Happy New Year! (A little late)

Well, 2012 went too fast and we had a lot of awesome and trying adventures. 2013 started out very interesting as well. We have had nonstop snow and have been stuck in our driveway so many times. Jason can get in and out in his truck now that his four wheel drive is working. We were snowed in, so I had Max take the bus for the first time this morning. He was so excited, me however, a little bitter sweet for me. How does it happen so fast that once your children need you for everything they suddenly don't? The inevitable is happening....and I am happy that my Maximus is becoming a little independent human being, but it is a bitter sweet feeling to not be completely needed by him. It's good, just an interesting feeling. Eli is up and running these days. Both of my boys started to run everywhere as soon as they could walk, it is actually hilarious but wears me out...They must know I need the exercise! Jason and I have both been working a lot, and my school work is getting more demanding. It has been a sacrifice and a challenge to meet deadlines and work on school work in all my spare time. The ladies at church don't understand why I don't attend any of the activities, book clubs, etc. But if they saw the piles of work on my desk they might get a glimpse of what is in store for me for a while. I recently registered for my residency and I am really excited about that. It will be worth it, all of this. The rural life is so different from anything I have ever done. It is truly more work to live rural...And let me testify to you....The "simple" life is awesome, but not simple. I had forgotton what a nuisance snow can be, and I am already looking straight ahead for summer. Summer is so beautiful here and the city beach is calling my name! We have learned a lot of valuable lessons this winter. First being that the winters here are not mild like some people told us. We literally have trails going to the barn, the wood barn, the water well and out of the house and that's it. The snow it so high everwhere else! We definitley have a better plan for next winter, so at least we are learning as we go! I am so thankful for my boys and the joy that they bring me. Jason and I made this move for them, and everytime I see them experience something new, I am reminded that all the hard work, construction in our home, and frustrating experiences, are all worth it. I am learning and growing more than I could have imagined. I am learning that goat are not just stinky animals that eat everything...They are actually gentle sweet little animals. And the peacocks are so interesting and beautiful as well. The biggest things I have been force to learn, is patience. If patience is a virtue, I plan to be very virtuous, so watch out!