Out with the old.....

2011.

Already?

It's time to say goodbye to the year that was - continue on my road of purging by saying goodbye to all the stuff that I've been holding on to for way too long, and time to make way for a simpler, more balanced life for our family and for me.  More balanced I can do, but simpler?  That's going to be my challenge for 2011.

It's been a year since we turned our house upside down to renovate our basement and, truthfully, we still haven't quite made our way through our old stuff but we're doing our best.  Along the way I've uncovered some treasures, some stuff that made us laugh until our bellies hurt, some really special notes, cards and letters, and a lot of stuff that made me wonder what we were thinking when we put it a box for keeps.

Early in 2010, our little family endured a near tragic accident which forced us to take a look at how we treated each other and how we could become better parents, partners and children.  It reminded us to go back to basics, to find strength in one another, and to enjoy all that life offers us - the little moments and the big ones.

Also this year, my children continued to teach me about pushing myself, stepping outside of my comfort zone and trying something new.  I was a little worried about starting my blog - it was something that I had wanted to do for quite awhile but I didn't know if I'd be able to manage it in the long term.  Would I find enough inspiration?  Would I find enough time to write?  Would more than my family read it?  Now, eight months after starting it, I know the answers:  yes, yes and yes.  Thank you, dear readers, for making me feel comfortable and confident with my new venture....

I'm not really a resolution kinda girl - I sort of consider September the start of my new year in terms of setting goals - but as we say goodbye to the past year, I feel energized to start the new year.

From my family to yours, thanks for letting me share our stories with you. 

Here's to another year together.