Welcome, 2012.

Well hello there, 2012. 

Gotta admit - the Fischer family is glad you are finally here.
2011 had some great moments, but it is so last year.

We're ready to usher in a new year full of hope and even more healing.

We're ready to take the lessons we were given last year and put them to good use. Lessons on pride, and prayer, and friendship, and hope. And that's my resolution this year. Losing weight and reading more and keeping a cleaner house and all those typical resolutions would be great if they happen, but I feel like God has been speaking to me in a big way the past few years and so this year, I want to focus on those things. Maybe you can relate? Maybe not. Maybe you're already bored with my self-indulgent post......If so, go check your facebook page or something. No hard feelings. I promise.

Lesson Number One that I'm still trying to learn: 
Let Go of Pride.
I am continuing to learn that sometimes we have to let go of pride and let other people help us. We need to admit when we can't do it all on our own. For example, before we left for NJ, we were anonymously given $500 in cash and at first embarrassment followed by guilt consumed me. What if the people who donated that needed it more than us? What if they never knew, because I couldn't write them a thank you note, how much it meant to us? What if they never knew that the money they donated paid for gas and meals and hospital parking and was actually much needed and helped immensely with our travel expenses? I doubt they do know, unless they just happen to read this blog, in which case, THANK YOU!!

Lesson Number Two that I should have learned a LONG time ago:
Prayer Works!

I know, I know.....I've been praying for how many years?! I believe in prayer and always have, but this year I felt it. Really really felt it. I learned that God can truly give you a peace that surpasses all understanding when you're in the midst of a crisis. That peace could only come from Him and I'm forever thankful for it.

Lesson Number Three:
Kids are a lot smarter than you think!

I learned that sometimes a toddler can teach you more lessons than you teach him. He can teach you about strength, and smiling through pain, and how being "different" isn't a bad thing. He can teach you about embracing people as they are and letting go of the expectations you (and society) once had for them.  And that ain't easy, but when you do it, man does it feel good.

I learned that my 5 and 7 year old are two of the strongest, most sympathetic people I know. They love their brother with such depth. They are so understanding of his needs and they watch out for him like hawks. They amaze me.

Lesson Number Four:
Men and Women are Different.

Okay technically I think we've all known this one for awhile, you know the whole "Mars and Venus" and whatnot. But this past year I learned just how different we are. I learned that my husband and I grieve and handle situations very differently and we had to work really hard to figure out how to best support the other through the tough times. It wasn't easy work, but it was worth it. We are closer now than ever, and on the plus side, it's rare that we're both down at the same time which works out quite well for us. And when we are both down at the same time, we know to turn to God and humor. And yes, I believe those two go hand in hand. I believe God wants us to be able to laugh at things in life, even the difficult things. Laughter to me doesn't mean we're avoiding or shutting out sad feelings; it just means we're trying to keep it all in perspective. Which leads me to lesson five.....

And Last but Not Least, Lesson Number Five:
Pinterest Rocks.
Wow. Now that is deep mundane. But sort of seriously........pinterest has inspired me to finish some house projects we started a year ago so maybe that can be one of my resolutions too? Or do they all need to be serious and soul searching?

So I guess what I'm trying to say through my super long, self indulgent post is that 2012 is the year I hope to soak up some more valuable lessons and continue to rely on God through the rough days.......and on the good days, I hope to be inspired by pinterest and Home Depot to finish some house projects. :)

Oh and if I happen to acquire a ripped stomach without ever actually having to do a sit-up, that would be cool too. I've been trying for years. Maybe I should just hope that this is the year muffin tops come back in style.......

What about you?
Any fun and/or serious goals for 2012?