It's a wrap.

We have just over a day left in 2010 and like so many others I am reflecting on the past year and looking forward to starting with a clean slate, making new memories, continuing to reach for goals (and probably making a few new ones) in the new year.

I can't complain at all about 2010. We've had our challenges and struggles and did a lot of learning this past year, but above all I am thankful we've all been healthy and Steve has been fortunate enough to be working all year. We didn't know whether that would be the case as we entered the holiday season in 2009, and I can tell you it's much easier to sit back and relax and enjoy Christmas when you know the paychecks will continue coming after the first of the year.

We got to see some new places in 2010. We enjoyed the beauty of Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia as Steve moved around for work. He expanded his resume and we expanded our comfort zone as we again learned to live and love and parent long-distance. We met some wonderful people and made some amazing new friends. We rejoiced when Steve was offered a job back here in Michigan, a mere 3-hour drive from home.

We took on a couple major home-improvement projects this year: installing ceramic tile, rebuilding our front porch, replacing all the windows and our sliding glass door, adding gutters, planting lots of perennials out in the yard. Little by little we are taking care of things we've been putting off for years, and that feels good.

Time and time again I thank the Good Lord for friends and relatives who love us, look out for us, and take care of us. From pumping up flat tires to plowing our long driveway in the winter, kid- and house-sitting, and regular "therapy" sessions over coffee, dinner, or margaritas, I couldn't ask to be part of a better community - both in our little neighborhood and in a broader sense in the pipelining community, our church family, our friends.

I look forward to the year ahead. We've had some time to recharge these past couple weeks as the kids have been home from school and Steve has had some vacation time from work. I'm ready to start the new year on a high note; life is good.