The Big Christmas Tree, taken by my 7 year old. South Coast Plaza
Hard to believe that it’s been yet another year, but yes folks, today is the 2 year anniversary of my blog. So on this day, I not only say ‘Happy New Year’, but I also say ‘Happy Anniversary’.
What’s been happening in the Mitchell household this year? Let’s see, we began the new year with lots of baseball from all three boys and we still had our exchange student, Sam. In the spring, I was busy training to become PTA President, the boys were finishing up 10th, 6th and 1st grades, respectively, Greg started a new job, and Sam flunked out of his program (not kidding) and moved out in May.
In the summer our 12 year old attended his first year of Junior Guards, our 7 year old went on lots of field trips with the YMCA, and our 16 year old began a part time job at a moving company. We took a trip to Big Bear and a few smaller trips around the state and lots of trips to the beach.
The fall brought school, a plethora of PTA duties , and a temporary new addition to our household, my 2 year old niece Vylette. That’s when things got crazy. Our now 17 year old was having challenges in school and with his friends, and that, coupled with PTA; adjusting to a 2 year old; keeping up with work; and running the household (almost) sent me over the edge.
Lucky for some amazing friends/collegues at the school who jumped in for me, plus my awesome network of family and friends, I managed to get through what I feeling was a bleak and dreary season.
On December 1st, Vylette got to move back in with her parents, and we set our teenager on a better path, turning the end of my year ‘shiny and bright’.
Regardless of the challenges I faced this year, there are so many things to be thankful for on this final day of 2011. We have our health, our family, great friends, a roof over our head, food to eat, cars to drive, jobs to attend, wonderful schools for our kids, and the most important thing of all; a sense of humor 
Happy New Year everyone, and Happy Anniversary to “My SoCal Backyard”!
Mika, you’re just the BEST! I do love you Girl.
Mary K.