Filling My Nest: This Year

#No Filter Manual Mode ;)

I have about 24 hours to crank out one last blog post for 2013. It seems every year at this time I can't help but spend some time reflecting on the whole year. I'm going to jot down a few points of interest, so I can look back and remember.

This year...

J. moved home from NC, and by the Grace of God, got an amazing job that he loves. He is definitely in a character building phase of life and as his mom, I wish I had a zillion dollars to pay off his student loans; but even if I did it wouldn't help, because he wouldn't learn the important lessons they are teaching him. He is moving to RO this next month. I've thoroughly enjoyed having him home and I'll miss our mornings together, but it's time for my 27 year-old to be totally on his own. I'm so proud of him!

M. had a final breakup with her college boyfriend and knows in the depth of her soul that it's the right thing. She left her amazing job in NY to move to LA. As I type this I still can't believe she did it. Within exactly 20 days she quit her job; got a new one that she loves; got her own apartment two blocks from the beach which she is enjoying decorating; bought her first car; and moved all of her precious belongings across the country. Oh, and she's meeting many new friends. I'm so thankful for cell phones, FaceTime and the airlines. I'm so proud of her!

L. is still working hard on his practice and it continues to grow every year. I'm not the least surprised. He is such a great Veterinarian and everybody loves him! This year he has been disciplined and determined to get healthier. He dropped a ton of weight from watching what he's eating and he's been exercising like crazy. He can count on one hand the days he has missed doing something active these past four months. I am so proud of him!

One of the biggest highlights of the year was our trip to Italy. I just love traveling. I'm getting to the age where I could sell everything and travel the world. Well maybe not quite yet, but we had the best time! I have been accused more than once of being a jet-setter. I must come by it honestly because my parents also loved to get away as often as they could. This past year I went to NY a couple of times and I "had" to go again to help her pack. I also "had" to go to LA twice to get her settled.

We enjoyed our new pontoon at the cottage and spent quite a bit of time out there with anyone and everyone who wanted to join us. I need to chill a little about having everything perfect. It's a cottage, but it was so darn cute when we bought it that I don't want to do anything to ruin it.

Everyone was pretty healthy. I had my silly surgery to fix my frozen shoulder. I spent too much time in PT and focusing on it. The best part of it was that I met my insurance deductible so I was able to have the gene testing for breast cancer. I'm still thankful that I don't have it.

I'm still working doing the books for the BAH and I'm working for the same dentist a couple of days. I still love my job and I have the best boss!

The main problem this year was that I had to watch too many people have broken hearts. I never felt I had the right words to console them. Marriages fell apart; people were dealing with very hard stuff (I'm thinking about my little sister right now); and I still have a heavy heart for a friend whose son committed suicide this year. I know at least two others who have close family members who did the same thing. Nothing compares to that and I don't have a clue how anyone could live through it.

I reconnected with some old friends and relatives via FB. I cherished my time with Linda and Darrel. They were dear friends years ago and when I saw them it was exactly the same. I loved spending time with my cousin, Lynn. I appreciate her sharing her knowledge and photography skills with me. She is so sweet, generous and funny! I look forward to more lessons next year. Photography is a great way to be intentional about noticing God's gifts and beautiful artwork.

Once again I ask you to forgive me for anything and everything I did this year that has hurt you. I'm so serious! I have a tendency to say things I later regret. I keep having to learn that even though I say I'm sorry, words can never be taken back. I so want to be a Blessing and I fall short too often.

I have no idea what God has in store in 2014, but I'm excited about it! I am so guilty of only going to Him when things are going wrong. This year so much has gone well that I have kept Him on the top shelf. I am determined to study His Word so I can bear much more fruit. I want people to see nothing in me except Him. I want to be full of Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness and Self-Control.

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jer 29:13

Happy New Year! May 2014 be your best year yet and may you laugh often until your stomach hurts!