This Year

Normally at this time of year I find myself saying "next year will be better" or "good riddance to the end of that year". I don't mean this ungratefully or flippantly, but it is fair to say that me and my gorgeous family have had our fair share of troubles.
BUT this year instead of saying next year will be better, I find myself thinking of how far we have come this year ....  literally we have moved 350 miles north west... but aside from that I just wanted to list a few of our achievements this year. It is quite a nice exercise to do, and has made me incredibly grateful. In no particular order:

• We have moved to the other end of the country. Successfully!
•  I have started this blog, which I love doing and I have found the crafts community online in force which is incredible!
• (whispered so as not to tempt the fates) My son has had his first "hospital free" year....
• My daughter has started school and loved it. She is now beginning to read!
• My gorgeous husband has found a job that he enjoys and where he is appreciated.
• I have learnt how to knit.And found that it is incredibly addictive.
• We have bought our gorgeous but rather hyper dog and wouldn't be without him anymore
• But most importantly we have grown as a family this year. We have stood on our own two feet more, but had the sense to know when to ask friends and family for help.  We are a closer family unit and I am proud of us!

This year hasn't been without its challenges, (I spent 3 months in and out of hospital over the summer) but we have faced them and come through the other side and I am very positive for next year.