Dependence.

Once upon a time, there was a married lady with five children.

One day, the lady decided that it would be a good idea to get a head start on vacation and travel into these mountains (shown below) while her husband was joyously observing a UT Bowl Game in Nashville on December 30.

Alas, it was not a good idea.

For up on the mountains, there was snow.

Even though the weather was checked, and the police were called, and the lady was reassured that there would be no problems going up the mountains.... there were many problems.

Because of a large amount of traffic, the lady did not get up on the mountain until after dark. (problem one)

Then, up on top of the mountain, there was a long and bumpy driveway that was hidden by a guardrail that led to the cabin that they lady was supposed to be at. On the driveway (shown below) there was about three inches of snow and ice. (problem two).

The lady was not in a four wheel drive. (as shown below)

Only a front wheel drive (problem three).

It was dark. (problem four).

She is not a good driver in the best conditions. (problem five)
She slid back down the drive. (problem six)

She ended up sideways with tires spinning. in the dark. while her husband was joyously watching UT play football. four hours away. in the dark. with some of her kids. (that is a lot of problems).

At this time, all the lady could do is wish that her husband would drive up in his "white horse" and help her get out of the mess she was in.

But he was watching UT play football. And he was still joyous at this time.

So, she put on her big girl drawers, called a tow truck, the Gatlinburg police department and the 24 hour roadside assistance that is listed on the back of her insurance card.

And even though a nice man in a tow truck came and bailed her out,
all she wanted was to see this.


That is dependence.

What's In Store for 2011?

At the beginning of every year, I like to analyze where I am - my "season", if you will. I like to pick apart what the previous year was like (see my post from yesterday) and I like to try to figure out where I am going. The best thing about a new year is a fresh start. I believe that whatever I am doing at midnight when the new year rings in will set the tone for the rest of the year. It has never held true, of course, but I still hold on to that thought.

For example, Dave was not with me last year. I just knew we were doomed. Because my mother in law was the first person I hugged and kissed at the beginning of 2010, she was the one I was destined to spend most of my time with. Not complainin', mind ya. I love my MIL. But I just knew that because of his absence, I would be saying "Dave? Dave who?" I knew he was gone. But we ended being together alot. :) So, you see, my theory is never true.

Anyways, 2011 is an exciting year for me. I am anticipating one of the biggest in my life. In four months and five days, I will walk across the stage and get my college diploma. What is life gonna be like after college? I have NO IDEA. I also hope that 2011 will bring on a teaching job. Any type of teaching job. Even at Wilson :)

I also am looking toward:

• Eli turning 15 in February.
• Another anniversary with Dave in March
• first Easter and Easter baskets with the girls.
• A trip to Vegas with Super Dave
• GRADUATION
• Ugh. I turn 36.
• Tripp turns 6
• A Trip to the beach - for a whole week!
• Michelle turns 18.
• The kids will be in - 12th grade, 10th grade, 9th grade, 2nd grade and kindergarten (again. sorry, Tripp).
• Annie will be 15. Emma will be 8.
• That is a total of three potential teenage drivers - I projectile vomit just thinking about it.
• Dave will be 38. Ha!

See, that is alot in store for the year... and it is only day 2.

Goodbye 2010!

goodbye 2010! This past year was filled with lots of changes, hard work, drama, self exploration... here is a quick rundown of things that stick out in my mind.


2010...
I went to school and worked full time.... celebrated another year of marriage... watched Eli grow past six feet tall... watched Dave work long and hard at the store... was completely shocked, listened and prayed when we found out that some of our closest friends were abusing their children... gained two beautiful girls as my daughters... worked with the girls as they struggled (and still do) to heal from the abuse they endured... completed 47 hours of college credit.... filled out my intent to graduate... took four praxis tests... watched my youngest baby start kindergarten and my oldest son start high school... watch two beautiful girls grow daily and learn to laugh and love... joyfully watch my extended family open their homes and hearts to my girls... learn what an extended support system really is....

I guess I could go on and on. While 2010 was eye opening, difficult and shocking at times, my family was blessed. We learned to have family meetings, depend on each other, take votes, and be open to all sorts of situations - from my school, to the store, to my work, change in church... So, I guess I can say that 2010 was a year of growth.

I am ready for 2011. It is gonna be exciting!