What a year! From sadness and uncertainty to happiness, joy, laughter, LOVE, LOVE, and LOVE…there is always love but no one can prepare for the love that comes into your life and fills your heart the way that children do. I feel the love tingling throughout my body from head to the edge of my wiggling toes. Although we are saying farewell to 2011, you will never be forgotten. Here’s welcoming 2012 with an open heart and mind. Wishing you all the blessings of the New Year, the love of family and friends, the sound of laughter to surround you and good health to keep you warm. Thank you Lord for the continued blessings. It is not only in the new year but everyday throughout the year that we are grateful. Happy 2012!!!

Babies are sleeping so I decided to take a moment for me. I put my boots on, zipped my sweater and pulled my hoodie up, walked outside and just sat on my stoop. As my butt started to freeze, I stared at all the twinkling lights wrapped around fences, doorways and windows and smiled just thinking of how beautiful the block looks. I felt like each light that shined was an obstacle we overcame this year. My mouth clenched in fear then immediately relaxed and changed into a smile thinking about all that has come and gone and all that is today. Reflecting on a year that brought us two amazingly beautiful children. Two blessings named Giovanni and Isannah that fills a lifetime with hope, faith, love and HEART. Thank you for my blessings, my life, my love and the happiness that I know because of the sadness that was.