HaPPy*nEW*yEAr ya’ll!!! One thing I think we could all use more of in our lives is JOY! So while I’m ringing in the new year, I like to look back at the old & realize everything I have to be thankful for. Sometimes I’m just thankful the year is over (did 2007 totally suck for anyone else?). A lot of times it doesn’t feel like much has even happened, until I start writing things down (which is another reason writing is waaaaaaaay cOOl!). Here are my top 5 big thank you’s I have for 2011 (Please hold all applause until the end):

A restored relationship with my father. I hadn’t seen him in 8 years and this year I got to see him 3x (we don’t live close). It was so neat seeing my 7-yr-old meet him for the first time. They are like kindred spirits.

Kaylee started middle school & it’s OK! I must admit I was terrified, even more so when the first week she got herself a first boyfriend. Turns out, we liked the family soooooo much that our whole family is now dating his whole family & planning a trip to Australia in 2013. (We are thinking arranged marriages could be on to something;)

Kaylee started guitar lessons & Ashley started horse back riding. I’m so happy both of them finally found their niche!

I finished my third novel! I’m thinking the third time is a charm & 2012 will be my year to finally land a fabulous publishing deal:)

I’m still married to my Prince Charming, 14 years in August. Ashley said it best on the way home from church today: It’s a good thing you two ended up together b/c if you didn’t, you’d be alone . . . nobody else would want you. LOL. She’s very insightful. Takes after her mother that way (the mocking she gets from her Dad).

Okay, you can applaud now, it’s over:) WHat ARe some of yOUr big THank yOUs? WhAT aRe yoU lOOkiNG fORwARd to in 2012 (make it a good one, according to my brother, it’s all over after Dec. 21st. Either way, let the party begin!) ~Cheers & Thanks for playing