2011 Wrap-Up {New Year’s Eve}

I was whining about something this morning, and I told Mystic, “This has been a year of great loss.  My hair.  Eli.  And my car.”

All that is, of course, true, but that is only half the story.

A year that brought me trips to Seattle, Atlanta, San Antonio, Hershey, Washington DC, and Virginia.  A year that brought me new freelancing clients and new endeavors.  A year that brought me even closer to the kids, making us as thick as thieves.  Or like our own version of the Three Musketeers.  Or the Three Stooges.  Depending on your perspective.  And the day.  And our respective moods.  A year that brought us new friendships, and strengthened old ones.  Celebrations.  Highs.  Lows.  An introduction to Mystic.  A sprained ankle.  A blogger road trip.  A blogger Apres Thanksgiving Very Veggie Feast.  Rainbow Cake parties.  Valentine’s Day parties.  Craft parties.  Birthdays.  A Britney Spears concert.  And countless other things, big and small, that were in the whirlwind of 2011.  So much happiness.  Laughter.  And, of course, tears.  We are nothing if not all about the balance.

A new year is just hours away.  A clean slate.  A new beginning.  New resolve.  Dedication.  Determination.  Inspiration.  Say whatever cliche you will, it’s a chance to start over.  Begin anew.  Or continue right where you left off.

For all the challenges that this year may have held, it really has been mostly good.  I am eternally grateful to have an amazing network of support amongst my family and friends.  A girl could not have better, and I am blessed.  I love a new year.  Full of new promise.  New surprises.  And most of all, love.

When Madeline said good-bye as she left for a weekend with The Ex last night, she threw her arms around my neck and squeezed tight.

“I love you,” she whispered into my ear.

How much?  I asked.

“I love you big,” came the response, quick and fierce.

And that is my wish for you and your 2012 … that you love, and love big.

I’ll be taking the next two days off, but will be back Tuesday.

xoxo