Minnesota: Year 1

I find it hard to believe that in just 2.5 weeks we'll have been here a year. Time is a funny thing, I find. We're already halfway through this year, I'm more than halfway through my dental hygiene program (still worry most days about getting 'voted off the island' or failing out) and it's been 12 months since I took that giant leap and moved myself and the kids more than halfway across the U.S.

When I look at the BIG picture, I still feel so far away from the new life I am working on for myself and the kids. Finishing school, getting a real job and hopefully, eventually, buying us a house of our own. But in reality, I know I am blessed in every way. The kids' dads remain very supportive in my new adventures and I can't thank them enough for that. Ray and his family will be moving to North Carolina this summer and Doug is hopefully moving east as well. It would be nice to have us all closer again. The hardest thing about this decision was that it took the kids so far from their other parents.

The kids have all adjusted better than I had ever hoped. They excell in their new environments and have made many new friends. They enjoy many activities and a lot of things that living in a big city affords them. Theatre, zoos, museums etc. I have made new friends as well and am slowly getting more and more settled in Minnesota. We all miss our old home and all the friends we've left behind. And the undying support of my family and friends has been a huge component in all this. I can't thank all of you enough for the calls, the cards and well wishes. It's been a huge pile of changes in the last year...my first year on my own. And while it was quite an adjustment at first, we've all come through fine. Michaela has been a great help (understatement of the year) and I don't think I could do this without her. And all the kids are rather understanding of my time constraints and my stressy mood swings LOL

I just want you all to know, because you were all so scared and freaked out for me, I am just fine. I know I did the right thing and I'm happier than I've been in a very long time. It's a good feeling.

Ok...enough babble. Here's a recent photo!

"Just spread your wings, latch on to the breeze
Just take the leap..and you're free"'
-Carbon Leaf