End of the year reflections...

Every year around this time I always end up saying "where did this year go?". So here it is... where did this year go? It is amazing how quickly time passes. Or at least it seems to. When you think about it... this year didn't pass by any more quickly than any other year. There are still 24 hours in a day, 365 days in a year. But here it is... the middle of December. Another year is coming to an end. And before those pesky New Year Resolutions can be finalized, it's time to reflect on this past year.

There were some hard decisions made this year. Michael left his job of 13 1/2 years at Southwest Honda. He took a leap of faith and it's been one of the best decisions he has ever made. He's happy. He's less stressed. He enjoys his job at Ryan O'Neal Autos and the amazing group of guys he works with. So, to Ryan... I send you a great big thank you.

Cody also made some tough decisions this year. He struggled for about 4 months before coming to the decision to drop basketball and focus solely on golf during this school year. It wasn't a decision he took lightly. In fact, for only being 16, it was probably the hardest decision he has ever had to make. He's still struggling at times. He loves the game of basketball as much as he loves the game of golf. But, hopefully as time goes on... he'll better accept the decision that he made and will live with no regrets.

There were several happy moments this past year. Our oldest "baby" turned 16. I still can't believe that he's 16. I continue to pray each day as he leaves our home that he will return safely. He has loved this new-found freedom of driving. His little brother thinks it's pretty cool, too.

Caden graduated from speech therapy this year. It's been a long 5 1/2 years of therapy. I am so thankful to each and every therapist that helped Caden overcome his speech disabilities.

Both boys excelled in golf this year. It was an amazing tournament season for both boys! I am so excited to see them learn, grow, and become better golfers each summer! I know I complain about the expense of the country club, the equipment, the tournament entry fees, the lost golf balls... but all that goes away when I watch them play golf. They love it. To see them smile at the end of a perfect putt, or a perfect drive, or to accept their trophy or medal at the end of the tournament... it's all worth it.

Cody competed this summer in a grueling 3 day golf tournament in Wichita Falls. This was his first year competing in the Texas Oklahoma Junior Golf Tournament. He played well. Would have been even better had he actually turned in his score card after his last round of the tournament! Apparently, this was an oversight between him and his caddy (his dad). I'm hoping that he and his caddy learned a lesson and this won't happen again next summer! :)

Caden was able to participate in a few tournaments as well. He won 2 trophies this summer and he is so proud of them!

I couldn't be more proud of my boys! They continue to shine and I am so blessed to be right beside them as much as I can... cheering them on!

And as for me... well... I'm just taking each day as it comes. Nothing too exciting has happened. I'm still pressing on in trying to find that perfect job that allows me to balance being a mom and being a nurse. I'd prefer for the scale to lean more towards just being a mom. But... have I mentioned how expensive golf is? Goodness! So if I can keep the scale tilted just a bit more towards mom than nurse... all is good.

At the end of the day... at the end of the year... life is good. I am reminded daily how blessed we are to be healthy and happy. How blessed we are to have each other. How blessed we are to be a family. Life is good.

Now... bring on the New Year Resolutions.

~jen