2007 in Review

525,600 minutes, 525,600 moments so dear.
525,600 minutes, how do you measure
measure a Year?
In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights
In cups of coffee, in inches, in miles
in laughter, in strife.

In 525,600 minutes, how do you measure
a year in the life?
How About Love? How About Love? How About Love?
Measure In Love
Seasons of Love.

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This has been my theme song in the last few years.
I can’t measure a year in my life in any other way.

2007 seemed like a whirl wind. Some days go by so
very slow (the “I’m at work and would rather be
somewhere else” days, the “Piper is sick or cranky
and I haven’t had enough sleep” days) but the years
are slipping by so fast. Before I know it, I will be a
mother of two. A mother of two. Doesn’t that
sound great?

We made it through some health issues with my
mom this year. Although I briefly mentioned it, I
didn’t go into details. In May she had a carotid
endarterectomy. After too many tests and scans
and a Transient Ischemic Attack (or a mini stroke)
and lots of worry. Most of which, I’m sure she
carried on her own. Everything went well and she
was home within a few days. It makes one
realize how fragile life really is. How in an instant
it can all change.

My Sweet Pea turned one year old and I became
pretty certain that no one was going to pinch me
and wake me from this glorious dream. Piper has
been an amazing daughter. She has been so much
fun. It has been so rewarding taking these steps
and learning with her. We have reassessed our
parenting style time and time again. One thing
that I have learned is that as a parent you
must go with the flow. Expect the unexpected.
Be prepared to leave a restaurant before you get
seated at the table because toddler Piper is in meltdown mode.

We suffered a miscarriage in August. Already having
a child doesn’t make it easier, doesn’t take the pain away,
but it does help to take your mind off of it. With a toddler
in the house, there is no time to wallow in self pity. At least if
you want your house to remain standing. Toddlers have a
way with people, even if we don’t quite realize it. They have
this magical way of making us smile, coo and laugh even when,
with all our might, we don’t want to. So when our home is knee
deep in the terrible twos of an independent toddler, I will
remember how she made me smile, coo and laugh when
we needed it the most.

Craig and I celebrated wedding anniversary number 6 in July.
Six blissful years. I’ve never doubted that man was meant for
me, he’s my lobster. True love stories never have endings. I
am very thankful that I have him by my side.

All in all 2007 was a good year for us. We have our health and
we have eachother. All the best to all of you in 2008.
I leave you with this….

A New Year Blessing

That the single, most significant dimension of life is your
relationship with the Source of Goodness who never ceases
to sing love songs to your soul
That you find meaning, purpose, and vitality in what you do daily
That you treasure your loved ones and let them know how
dear they are to you
That you make choices and decisions that reflect your truest self
That you look in the mirror at least once a day and smile in happy
amazement
That you remember relationships are what count above all else –
more than work or money, or all the material things we spend
so much time tending
That you live in an uncluttered manner, enjoying the freedom to
be content
That you keep your sense of humor when things don’t go the way you want
That you find adventure in each new day and marvel at the wonders
of creationwhich constantly present themselves to you
That you never give up on yourself when others turn away or do not understand
That you are attentive to the health of your body, mind and spirit
That you take risks and accept the growth-full challenges that come to you
That you draw on your inner strength and resiliency when you are in need
That you carry peace within yourself, allowing it to slip into the hearts of
others so our planet becomes a place where violence, division, and war are no more
© Joyce Rupp January 2004