This Year ... (caution: sappy hormonally-induced post ahead)

This year we were living with my parents, after renting out our home, to buy a new home that would better fit our growing family. A home that would put us closer to family and help as we expect baby#3. We invaded their home almost exactly a year ago. My parents graciously let us take over 2 rooms, and much of their peace and quiet. They cooked for us, entertained the girls for us and put up with our loud ways.

This year we lost our dog, Daisy. Daisy was in Davids life when I met him and when we got married she became my "step-dogger". She accepted us unconditionally, as we did her. She was a total love. Dont hate me, but I never thought I even liked dogs until I met her. We were crushed to lose her and felt a huge void without her.

This year we embarked on completing our family. We got blood test results back with an elevated risk of downs and ended up doing an amniocentesis. After 2 long weeks we got the news that our baby was healthy without any abnormalities. The icing on the cake was when we learned we would have a son.

This year we got a new puppy. Shes silly and sweet, and although she isnt daisy (who pooped & pee'd OUTSIDE might I add) she is already a part of our family. We are in love!

This year I started a Physiology class. This class is taught by one of the most unorganized teachers Ive ever come acorss in my entire life! ha!

This year I quit my physiology class. I realized that while I probably could have stuck it out - I didnt have it in me - Id rather be home with my husband and my girls and there will be a time for it. And maybe that time isnt now like I had originally thought.

This year we bought a new home. We moved in a little over a week ago and are still making it our own. Its an older home with lots and lots of to-do's but the best part is that we feel at 'home'.

This year I realized that while life goes swirling on around you and plans go awry - the important things are already right there. They are those sweet bedtime kisses, the calls and emails from family & friends, the morning smiles and proud 5th graders that cant wait to tell you what theyve accomplished. Its been the ups & downs that make it life but its the people in it that make it worthwhile. What better blessing than family could there be?

... Did I mention its only March??