2012 has been a big year for our family. It’s also been a hectic, no-second-to-spare whirlwind trip around the sun, so it’s nice to pause for a moment and count our many blessings.
Let’s take a glance back across the months.
January: My daughter turned 14, and my son turned 11. I’ve seen too many loved ones lose children at young ages, so I don’t take a single second of mothering for granted. I’m thankful my children are both healthy, happy, and HERE with me in this world. Nothing tops being their mother. Nothing.
February: My debut novel, Into the Free, hit shelves. I’m thankful for all the folks at David C Cook, as well as my agent, Greg Johnson, and the countless friends who helped me fulfill my dream of becoming a novelist. I’ll never forget receiving news that the book had received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly. No words can explain this feeling.
March: Into the Free spent three weeks on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. This is an experience I never dared dream could happen to my little book, and I’m still trying to absorb the reality of it all. Very, very grateful. AND…even better than that…my best friend and I celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary.
April: After spending two years launching a sustainable farm, our family experienced an amazing birthing season, welcoming many beautiful baby lambs and goats to Valley House Farm. It was a life-changing adventure for all of us, and one I’ll forever be grateful to have witnessed.
May: End of School! I know it sounds silly, but honestly, we all let out one big EXHALE when the school year ends each May. I love my teaching job, and I’m grateful to get to work with remarkable students who make me smile every single day, but in our family, we all enjoy the stress-free days of summer. We’re the kind who could be very happy homeschooling. We NEVER get bored at home.
June: We were all willing to trade a big summer vacation in order to welcome two strangers into our home this summer – a college student from Denmark and an elementary student from Louisiana who was seeking a safe place to land. They both quickly became part of the family. For the month of June, the house was a constant flurry of activity and laughter. It’ll always be one of our favorite summers.
July: I punched out my second novel in about five weeks. True, the first draft was useless, but it felt good to get it done. My husband also turned 41 this month. After seeing two friends become widows in the last two years, I certainly count my husbandamong my many blessings.
August: My daughter entered high school; my son, junior high. It was a big transition for our family, and one that made this sentimental mama pretty blue. But, as sad as I am to see time stealing my babies from me, I’m also grateful to see them both enter these turbulent years feeling happy and secure in themselves. I hope and pray they will continue to follow their own path and know they are loved.
September: I got to attend my very first writer’s conference, ACFW in Dallas, TX., where I met hundreds of like-minded souls who love to build fictional worlds just for fun. What a treat!
October: I’ve been lucky to go on many fun author events this year, but this month was particularly exciting as I served on a panel at my very first Southern Festival of Books in Nashville. While there I got to meet many authors, including two of my favorite: Junot Diaz and Gail Tsukiyama. Then, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime when I spent a wonderful week in Colorado with friends and ranchers who helped me fill in the gaps of Book Two. I also got to see my daughter work the light board for a high school play and my son perform his first real song on his trombone. Love seeing them learn new things.
November: The students at the Choctaw Tribal School welcomed me into their classroom for a day and helped me wrap up Book Two. That day will always be one of my most cherished experiences. My son performed in his very first band concert, and I got to join the Belles here at Southern Belle View. Exciting month, all the way around. I also entered my 39th year here on this magnificent planet, and after losing a brother and a best friend (both before they turned twenty), I certainly don’t take a single minute of my life for granted.
December: I can’t wait to find out!
Your Turn: Share your thankful thoughts and tell us your secret to living a grateful life.
And if you’re looking for a holiday gift less than $10…Into the Free is part of a special Pre-Black Friday sale on Amazon. Sale ends soon!
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