As we say good-bye to another year, I can't help but think of some of the many events that took place this year. First, the most unthinkable (I can't believe it myself!) Charlie and I reached our tenth year anniversary last February. It's amazing how time flies. Seems only yesterday Charlie and I tied the knot after a short, but well established courtship. During the past ten years we purchased our home, had three wonderful children, bought a much needed family vehicle, and moved out of our home to my in-laws and back. Let me tell you that it hasn't been an easy ride. During that time I also also went to school full-time and worked 40 hours a week in the attempt to finish school. Fortunately, I accomplished my goal and I successfully graduated from college and happy with the career I choose. Don't ask me how (we) have managed, but we have gone through some testing times during that period. We can only endure those times in our life and live and learn from them. My hope is that we can accomplish another decade just as good, maybe better than the last ten years. Our journey has just begun....
As years go by-the kids keep getting older too. This past year our eight year old son, Charlie, started his first year of CCD for his upcoming communion. In the summer he also lost several of his baby teeth. Needless to say his recent pictures are toothless but still sweet as usual. Six year old Cristina, our middle child, embarked on what will be the first year of schooling for many years to come, I hope. My little girl started anxiously her first day of Kindergarten in the "big school" as she would say. She couldn't wait to join her big brother. Since Carolina, our youngest and four years old still has one more year for elementary school, We moved her from a farther day care to a smaller, closer and more amiable atmosphere. The move for her was no big deal. She wanted to stay the day we went to explore the day care. I am happy to say that she is doing very well and will be ready to join her brother and sister the following year. I can't believe how much they've grown and matured in one year. I am happy to be cherishing these special days with them.
In the summer we also took our very first BIG trip "where dreams do come true" to magical Disney World. I have to say that I was flabbergasted at the many things to see and do. Considering we only stayed for a week, we were able to accomplish more than what we expected. We all enjoyed the trip just as the kids did. We will see where this summer takes us next....
In August, I began my third year of teaching. Seems only yesterday, I was going to college and being pregnant in the fall every two years. I laugh at it now but I still remember doing my projects for school at home in the kitchen or living room floor with a belly. I had a lot of fun. I hope that all that studying while I was pregnant transmitted to my children in some way; maybe this is why they are so smart! What else can a mother say about her children?
Before the year ended and to our surprise, Charlie received a call we hoped to get from the county. He was hired to start working with the Department of Road & Bridge as a Mechanic. This was truly a blessing. He couldn't be happier to accept a change for the better and certainly an opportunity for professional growth.
We will see what's in store for us this year. We will take anything it has for us gladly and respectfully. Welcome 2008!
