Happy New Year!

2011 is here!

I usually recap the previous year by getting all nostalgic as I realize the year is ending and a new year is about to begin. This year I found myself so busy that I didn't have time. Todd and I are always going full speed ahead with our kids these days and there is very little time to look back. Really, I sometimes think focusing on the past only makes us think about what we didn't do. I have enough guilt as a mom, I don’t need to feel guilty for what I don’t do.

Of course as I realize I didn’t recap, I also feel guilty (oh motherhood, you are a double edged sword!). Will I remember what we did in 2010 if I don’t recap? I blog to remember don’t I? Oh all right, a quick look back can't hurt too much can it?

2010 was a year of illness our family. We experienced things like chicken pox which the kids had been vaccinated for but got anyway. It taught me that all things were possible even when you plan like heck to prevent them!

Change was another theme of 2010. Each of us had a big change to go through. Todd changed jobs which turned out for the best. He loves his new role on the operations side of the business. I love that he comes home in a good mood most days! Win-Win there! Colin changed schools. He learned that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. But, he also learned green grass isn't always the most important thing. I learned that advocating for my child is tough, figuring out what he needs is tough, and doing the right thing is tough. I also learned there isn't always a right thing. Zachary changed to all day school. He learned he loves school even more when he gets to be there twice as long. I learned that my children are very different from each other and what works for one, doesn’t work for all. Molly changed to being a preschooler. Being a preschooler means she is big. She really likes being big, even if she misses Mommy. I learned I can get A LOT done in 2 hours! My change is that I get 2 hours once a week to do what I want. Freedom feels good in small doses! A little change was good for all of us in 2010!

I also learned in 2010 there is a bitter sweetness to watching my children get older and more independent. I do like my freedom, but I also like their cuddles, smiles, and cries of “I need you.” Every time Colin sits on my lap, I wonder if this will be the last time. Every time I convince Zach he can do something he hasn’t before, I wonder how long I will get to be his main cheerleader. Every time Molly tells me I am her best friend, I wonder how many long that will last. I love my kids. I want them to grow up. I want some freedom again. I want to enjoy every minute of the ride. I want to remember the good times and appreciate them. A little look back gives me just that. I appreciate the 2010 memories, lessons, good times and bad. Now full steam ahead to 2011!