Alrighty, first post from my phone.....this thing is so awesome. :-) There'a a lot going on right now with moving a week from Sunday, but it's been a while since I wrote anything, and it's a good way to release some of this stress. The girls and I are leaving the day after Christmas, weather permitting, and there's been a lot to figure out to get to that day. I just can't wait until it's all done and I'm with my husband! What a great lead-in......;-)

Three things I'm grateful for:
1. Three weeks ago exactly my family went from three to seven. Now I have an amazing man for a husband, and three great stepkids. :-) I don't think being grateful for all that needs any explanation!

2. It even sounds weird to me, but I'm grateful for all the experiences I've had thus far that have led me to where I am right now. A year ago I couldn't see how I could ever feel like that, but if everything hadn't happened exactly the way it did, I wouldn't be where I am. It was such an easy thing to say when the worst thing that had happened to me was having a boyfriend that didn't really treat me right, but now that statement means a lot more. I've been through abuse of every kind and infidelity and done plenty of things that I deeply regret, but after having gone through it all I'm stronger, and I know myself better. I'm more confident in everything. I still have things to improve on, but I know I'm better for all the bad experiences that led me to a place where I could finally be myself and be open to real love.

3. I'm grateful to have found such a good friend in my brother. I'm really going to miss him.

Three things I need to work on:

1. I stress out way too easily about way too many things. The last couple of weeks have been ridiculous trying to get ready for this move. I was totally laid back out the wedding, and once it was over it was like my brain went into worry overdrive.....and worrying constantly is no way to live!

2. It's time to cut out the pepsi FOR GOOD. It costs too much money and I have bad teeth. :-/ I just need to suck it up and deal with the migraine that accompanies a lack of caffeine.

3. Be a better friend. There are a lot of things I could say about ways I could improve all my relationships. I just want to always keep in mind that I should always be growing and learning and bettering myself, not for my own benefit but so I can help others.

It's a pain typing all this on my phone, so j just want go leave with one last thought.....I'm SO happy - genuinely happy, for the first time that I can remember in so long. I know that life is never perfect, but now that I've found Vernon and we're about to start building a life together with all of our kids - 5! :-) - I know true love and happiness.