Happy New Year 2012

I am so looking forward to this year! Its not a resolution, but I hope to improve myself physically first.  And I am not talking about losing weight.  My goal is to recover from psoriasis and being on bedrest for pregnancy.  I feel like my body has reached its limit all at once.  I feel like I've been hit from every angle.  And my C-section is not even here yet.  I'll really be begging for mercy then.  I need a haircut, bikini wax, eyebrow wax... oh heck, just give me a total makeover.

I hope to spend as much time with loved ones as I possibly can this year (and every year).  Can't wait to meet a new special baby that I know is a gift from God.  I feel like my excitement is beginning to take over lately and I probably need to reel myself back in... we're not out of the woods yet.

I lost a dear old friend yesterday in Vicksburg.  Shelly was one of the most genuine people I have ever met.  She was the sweetest, nicest, funniest, strongest, and most loyal friend.  She was one of those people that never did anything wrong in her entire life (granted I know we all have) - but I couldn't imagine anything bad ever happening to her.  Some people have said it brings them more sadness, but I find peace in knowing she is in heaven with her mom.  You know Mrs. Donna was there welcoming her.   Shelly was older than me so we never had classes together - in fact, I don't even know how we really met - except our moms worked together - we were just naturally friends.  A true friend.  She will be missed.

I pulled out an old picture album to post one of Shelly and me.  I couldn't find one to do her justice, but if you are ever looking for a very funny and memorable conversation.... let your 4 1/2 year old daughter look through the pictures with you.  It was from 1988 - 1990.  75% of my pictures have something to do with ballet.
MC: "what are you doing here?"
Me:  "I took ballet for many years back then"
MC: "so you were a ballerina?"
Me: "yeah i guess"
MC: "oh.... but now you're a mom."  

MC:  (looking at a picture of me in school) "is that you, mom?"
Me: "yeah"
MC:  "were you special?"
A million things ran through my mind. No, I wasn't special.  I thought about Shelly.  She was special.
 
May we all enjoy the new year.  May we all hug a little tighter, smile a little bigger, pray a little more often, sing a little louder, and drive a little slower.