As we all get ready to wrap up yet another year the best always has to include the outdoors.  This post is to get some interaction on the great and almost great of this year.

It was definitely a busy year for us helping Spencer, Mikey and Justin get their first deer. Y.O.U.  www.youthoutdoorsu.org was on a mission to introduce some very amazing youth with disabilities enjoy the outdoors as we do.  What a thrill and we wouldn’t have traded those moments for anything.  Congrats boys and great job.

Of course we tried to squeeze in some hunting time of our own.  This year was thrilling and disappointing.  Interesting with hunting the “almost” keeps you coming back. Learn from your mistakes and prepare for next year.

Here’s some things I learned this year overall.  These are just a few.

1.  “Hunting is not a beauty contest” – Agreed and I understand but there’s nothing better than great looking hunting clothing!

2.  “The more you give, the more you get”  – It doesn’t matter where you give but when you do expecting nothing in return you will be blessed.

3.  “You Find Out Who Your Friends Are” – Throughout this year we definitely found out who are true friends are.  Those that stick by you when you do or say something stupid are a gift.  Those that are there for you when times are tough and don’t judge are also a gift.  Those that are always fun to be with without drama are definitely a gift!

4.  “French Fries or Tator Tots” – This is definitely a New Years Resolution for me.  Make a choice and give it a chance to reward you.  I don’t know how many times in hunting or fishing that I think I should move and sure enough I should have stayed.  Cracks me up and irritates me at the same time.

5.  “Just Do It” – Sometimes the things we don’t achieve are because we spend too much time wondering if it will work.  Sometimes you just have to believe enough to give it a shot and take the shot.

6. “There’s Always Something Good That Comes Out Of Everything” – This wraps up all the things on your list.

7.  “I Am So Thankful For Freedom” – It is awesome that we see all of us appreciate the fact that our freedom is not free.  Thank you to our military and their families who sacrifice so much to keep us free.  They do it willingly and without hesitation.  I AM THANKFUL!

These are just a few of mine.  What about you?  So here’s to a great year in 2011 and 2012 “BRING IT ON”!!

I’d love to hear from you.  Email me at you@youthoutdoorsu.org.

This post dedicated to my daughter who is one of my heros and teaches me every day.

Thanks Erica for your service   in the Navy and opening my eyes to what can be and to never give up.

Love you!

Mom