The clock is ticking and 2012 is almost here. I’m excited. Are you?

Before we get dressed up for parties and ring in the new year, can I ask a few questions? I appreciate your indulgence.

• What went right for you in 2011?
• Did you try something new?
• Did you fall in love?
• Did you break a bad habit?
• Did you accomplish a goal?
• Did you make any significant changes for yourself?
• What are you thankful for in 2011?

As I look in the rear view mirror, 2011 was an amazing year. Although my husband was deployed in the Middle East for most of the year, we met in Key West for a very romantic 15 day vacation in March. Little did I know that six weeks later he’d be home under less than ideal circumstances, but he was home to be with his mom when she passed away.

In May I walked a marathon in a day to raise money for breast cancer research. A few blisters and rain didn’t bother me and I got to walk with Team BellaDonna – a great group of women and survivors.

I took a trip out west to see my youngest daughter, Christina, in Lake Tahoe. We took a mom and daughter trip to Yosemite and San Francisco. We stayed with my Aunt Peg on her ranch in Lodi, California. I’m pretty sure my daughter found Nirvana while riding my aunt’s horse, Champ.

I attended my brother Christopher’s wedding in June and welcomed my new sister-in-law, Letty, into our family.

I ran…err…rather I slogged through the mud fest known as the Warrior Dash. Yup. I did! And I did it with my martial arts sistas Jaime, Laurie H., Laura B., Laurie N., Laura F., and Faye.

I celebrated my Aunt Cal’s 80th birthday in grand style on Grand Isle, Vermont in July. I love the time I spend with my cousins and my 2nd family in Vermont.

I welcomed my second grand baby and first grandson into our family. Caleb Murphy Russell was born on July 6, 2011. He’s six months old now and rolling all over the place!

I also welcomed my youngest nephew, Brayden Michael Ott, into the family. Baby B was born on July 4 – a month early, but boy oh boy has he caught up! Caleb and B are the same weight and height!

After being happily unemployed for 5 months, I started a new job in July. So far so good. I like it.

In August, I welcomed my husband, Richard, home for good. And I checked out for awhile so I could check in with him. I love our bubble.

My daughter Jessica was home for the summer and I love that I re-introduced her to martial arts. She went to Thai Kickboxing classes with me and I could tell she was just as hooked as I am. Jessica also adores her niece and nephew.

Richard and I spent Labor Day weekend at the beach in Maine. We celebrated our 5th anniversary by attending the Scottish Highland Games at Loon Mountain in mid September.

My good friend Teresa and I started writing our book. For real. We each committed to writing 1,200-1,500 words per week. And we’re tackling all the issues and challenges we’ve encountered as stepmoms and how we handled them – mistakes and all.

November and December have been a whirlwind. Richard and I have been busy laying new tile in the kitchen, changing out the electric stove for a gas stove, and finally, pulling up the old carpet and putting in hardwood flooring in our living room. The house I bought in 2003 as a single mom with two teenage daughters is finally becoming home. I think I’ll stay awhile.

Christmas came and went. The weekend was a happy blur of good food and joy with friends and family. Having my husband home for good – priceless.

Before you turn your back on 2011, I hope you will take a moment to reflect on all that was good and right with your year and I hope you’ll share with a comment!

Blessings to you and your family,

Peggy