Highs and Lows of 2017

2017 is officially over and now we start over fresh. A new canvas to make our mark on.

This past year had it's ups and downs just like every year. It wasn't awful. It wasn't the best year ever. None the less, we're left with its memories.

Let's start with the lows, to get those out of the way.

*We were hit with 2 or 3 rounds of the stomach flu over the course of the year. The worst of it seemed to rear its head in the middle of the night, which made for some awful nights for this mama.

*During one of the stomach bugs, we were supposed to go cheer Kendra on in her marathon in St. Louis. James and I were able to go, but for a shortened time. The marathon day was a disaster of epic proportions. Kendra's goal was to run a sub 4 marathon. She ended up taking over 5 hours, which still...is amazing because I would die after 1 mile, so I was super proud of her. In the meantime though, mom fell in a pothole and had a crater in her elbow. She woke me up to help her, and I passed out and hit my head on the closet door at the hotel. We watched Kendra at the halfway point and she was ready to quit. She hated me for a bit because I wouldn't let her quit. Mom ended up at urgent care for stitches. James was melting down because crumbs were on his fruit snacks. I had to walk from the middle of downtown with James, down to the arch to cheer on Kendra at the finish. On top of that we ended up having a bad supper experience. But we still laugh about all of it to this day!

*In April or May our sewer started backing up. The same lines that were replaced to the tune of $6000 2.5 years prior! I had to deal with plumbers. I had to make phone calls and stay on top of everything so that things would be repaired. Thankfully, we got it all done for free, but it still sucks to see your yard torn up again!

*The passing of Jacob's Grandma Sally. We were able to go and be with her and say goodbye, but it's never an easy thing.

*November 4th. One of the worst days ever. Nothing prepares you to get a call that your husband and one of your kids were involved in a car accident. Then as you're scrambling to find child care, you hear the sirens and know exactly where they're headed. Thankfully, everyone was okay. I will forever be thankful to God and to our car seat which helped Daniel walk away without a scratch.

Now onto the highs!

*We were challenged at church this past year to follow God's direction and take our "next steps", whatever those might be. I knew right away what my first 2 steps would be, but I felt like there was maybe more. My first step was to join Calvary. So one of the first Sundays of the new year I became a member of the church. That's the first time I've joined a church since 2001 when we joined Valley View in Cedar Rapids.
My second step was to get involved in the children's ministries. I talked with Carlos and ended up in a teaching position in the 4-5 year old room. Those kiddos are such blessings and I love each and every one of them.
My third step didn't come until September or October. For a long time I had a longing to sing on our worship team, but I was intimidated by the other amazing singers. Finally one Sunday, something Pastor Steve said in his message hit me and I knew that I was supposed to do this. I met with Steffan and tried out...which was scary for me! I've gotten to sing twice and loved it. Can't wait to do more this year!

*Getting to unexpectedly take Daniel to his first Cardinals game with Brenda. Due to a rain out, Jacob and Kent weren't able to go back the next day, so my amazing friend Leslie watched James all day so that we could take Daniel. We had such a fun time and made lots of memories!

*Going to my 2nd Garth Brooks concert. It was amazing. I went alone, but had such a great time. I still like to believe he waved back at me when I waved to him. Don't try to burst my bubble. You can't make me think any different!

*Watching Daniel graduate preschool and start kindergarten. Even if I bawled my eyes out at both milestones, I was very proud of him!

*Road trips to Iowa and a vacation in Indiana which included zoos, a children's museums, a visit with Great Mimi T. in Chariton, parks, rocket launches and just time with family.

*A friend that loaned me her van for 2 weeks after our's was totaled. A complete blessing since it would have been costly to rent a car for that long! And then finding a van to buy just when we needed it.

So, here's to a brand new year and brand new memories....which so far have included my kids trying to kill each other, and my mom starting to lose her mind. But, a high for me is that Kendra is folding my kid's clothes while I type this. :)