The end of one chapter and the beginning of another

Today marks the end of 2012.  This was the year that the world was supposed to end and well we are all still here.  This year marked my reentrance to teaching, which I am thrilled to have again.  This year also marked our decision to finally leave the active duty army life.  After ten years of army life it is a big decision.  While that decision will truly be carried out in 2013, the decision was made in June of this year.
The girls are doing well and we are marking the end of the year by taking them to see horses.  Whytney is very happy and the younger two are excited.  We will not do anything special or different tonight as it is just another night for our family.  We are some of the lucky ones in my husband's unit who does not have the impending deployment on our minds.  I am grateful for my family being together and it is truly because of the grace of God that this able to happen.
I have worked very hard this year to try and do the best job as a parent, wife, and professional that I am able.  As this new year comes I hope that we are able to get our financial situation under control and get out of debt in some ways.  If things go to plan as we have currently, we will be out of debt within five years.  I am determined for this to happen so our family can truly be financially free.  Then we can work on college for the girls and making sure the girls have all that they need.
I have seen my friends become parents, enjoy first birthdays, and go through many trials this year.  I am blessed to know every person in my life and to have them there.  I have had family members go through many different trials and I have seen God shine through those situations.  It is amazing to see and to be a small part of.
This year we are going to focus on finding a church home for us.  There is a church that is being built close to us that has a campus in our old town.  Friends who attend this church say it is truly amazing and I am so excited to be able to try it out.  I just pray that my oldest finds her way back to the Lord and immerses herself deeply into his teachings and his word.

My wishes for 2013 are just that.  I want to become a more spiritual family.  I want our family to truly live in the Lord's light and be what He wants us to be.  That means more fellowship, more bible studies, and more time with the Lord.  It also means becoming financially free from those who we owe money to.  The Lord wants us all to be full of heavenly treasures and I know that through Him I will be able to be the best mother, wife, friend, family member, and teacher that He knows I am capable of.

Winter time

So it's winter here in the Cantrell household.  School is now about halfway over and that is good but scary for me.  I am worried about my students and my ability to give them what they need.  But I try my best and I'm hoping that with more training on specific areas I will be more apt to help.

Meadow is doing incredible in school.  We were worried at the beginning of the year putting her in a regular classroom for kindergarten and her anxiety at the beginning of the year was worrisome.  But she overcame so much and she is now doing well and is just like any other little one in her class.  To me that is amazing and I am so thrilled to have her so happy every day.

The other two girls are doing equally amazing and I realize how blessed I am to have them in my life.  I have such wonderful girls and everyday I am reminded why.

We are about to embark on a huge transition in the next few months and I am scared to death but excited as well.  Once the end of May hits we will no longer be an active duty army family.  Hubby is staying reserve or guard but will not be active.  It's time for him to go to school and time for me to be the one that does the heavy lifting.

I did start a doctoral program and that is going well.  It should take awhile so luckily it isn't something that has to be done right this second.  I am just trying very hard to better myself education wise so that I am better able to be the best teacher God wants me to be.