his 41st birthday in June. We celebrated C's eighth birthday at a Ranger's game in July. Little Miss M turned 2 in August, and I once again celebrated the anniversary of my 29th birthday in December.

4. Tim and I had our thirteenth wedding anniversary in February. Wow, I can't believe we've been married that long!

5. My dear friend and I went together and joined a local health/fitness center. We exercised regularly throughout the summer and saw some amazing results. Now that we're in the thick of the school year, we don't exercise quite as religiously as we did, but we go when we can. It sure helps to have a good friend with whom to exercise.

6. I completed my first Dirty Girl 5K Mud Run with my two best friends by my side. We climbed over obstacles and trudged through the 3 miles of mud! I was so apprehensive about signing up, but I am so glad we did this and did it together! "I get by with a little help from my friends!"

So, I now officially close the book on 2012 and turn to the first page of 2013....Happy New Year!