The things I've learned

Goodbye 2012....

Over the past few days I've had some serious time to think and reflect on this past year. This past year's events have left my mind full of heart ache, anxiety, pride, humility, deeper love for those I hold close to my heart and gratitude. Just to name a few of the many feelings of 2012. I've learned a lot about myself this year as I've been stretched and tested as I've had to go through so many new life experiences and changes for me and my family. I could sit here and dwell on the awfulness of this last year but instead I'd like to share the things I have learned from the good times and the bad.

I have learned that when you put your mind to it you can achieve your wildest dreams. Matt worked so hard to finish his degree. He even managed to get fairly good grades. 

You need to treasure the time you have with your family. You never know what can happen. 

Heavenly Father is in control.

We may never know "why" but we have to have faith that Heavenly Father knows. 

Change is inevitable. It will happen weather you are ready or not. 

Change is good. If you try your best you will grow and learn from change.

It's ok to ask for help. 

I don't have to do it all. 

You may think that life will be better when this or that happens. But what you don't realize is you will miss what you had before, as you were wishing it away. 

Telling everyone that you're ok when you're really not, causes more pain. Letting other people love you through the tough times is much easier. 

The tougher the challenge the tougher the bond becomes between Matt and I. As long as we work together and cheer each other on. 

Matt and I can handle 4 boys pretty well. Most of the time. 

Prayer is so incredibly important. Everyday. It feels so good to be able to pour my heart out to my Father in Heaven,weather I feel happy or sad. 

Watching someone you love go through their toughest heartaches is one of the hardest trials I have ever had to experience. 

Listening is sometimes better than talking....

As I sit here and think about this new year and what's ahead of me, I can't help but have a little bit of anxiety and fear. But at the same time I am excited to see what's in store. Change is always coming. Change makes us stronger and teaches us about who we really are. I pray that this year can be a year of growing and striving to do my best. 

President Gordan B Hinkley said, "Let's all try just a little harder to do a little better." Reading these words makes me want to do better. So here's to a new year. New adventures and unpaved roads ahead. I know it's not going to be easy. But as one of my most favorite quotes says, "Faith makes things possible not easy."

So my goal for this year is to build my faith so when life throws me lemons, by dang I'm going to hopefully be ready pop up my lemonade stand and make me some lemonade. 

Happy New Year!!!