Christmas Letter

Every year I write a letter to send with my Christmas cards, but this year I was busy and not even sure I would send cards. I enjoy when others share their life for the past year and enjoy reflecting on the past year myself, but this year proved to be more challenging. I was thrilled to be in January on leave with Mallory. It was challenging though financially and then I severely herniated a disc in back. The pain was intense, but not being able to take care of my children was heart breaking. It was a difficult year from that point on, but I really do not want to focus on that. I am healthy and have support from great friends and family. I have 2 beautiful children. Benjamin is in kindergarten this year and doing great. He goes to the YMCA after school and loves that even more. He builds with Legos almost every day, plays Nintendo DS and watches Sponge Bob. Mallory is 21 months old now and goes to daycare. She loves to watch the babies so they often let her in that room to hang out. She loves shoes, watching Blues Clues dancing. I am teaching a Life Skills class at an elementary school with 4th and 5th grade students. I absolutely love it. I have been blessed with this job. I am currently living with my parents which works out great for me. I get extra help with the children and have less expenses. I like being back in my hometown of Nazareth and hope to stay here. I truly believe that you become a stronger person when you go through difficult times. This year will only make me a stronger, more empathic and loving person. It is not always enjoyable, but things get better with time. I appreciate everyone who helped me move, called me, sent me an email that they were thinking about me or prayed for me. I expect that 2010 will have its challenges, but I plan to focus on the positive as much as possible. I wish all of you a Merry Christmas. I intend to enjoy it!
Melissa