Can't believe it has been almost a year!

Oh, how I have missed you!    I can't believe it has been almost a year since I have wrote in my blog.  But as a mom of 4, time just gets away from you.  Many wonderful things happened to me this past year.  My baby girl is now 17 months old  and growing so fast.  I just changed her closet over to 24 month clothes.  Kinda breaks my heart, but I am so grateful for her and the joy she has brought to the family...

My boys are growing and thriving.  Kade is doing great in the 3rd grade and getting ready for the science fair.  Blake is loving the 1st grade and becoming a very good reader :)  Then there is Colt!  My 5 year old who has so much personality:)  He is quite the comedian.  This past year has been very busy and fun!  I am so looking forward to summer vacation.

Larry and I celebrated our 14th anniversary this year.  We went to a wonderful resort outside of Traverse City, Mi.  It was quiet, quaint and just what we needed to reconnect.  It is amazing how this weekend together really brings us back to the beginning and refreshes us for the upcoming year.  We have made our anniversary a priority for 14 years now and I truly believe it is one of the reasons we still are in love after all these years.  Time alone is so important...

This year sadness has made its way in also!  My grandmother's health is failing and she is not doing well at all.  She has always been a very vibrant lady.  Walking her dog and running to the local casino for quarters, but that has all ended.  She had to give her dog away and she is now living in the Long Term Care in our hospital.  This is so hard to watch.  It also amazes me at how taking  care of an elderly person is not something anyone wants to do.  It surprised me just how many other members of the family have let the responsibility fall on just a few.  Now, I understand many live away and that is not what I am referring to...but we have many capable members in town who can't seem to even visit or call.  Makes me so sad. I really don't know how much time I have left with my grandmother, but I know I plan on making it count!

This past year, I have also met some wonderful people.  I met my friend, Ali.  She really changed my life.  She is one of those friends that you can't imagine not having and I often wonder what I did without her.  Sadly, she has moved to Arkansas with her family for her husbands job.  But we still have a very deep bond that is indescribable.  I also have met a wonderful girl named Kristie.  What an amazing person she is.  I feel so blessed to have met her at a time when I was so lonely.  These two women really have changed my life in the last year.  Thank you to both of you for making my days shorter and for making me smile everyday!

More good news!!!  Baby's, baby's, baby's everywhere!  But not me!!  My baby sister is having a baby girl in May!  I am so excited! She sends me pictures daily of her belly.  She also calls me with questions, which I feel so honored she comes to me.  I can't wait to hold this little bundle.  Also, one of my very best friends, Katrina is over-due to have her baby!  This is so exciting for me.  She has invited me to the birth.  I have been present at one of her daughters birth about 4 years ago, and it was one of the most memorable days of my life.  The miracle of birth is amazing.  Katrina was at the birth of my Kloe, and I am beyond honored she has asked me to be there!

I am going to write more often.  Writing about my days make me breathe easier.  I hope you all will follow me as I continue to share my life's journey.

Much Love,
Shelby