2006 is a year to remember

All years carry their own special memories with them, good and bad, happy and sad. We live our years and they collect behind us making up a life. I can honestly say that I have at least one memory to cherish from each year of my life.(the first couple of years of course may be memories of others shared in a story to me)
Think of this past year... I started the year off with a bulging baby belly (and ended it with just a belly, hehee). I saw my third son into this world and brought even more love into our home. Colin, 2006, is your year baby!
My sister also having her baby a few weeks ahead of me gave me another beautiful niece to love for all time. Little Madelyn is Colin's playmate, my godchild and an angel with pretty eyes.
I learned that kindergarten babies grow up overnight (or over the summer) and before you know it they are planning for high school. I have spent more time with my children and my partner and found it to be both rewarding and sometimes frustrating. I saw less of my friends but feel their love in my life and appreciate them even more. I lost a friend in October and found out that memories are the best gift we give to ourselves. In the summer, I learned that pet grief is very real. Aidan reminds me always that we still have a cat in our hearts. I saw Aidan learn to swim and Josh play soccer and Colin grow and learn every day. The tooth fairy visited a few times and Santa filled our house. The Easter Bunny however got a little lazy, I was in the hospital and he does not read my little instructions well. Mike took up painting and his guitar sat quietly waiting for him. It mad me sad that he stopped but he has begun to pick it up again.
I saw many changes in Michael and our relationship. He is well, but still has much to do. We did some work on this together which showed a level of commitment we have not shown before. I recognized that hard work goes into my relationship and the pay off does not always show itself right away. I learned that just when I think we are at our brink I see how much he loves me. I learned that I have to lower my expectations if we are ever going to make it. I also learned that he does not read my mind and I do have to be very clear in communicating my feelings to him.
I had more laundry, cooked healthier meals and volunteered in my Co-op. I managed money better even though there was less. I spent most of the year not sleeping through the night but still got up in the morning. I accomplished some of what I intended and did not get to everything I had hoped. I saw Mike learn about fatherhood like he never experienced before now and allowed him to do some of the dirty work too. I started this blog and may never stop typing!! It was a good year.