Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! While the New Year brings resolutions, hopes of new adventures, and for me has been really humbling. (Is that right? Did I use the word humbling right?) While the last couple of months have been very rough for us, very stressful, and living on pure faith. I have probably learned so much more in these last couple of months than I have over the past couple of years that I have been married. So, I thought that I would share a little wisdom that I have earned over these past couple of months.

Always live in the moment. Being fully present in the moment is where you find true peace. Because whether you are playing with your kids, reading a book, cooking, cleaning, if you are fully present you will have more joy in what you are doing. It will take your mind off of bills and "things that need to be done". That has been the one thing that has helped me handle stress. Just being in the moment. It has helped me enjoy my kids more, my hubby more, and the little tasks that I do. And I have felt more peaceful and happy.

Be grateful! For everything you DO have. Only think of what you do have today. Be grateful that you have food to eat today, that you have a warm home today, that you and your family are safe and healthy today. By being truely grateful of what you have TODAY helps keep you present and helps you remember what is really important. Things, material things, are not important. It has taken me a long time to learn this one. In the past I always wanted more more more. I wanted a bigger house a nicer car, more stuff. But, I have finally learned true value lies in things that aren't material.

Don't be afraid to talk. Keep lines of communication open. Talk to your hubby or friend or mom or whoever you feel comfortable with. Don't bottle up your emotions because they never go away, they get worse. And it is ok to cry. Crying is good for the soul!

Have faith! Even when things seem like they can't get any worse, always have faith. Have faith also in yourself. Always look for the good. Even if you can only find one good thing out of a situation and a million bad things, just focus on that one good thing.

And know everything happens for a reason. Through every trial in life ask yourself what you can learn from this experience.

Have patience, remember to enjoy the journey!

Darren has just recently lost his job. These last couple months of struggling has taught me so much and has prepared me for this moment. I feel more prepared and instead of looking at what we have lost, I have been trying to look for what we have gained. Darren has been spending more time with the boys! That has been wonderful in itself. And we have decided that it is time for Darren to go to college. We are going to get him inrolled to BSU for the fall semester. We are also finally able to pursue our own wooden toy business and internet business. Which we are really excited about.
So, whenever life closes a door, go find another one and open it! Life may be a roller coster but enjoy the ride!

I hope you all have a wonderful New Year full of possibility! And I challenge all of you to try and experience 1 new thing this year that you have never experienced! Love you all and bless you!