Bring it, 2011!

Dare I even write a New Year's blog post.  Last year I was peacefully blogging on New Year's Eve about how I was hoping and anticipating 2010 to be quiet and consistent.  Then a week later I got the shock of my life, followed by great disappointment and sadness.  2010 felt like a year of dealing and healing as well setting up our home in Dubuque and developing a balance.  Although I experienced some great sadness this year, I also experienced many blessings as well.  First and foremost watching MJ continuing to grow and develop into a happy, healthy toddler has been amazing!  Motherhood fulfills me in a magical way and watching him learn and grow is the ultimate blessing.  I've also experienced gratitude for additional time with Mat; our new jobs have given us a much different day to day lifestyle.  We are able to spend much more time together as a family and as a couple, and even though I was so reluctant to make that change, I do realize that maybe it was for the best all along.  2010 was also a year of more family visits.  Being closer to home has allowed us to visit St. Louis more often as well as open our home more regularly to visiting family and friends. 

My greatest struggle continues to be making Dubuque feel like home.  While there are many things I love about the city itself, words don't begin to describe how much I miss the close friendships I had in both Florida and Missouri.  Thankfully through calling, texting, Facebook, and blogging I can keep up with just about everyone, but there's just something to be said for a girlfriend to go grab  lunch with, catch a chick flick with, set up a play date with or another couple to enjoy a game night with or share a bottle of wine with.  My biggest hope for 2011 is that I will make those connections that I think will make this new little town of ours feel more like "home" to me. 

I anticipate changes in our family in 2011.  Whether it's through a pregnancy of our own or welcoming a foster child into our home, I am excited to see what the future holds this year.  I am guessing that this time next year will be one of those "who would've thought?!?!" reflections!  I feel equipped and ready for this adventure and really feel at peace with God leading us down "our winding road" in the direction He sees fit. 

As always I am so incredibly thankful for our family and friends.  You are the treasures in our lives and I wish you extreme blessings in the year ahead!