Farewell 2010, You Were Good To Us...

On the eve of New Years Eve, I feel the need to take a stroll down Nostalgia Lane. Since I will be busy partying tomorrow evening (HA!), I figured that I should write this now, while I'm hopped up from the White Chocolate Mocha that I drank at 8:30 this evening. Let's begin at the beginning...

This time last year I was fat with child, and eagerly anticipating a much better year than the one before. The first big event, of course, was the birth of Rascal, which you can read all about here For those of you who want the Cliff Notes version- Went into labor, labor went rather quickly, and SURPRISE! there's suddenly a baby born on my living room floor. It was absolutely perfect and a story I will always enjoy telling for the rest of my life. And of course, meeting my adorable little man was a joy.

One sleep deprived month later, we welcomed another addition to our family...Diva Girl began attending BCA. I cannot tell you what a blessing BCA has been to us. After the devistation of a diagnosis of Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, we finally saw hope again. We needed help desparately, and up to that point all we could see was regression. But then we met this amazing team and they loved on us as a family and challenged Diva Girl...and we see Diva Girl coming back to us. She can communicate with us now and we've discovered ways to help her deal with the world around her. I've met other moms who understand what I'm going through, and now can't imagine my life without these ladies. They are my compatriots in the trenches with me, fighting the same battle I am and inspiring me all the way. I could go on and on about how beneficial BCA has been! Diva Girl's time there has been possible only through the love and donations of others.

Time moved on quickly, and the next thing I knew...my amazing, wise, and wonderful husband graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University. I think my heart nearly burst with pride that day. He worked long and hard for that degree, and overcame many obstacles. He is an inspiration to me! And of course, his walk across the stage led to the next major life event...

In the fall, I picked up the books again and became a full time college student. I have many days when I wonder why I'm doing it. But the answer is always clear: for my kids. In fact, I am getting my degree in Special Education. I have one semester under my belt now and feel rather confident that I will somehow make it through (and I have high hopes to graduate with honors!) Even contemplating getting a Master's, but of course I need to take it one step at a time.

So that about sums up life for the past year. Leaving out a bunch of little everyday miracles of life, of course. I hope this new year is filled with new adventures and the same old joys of parenthood. My resolution for 2011: Enjoy time with my kids more. I think it's one resolution that I won't give up on within a week.

Christmas Recap

Ah, you'd thought I'd forgotten? Of course not! I have to hit upon some of the unforgettable moments of the 2010 Christmas Extravaganza.

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house...were the sounds of Diva Girl, fighting sleep. Ok, so it was technically already Christmas morning, but the hour was early enough to be considered night. Diva Girl, however, believes that morning is whenever she feels like it. She did eventually go back to sleep. The problem with that was that when she fell asleep she REALLY fell asleep. Leaving us waiting around until about 10am to open presents. SO glad Rascal was too little to be outraged about having to wait.

Present opening went fairly well. The presents themselves certainly went over wonderfully! In the end, Diva Girl was playing with Rascal's dump truck and wooden bear while Rascal played with her tea set. Ahhhh, sounds about right.

Then there was a blur of family and chaos and more present opening...and it was perfect. I am still pinching myself over how well Diva Girl did. With our encouragement she was able to communicate with us when she needed to, and she seemed to enjoy the day. She was happy. Rascal was happy. And you know, that makes Mommy and Daddy feel pretty joyous as well. I went to bed that night content, and THAT is nothing short of a Christmas miracle.

The most drama of Christmas day had nothing to do with the kids, actually. I had made my amazing cornbread casserole and my mom took it out of the oven...only to have the dish explode. No, really. There was a POP and shards of glass flew everywhere. Yes, this was the Christmas of my exploding casserole! I have a feeling we will be joking about that for years to come...especially the fact that my brother still wanted to salvage some of the cornbread.

Emmanuel. God with us. I think He was. In every word Diva Girl said, in the steps Rascal took, in the laughter of my family...He gave us these gifts. For the first Christmas in years, I had peace. What greater gift could I ask for?

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Tinker Bell....

In just one week I will probably be debating over my second slice of flan, watching some of my family play a game and laughing at some light trash talk, and listening to the kids get more and more wild as their bedtime comes and goes. Christmas perfection.

Christmas brings so many memories and hopes and expectations. Things I am currently freaked out about:
-Diva Girl plus chaotic present opening...didn't go as well as I'd hoped last year. Preparing her more this year and praying she will actually enjoy the experience.
-Rascal has two younger cousins and he likes to grab and bite. Nuff said.
-Nut allergies during the holidays are generally stressful. Just need to get through the next two weeks without a trip to the hospital.

Things I am currently extremely excited about:
-BCA is having a Christmas Party. How cute is Diva Girl going to be singing "Jingle Bells"?
-Rascal's first Christmas! Happy times!
-Time with my family. Girl time with my mom, seeing all the cousins together, eating home cooking until I pop.

Christmas can be a hard time of the year. So I'm trying to soak in the fun little things. Like Diva Girl singing "Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells....Tinker Bell!" Makes sense to me! And anticipating their tiny excited faces when they get their gifts. And telling them about baby Jesus and just knowing that one day they'll understand.

And you know what? This is the first Christmas since we got married that we've been able to afford to buy one another gifts. Can't wait to see my husband smile when he opens up his present!

Not the most profound holiday blog post, but these days I'd rather be happy than profound :)

Tis the Season

Ugh.
I should be writing a paper right now. Or preparing for a huge presentation that I have tomorrow. Or cleaning the kitchen.

I am paralyzed by responsibility.

I seem to be dropping all of the balls that I should be juggling. Beyond the schoolwork, I am just generally failing at life. My relationships are suffering, my patience is non-existent, and I can't seem to get all of my clean laundry put away despite my best (ok, halfhearted) efforts.

I am in such a funk, they should call me The Funk Master.

My dear husband should be promoted to sainthood for putting up with me lately.

My kids deserve a pony for having to eat so much fast food and deal with crazy mommy.

Tell me this is worth it!