So 2011, really...

As Charles Dickens started "A tale of two cities" :  "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,..., it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair" pretty much sums up 2011 for us our most difficult year following on 2007/2008 when the twins were small and sick.

The worst of times certainly were the 9 weeks with Lucy on sick leave, the realization that Little man L had serious issues and the incredible lack of sleep. Work issues for both Hunter and I and the high cholesterol shock I had.

In between sits the journey towards getting him back on track, the rough but encouraging ride. The changing of eating plans and cholesterol medication. The operation to the Princess to alter those very dominant ears into the "normal".

The best of times was the realization that in Little man L's reports back from school and the OT that we are seeing a small miracle in action.His eventual potty training. The absolute blossoming of Little man C in school and the Princess' incredible year in grade R. Reaching that magical 4 cholesterol count in December and having an incredible holiday - amazed at the progress in ease of camping that a year makes. The prospect of a course for Hunter and a good project for me lightens the load.

2012 is for us a year of hope - a year of looking forward and progressing onwards.  Looking back on my phrase for 2011 - "Light as a feather on the breath of God" certainly is a shock, because I was anything but light. The year was heavy, and staying light was simply too much. But this year will be filled with hope, every day. With the grace of God.

Here's wishing you all the very best for 2012 - may God bless you beyond your expectations. May God fill our hearts with hope and love.

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Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.