As the Year Ends...

Well, it's three hours until 2010 is no more and 2011 begins. I can remember when I thought that the "nineteens" would last until the end of the world, and yet here we are beginning the second decade of the "twenties." I know that the tradition is to make resolutions for the new year, but I have learned that before I can make resolutions I first have to review the past. Let 's see,:

• We were blessed with a new granddaughter :)
• Vicki and Josh finished their house and moved :) and :(
• Robbie got a new truck (new to him) :)
• Greenville Gymnastics had a great year :)
• We got a new, bigger embroidery machine :)
• Auburn is undefeated and playing for the BCS / National Championship :))))
• We spent many relaxed and fun hours at the river :)
• Daddy and Mama were sick several times :(
• Karissa and Zack graduated from high school -- and they're the babies!!
• Julie got married :)
• Karissa got engaged :)
• Ashley and Kyle had Jonathan
• We got a new boat (again, new to us) :)
• I started a diet and have lost a few pounds
• Students I have been really worried about are doing well :))))
• Children's Church is filling up again :)
• I have not forgotten to breathe

I think of that song "Count your many blessings, count them one by one..." I really don't think I would ever get through if I started right now and counted through next year. God has been so incredibly good to us this year--so good that I cannot ask Him to do more in 2011. I can only expect more of myself. So in 2011:

• I am going to be a kinder, gentler person
• I will be more patient with those around me
• Deeper Bible study will be a top priority
• I will remember to breathe, even when I see picture of Robert or one of his children looks like him
• All the kids in Children's Church will know how much I love them
• I will learn more and be a better coach at the gym
• I will SEW SEW SEW
• I will remember that every child I teach -- anywhere -- is the greatest gift of God to his parents
• I will cheer for Auburn without being obnoxious
• My kids will be, as always, my top priority
• We will play more
• I will stick with my diet and get better at it
• I will get my boating license
• I will take care of Mama and Daddy
• I will wake up every day glad for the "never been lived in" day that God gives me, and I will make the most of it.
• I will shop early for Christmas
• I will be finished sewing before Christmas Eve
• I will continue my practice of ThanksLiving -- taking the time to be thankful for all things

Of course this list is not complete--there are probably a million things I can't remember from the past year and more that I will add to my "to do" list. But you know what? Writing it down makes me accountable. I've said what I'm going to do, and there will be people out there watching me, remembering my resolutions. Well, I'm going to try hard not to disappoint them!

Remember, if we want something different, we have to do something different. I tell my students, "If you always do what you've always done then you'll always get what you've always gotten." Think about it. And then make your changes. Here's hoping everyone has a wonderful New Year's Day and a very happy 2011!