Happy New Year

To be honest, I have been dreading 2010 because of Mario's upcoming deployment. I jokingly was imitating Nathan (he frequently tells us things are the worst ever) and told Mario that "2010 is the worst year ever." I felt bad after saying that because that only makes it harder for him too. So now I am determined to make it the best year ever and focus more on the great things that will happen this year.

I printed out a 2010 calendar this morning and wrote on it the things we have to look forward to. I realized that if we just focus on a couple months at a time, that will really help time go faster and give us things to look forward to. In March, we get to go to Florida for a week. The big kids haven't been to Florida for 3 years, the twins and I for 2 years. In June, we will go to San Diego and stay at Camp Pendleton. I am already looking forward to boogie boarding with the kids and making smores. In August, Mario comes home and in late September or early October we plan to return to Florida for a big family trip. Then of course, Christmas next December.

Another thing that I have done to help me through the deployment is purchase a piece of artwork that really touched me the first time I saw it. It is called "Sweet Hour of Prayer" by Emily Dyches. I really wanted to buy it the first time I saw it, but I already was buying another painting (Simon Dewey's "His Name Shall be Called Wonderful") for Mario that he has been asking for. But when it came up on sale for 50% off this week, I couldn't resist. I have it hanging above the fireplace where I can see it while I am in the kitchen (where I spend most of my time with 4 hungry children.) This painting brings me a lot of peace. I am grateful for all those men and women that are fighting on the front lines to keep our country safe and free.