Tonight, I have the honor of being the guest writer for Craig's blog.  While he is getting the kids settled for bed, he asked me if I wanted to take on the blogging tonight and I agreed.

As we leave 2015 behind, I am thrilled to be embarking on a brand new year, full of possibilities and opportunities.  I don't want to ignore the lessons, mostly learned "the hard way", of 2015.  As many of you know, this was a crazy health year for Craig and me.  We both have learned to listen to our bodies!  Biology ALWAYS wins!  We both are keenly aware of the importance of listening to our instincts and paying attention to signs that things "just aren't right".  We both are committed to caring for ourselves and each other so that we may be here for many years to come. 

As for me, I have learned, in a real way, that I have some of the best family and friends a girl could ask for.  During all of our excitement this year, we have had amazing support from so many.   I am beyond thankful.  None of you will ever know how much your love, kindness, support (near and far), etc meant, especially in the last 6 weeks. 

In addition, I also discovered that God uses ALL kinds of situations to teach lessons that we need to see/hear.  There is so much that I have learned about myself and many lessons that I want to teach our children so that maybe they won't have to learn them "the hard way".  Life is fragile and must be handled with care...unfortunately, there is no life "bubble wrap".  Whatever life throws at me (and us, as a family), I am choosing, from here on, to see the lessons in the situation and find the positives.  I know that I am continuing to grow and become a better (hopefully) parent, wife, sister, daughter and friend.  As I am in my 41st year of life, I realize that I still have so much to learn.  Bring on the lessons! 

As we enter this brand new year, I pray that 2016 will be good to you and yours.  I pray God's protection for you all and that His lessons to you will be ones that you listen to and incorporate in your life. 

I leave you with this:  "For I know the plans I have for you", says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11