uncle!

i've tried to resist writing anything "new yearsy" or about 2009 and how great 2010 will be, just because it's so...expected.  but, i'm calling uncle.  i can't resist.  here are some things i've learned this past year... in no particular order...

-just because a year starts off absolutely horrible, doesn't mean it can't end perfectly. (i.e. we lost a baby in january 2009... but we met graham charleston in december 2009.)
-God keeps his promises. (refer to above)
-your past can, and will, haunt you... but how you choose to let it affect you and how you deal with it is what makes all the difference.
-the devil can take so many different forms. if you're not on guard, he's got you right where he wants you.
-apparently breastfeeding just isn't for every mom... or every baby.
-you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else.  i am a much better mommy when i do things that make me happy.
-they are only little once.
-two kids and a dog makes for a messier house.  i've just gotta deal with it and clean when i can.
-never say never.  you don't know what God has in store for you or what lessons he needs to teach you.  and you don't know what you'll do until you're there.
-coffee makes me a better person in general.
-God is freaking amazing.  i know what you're thinking..."really, lindsay?  you are just now discovering this?"  no...i'm not.  but i experience it more and more every single day, hourly for that matter.  with every little fingernail i clip, every dimple i encounter (both my boys have 3...so that's a lot!), every glance at my handsome and patient husband, every little diaper i change, every scrape that needs a band aid, every set of brown eyes that i look into, every cup of apple juice i pour, every "mommy, i love you" that i hear with my ears or just with my heart, and even every tiny cry i hear.... i just can't help but be reminded that MY God is freaking amazing.
-even when we are convinced we know what is best for ourselves, God probably has a better plan.  every time i look at graham, my heart hurts because i am so thankful for him.  he is such a blessing to our family.  a year and a half ago, i never thought i'd be holding another baby boy of mine.  he's a miracle.
-i know what people mean when they say that they love their kids the same amount but in different ways.  i was a little stirred at the idea of having to make room to love another little boy as much as ben.  but, the transition has worked out beautifully.  :) 

while that list was random and not complete because i could go on for days... it's a snippet of  things 2009 has taught me.  i am excited to see what this new decade has in store for the sluders.