Long time, no write...

As you can see from my last post, it's been a long time since I've written. Let me start by saying that the past few months have been some of the most stressful I have ever had...I had really let my work get to me, and things were done to me that were, simply put, wrong. I had a very hard time dealing and coping with the issues that I faced, but I have come out (almost) on the better end of things.

Now for the good stuff...
Well, in January, we took the kids to Disney World for the first time...the whole trip was on a whim (thanks to my wonderful hubby), and we had a BLAST! We even made time to stop and see some family in Georgia on the way back. That trip was something I will never forget. Bryson put it best when he said, "Mommy, it feels like magic is being sprinkled all around us!" Priceless.

We also took the kids for a mini-vacation to Old Salem. Just a quick little weekend trip, enormous hotel suite included, and it was so much fun! I think we may try to take mini vacations throughout the year...it's so nice to get away, even if only for a night or two.

Bryson and Jenna are growing like weeds...they continue to amaze me with their kindness. Their spirits are beautiful, and I thank God every day for them.

There have been many ups and downs the last few months, but in everything, I have learned. So, as I sit here reflecting on where I am today, I'm going to share these lessons...

1) Laugh until you cry at least once a month...I have my hubby and my Donna to thank for those laughs. Trust me, it makes it all better.
2) When someone wrongs you, pray for them. It's natural to be mad, but in that anger, pray that God will heal whatever they are missing from their life...it will change you. (Side note, I am still angry, but I pray that God uses that anger to make me more driven...so, I'm still making a positive out of a negative!) :o)
3) LOVE your children...and tell them! The rewards you will receive from it are endless!
4) Cherish your spouse/significant other...too often, we take things for granted. You never know when the last "I love you" will be said, so say it often!
5) Take some "me" time...as a mom, wife, worker, taxi driver, etc., I find it hard to do, but even five minutes helps.
6) Scream if you wanna...enough said!
7) Dance and sing like a rock star...there's no better release than to crank the radio up, sing as loud as you can, and dance like a crazy person!
8) Just breathe...when you are stressed, mad, sad, tormented, or just blah, take some deep breaths and feel the oxygen go into your lungs...
9) Believe in yourself, even when it seems that nobody else does...you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish.

And last but not least:
10) Pray without ceasing...pray for rain, pray for sunshine...pray for God's grace to be reflected in your own life.

I know that everything happens for a reason, and it sounds so cliche, but it does...and when faced with adversity, ask yourself: Am I going to stumble and fall, or am I going to lift myself up, learn from this, and be a better person?

I made the conscience decision to do the latter and it has changed me.

Until I write again (which I promise it won't be too long), have a wonderful night/day!