What the heck?

Have you ever had a year that spins you so hard your neck hurts? Actually, my whole body hurts after this year. I don't like to go in-depth on my blog but it's after 4 a.m. - I've been up for a long while and I realized I've been so lax on this blog. It's one of the many things that has gone by the wayside this year. I laid for a long time thinking about this year and wondering just WHAT I had wanted me to learn. I know that I learned a lot about myself. A lot that wasn't pretty.

It all started with the realization that our *surprise* child was going to change not just the number in our family. It meant that financially private school was out the window. No big deal, we can home-school for one year! HA! I learned that I have limitations that are real - not just in my head. 

• I learned to eat humble pie - that some children really do throw fits, scream, will not schedule, eat all the time and never stop moving - and it's not because the parents don't discipline.
• I learned that if you build the barn before planting and harvesting the field you will fail.
• I learned that legalism is truly toxic and poisons not just yourself, but those around you.
• I learned from good friends how to be a better friend.
• I learned that if you aren't gifted in an area - don't take on that responsibility.
• I've learned that God is Great, beer is good...and people are crazy!!!!! LOL. Sorry, just had to add that one. :)

I'm still learning. I'm learning that relationships are messy, hard and a big pain! 

I've also learned that my sisters will love me on my most un-loveable days:


My friends will overlook my "Northern-ness":



My children are priceless:


I'm learning to be grateful too. Something that is a huge need in my life.