(Continued...Part one here, Part two here)


In 2006, if possible, I have become even more in love with my husband, as he has chosen to soften his heart and expand his world along with me. Together we tested our faith, and came out stronger on the other side.

And I have become even more grateful for my children and to be a mom. My kids are my greatest joy and my greatest challenge…my biggest blessings and my biggest responsibilities. I am so grateful to have each and every one of them here with me and Josh.

I look back to my life a few years ago, and I look at the things that were “big problems” and I realize what a bubble we lived in. It is because of my children, and because of our adoptions, that I have realized how much bigger the world is and how much more there is to care about. I have realized that while I may never be able to change the world in a big way, that I can change it in lots of small ways.

So, there is my year in review. 2006 certainly was not an easy year, but it was an amazing year. Like I said, it was a big year for me in a lot of ways. I am looking forward to 2007…

I am looking forward to a year without the stress, anxiety, drama, change and roller coaster of emotions that come with an adoption (or two).

I am looking forward to focusing on the children we have and strengthening our family.

I am looking forward to continuing my work blogging and advocating for adoption and special needs children in other ways.

I am looking forward to watching Belane continue to blossom, and become healthier and stronger.

I am looking forward to all the fun and all of the challenges that come with being the mom of this big family.

This year, my New Year resolutions aren’t going to be about losing weight (although they probably should) or about quitting a bad habit (I really don’t have TOO many…except for maybe too much time on the computer!). This year my New Year’s resolutions are going to be to keep in my heart the things I learned in 2006, to remember to be grateful for all that I have and not to take things for granted, to continue to educate myself on things that matter, to enjoy every day with my kids and to not stress the small stuff.

Hopefully they will not fall by the wayside like so many other New Year’s resolutions.

My hope for 2007 is that it will be a year in which I can build on all of the wonderful and life-changing things that happened in 2006. It will be interesting to look back a year from now…

Happy New Year everybody. I hope your 2007 brings you lots of joy, happiness, blessings, knowledge, compassion and love.