A Great Year.

Several months ago, I wrote a blog full of emotion as Billy started his first year of preschool.  Today, that year came to an end.  When Billy began school, I worried:  Would he make friends?  Would he like his teachers?  Would his teachers like him?  I am thrilled that, throughout the school year, I discovered the answer to these questions is a resounding YES. 

Billy made more of preschool than I could have ever hoped.  He made plenty of friends.  He adored his teachers and they adored him.  He learned how to write every letter of the alphabet!  The little boy who started the year a bit anti-social and who screamed every time he held a pencil really grew up.  I am so proud of him!

I've also learned a lot.  On June 1, I'll mark my one year anniversary as a coupon cutting, super-saving SAHM.  The past year has been eye opening, to say the least.  On a fundamental level, my family is much better off with me at home.  We are happier and more fulfilled.  We are all in a better place than we were one year ago, though I've learned I am not the best housekeeper amongst the SAHM ranks.  I like to say our house is "clean enough".  I have to admit there are some truly sparkling houses out there.  I even accused one friend of having a secret housekeeper ; )  Luckily, she took it as the compliment I intended.       

Over the past year, we've had ups and downs.  Last summer brought more fun than I can remember.  Thanksgiving, however, brought the worst illness I can remember (sorry Dad).  I've also learned that you cannot trust everyone and, as silly as it is, the life of a SAHM is competitive.  I do my best to keep a level head and remember what is important, but sometimes can't help but be brought into the fray.  Nonetheless, the downs are very easy to forget as each day is filled with so many smiles and so much love, I still cannot believe how lucky I am. 

Recently I was talking with my Dad about traveling.  In the past year, we went to Mexico three times and to Disney World.  We also travel to Michigan every five weeks.  In June, we are traveling to the Bahamas via Fort Lauderdale and, in the fall, we will hit Disney World again (thank you Mom).  I expressed concern to my Dad that maybe we were doing too much.  He reminded me that we traveled just as much when I was a kid.  He's not able to travel anymore and is thankful that he made the memories while he could.  He reminded me that we are making memories for a lifetime and that you need to do it today, because you never know what tomorrow will bring.  Smart man.

Hopefully there is nothing but sunshine and rainbows in store for our tomorrow, but I know better.  For now, I will cherish every moment of this life I've worked so hard for.  I will never forget how lucky I am.

P.S.  Stay tuned.  There are big things happening in the Sias house!