Ready for a new year!

I cannot believe it is already time for a New Year! I have mixed emotions about the approach of this new year.  For the most part I am ready to say good riddance to 2012! It has been a difficult year, full of anxiety and tumult and concerns. However, it also brought us this beautiful little Matthew and a number of life lessons that perhaps could only be gained in the school of hard knocks. As the nation prepares for the very real possibility of fiscal calamity I appreciate even more the fact that I learned this year that all that really matters is within the walls of my home.  Our little society, as imperfect as it is, is life itself to me, and we will keep on keeping on no matter what changes the new year holds,

I haven't posted much this year, I feel like this blog is a long lost friend I don't get to see nearly as often as I would like! The last semester was truly crazy! I am just now beginning to try to catch up for the crazed schedule we kept. I am very much looking forward to just teaching one BYUI course this semester, and John teaching one. Unfortunately, I think I will also need to drop choir.  I love my choir, but at this point in time with John's unpredictable schedule and Matthew having never had a bottle I think it would not be a welcome respite and "me" activity, but just another stress.

6 kids is kicking my tail! I love my kids oh so very much, and am enjoying every little bit of their growing selves, and yet I am looking forward to the day that I can move to some different challenges. We knew the first year of having two so close would be difficult and it surely is, but it is also such a joy. John and I are just trying to enjoy the smiles, giggles, sticky kisses and hugs amidst the diapers, dishes, toys and pure exhaustion.

John's work is still a challenge. While we are so grateful that he has work, we are disheartened at the lack of opportunities and offers as we continue to search for better work. We are just continuing to do our best though, as that is all we can do.  We hope that 2013 brings some good news our way, as we could surely use it!

I have some general goals I am thinking about for the new year, although it is hard to plan very specifically when we are so hoping to be in a better situation next year and are not sure what that may look like.  I have decided this year that I want to have a key word and incorporate it into my life as a theme. That word is PRESENT. I want to be more present in each moment, more present with my children, more present as a teacher and to find joy in being more fully present in my life. I am so excited to see what this year brings! (At least if you ask me during an optimistic moment).

Hoping to post a few pictures from the past while soon (lately they have all been on fb).