One great thing about this year is my amazing "book lady" career with Usborne Books & More. I earned tons of free books, business supplies, fun branded supplies (like a blanket, cups, notebooks, folders, a lunch bag, a tote bag, even a cookie jar and tea infuser), and of course - a cruise for two! I honestly do not know if I would have made it through this year without Usborne and the support of my team. The money that it has brought in has been a tremendous help by paying for Ellison's dance lessons, paying for our new and much-needed snowblower, and helping us get through all the time I've had off (some with no pay from my "other" job, unfortunately).
The kids love books, too!
I was also pleasantly surprised a few weeks ago with how well-received my announcement about my bipolar disorder was. I did that not really expecting much response, and got such an overwhelming positive reaction. It really made me feel good about my decision to explain what has been going on with me. This has been something I've been dealing with since college (with the diagnosis of bipolar type 2 coming in 2009 just as I was finishing my nursing degree) with an eating disorder and several episodes of severe depression happening in the time since, including postpartum depression after Kellen was born. It's very helpful to not be hiding in the shadows, embarrassed about a disease that I obviously can't help having. It has been a rough road, keeping this illness a secret from almost everyone in my life. I'm glad it's out in the open and thankful that 2015 ended on that positive note.
Of course, the one HUGE positive in my life that really dominated all year long is my family. Ellison and Kellen have grown so much this year! Jay has been extremely supportive during all the health events that have occurred and has picked up a lot of slack, running the household himself for the majority of the year. I am so thankful to have such a supportive and wonderful family - including everyone who helped us with childcare during my hospital stays in September and December.
Ellison has become such a big girl this year (and she tells us that EVERY DAY). I can't believe she's almost 4. She has had lots of first this year - her first dentist appointment, first field trip, first dance class, starting school and Sunday school, her first Christmas program, first dance showcase...so many new and exciting things! She learned how to write her name. She loves dancing and singing (including making up her own songs, usually about getting a horse). She developed an absolute OBSESSION with horses that has only grown bigger and bigger as time has gone on. There were tears when she found out she was getting a bookshelf for Christmas instead of a horse. She has definitely tested us with her "threenager" ways, but usually she is such a sweet, smart, and fun-loving little lady, and we wouldn't trade her for the world!
Kellen has also really grown up this year. A year ago he couldn't stand on his own - now he runs, tries to jump, and talks up a storm! He continues to amaze us with his language skills. He can pick out some letters and numbers, which is pretty amazing for a not yet 2 year old! He knows the ABCs, he counts to 13...he is just incredible! He loves trains (especially Thomas!), trucks, tractors...anything with wheels! We aren't really sure where his Thomas obsession came from but it's definitely there. He wants to do everything himself - and will yell "selfie!" at us when we try to help him. He sings lots of songs and has parts of his favorite books memorized. Now we just need to get the potty training thing figured out and he will be ready to conquer the world!!!
I am really looking forward to 2016. I think it is going to be a year of big growth in my business and of course, another big year of growth for the kids. I can't believe their birthdays are only a couple of months away!!!
Making Jesus' birthday cake on Christmas Eve - we started a new tradition, "steak and cake"!
Our tree after Santa came!
Ellison at Gramma and Papa's
Kellen at Gramma and Papa's
E on the amazing bookshelf Papa made for her - this is the gift she cried about, because it was not a horse :(
With Grandma and Grandpa Miller
With Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Warzinski
