HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Reflections of the Past Year
It is customary that as the year closes people look forward to the new year and make resolutions to make improvements in their lives. But, today my mind was redirected to looking back with gratitude for the people who made this past year a joy and memorable. I obviously can not mention everyone, for there are many, so I have decided to name just a few.
The first person on my list is my cousin, Susan. What fun it has been to reconnect with her after many years of absence from my life. We have shared so much this past year and she renewed my interest in my paternal side of the family. As different as we are in so many ways, we have also found there are many areas where we are alike. It was fun to attend the family reunion this past summer and reacquaint myself with family from my youth due to her hard work at bringing everyone together.
I also have reconnected with other family members and friends through facebook. In a few instances I have found that old friends have taken very different paths in life and we no longer have much in common. It really doesn't matter to me, because at least now I know where they are and how they are, so I find peace in that.
One spends so much of their life raising their family. But how often do we take the time to reflect upon how much they 'raise' us? I find as a grandparent, I learn so much through observation and the reactions given by the grandchildren. Kids open new doors that one never thought was there. Their natural curiosity, wonderment, excitement, and unconditional love awakens sparks of life that one thought was no longer possible as age sets in. I also enjoy watching my kids as parents and how they have learned to cope with the challenges of raising their children. It is joyful to participate and observe the molding of the next generation.
This past year I also got the opportunity to teach young children at church. I had not done that in many years and was not really excited about it. That changed. I truly grew to love the kids in my class and looked forward to seeing them each week. As they move on to another class this year, I will continue to keep track of them, watch their progress, and be interested in what they are doing.
I also cannot forget to mention my dear friend, ConneMara. I am so grateful for her. When we get together, I can count on laughter. That is a real gift. It is not that either of us is especially funny, but we are able to find humor in the sharing of our life experiences. We relate as women of the church, wives, mothers, grandmothers, some common interests and traditions we have made over the years.
This past year also had it's challenges, but I choose to look back and remember those things that brought me some peace and joy. I just pray that this next year will be as good if not better.
Happy New Year, everyone!
The first person on my list is my cousin, Susan. What fun it has been to reconnect with her after many years of absence from my life. We have shared so much this past year and she renewed my interest in my paternal side of the family. As different as we are in so many ways, we have also found there are many areas where we are alike. It was fun to attend the family reunion this past summer and reacquaint myself with family from my youth due to her hard work at bringing everyone together.
I also have reconnected with other family members and friends through facebook. In a few instances I have found that old friends have taken very different paths in life and we no longer have much in common. It really doesn't matter to me, because at least now I know where they are and how they are, so I find peace in that.
One spends so much of their life raising their family. But how often do we take the time to reflect upon how much they 'raise' us? I find as a grandparent, I learn so much through observation and the reactions given by the grandchildren. Kids open new doors that one never thought was there. Their natural curiosity, wonderment, excitement, and unconditional love awakens sparks of life that one thought was no longer possible as age sets in. I also enjoy watching my kids as parents and how they have learned to cope with the challenges of raising their children. It is joyful to participate and observe the molding of the next generation.
This past year I also got the opportunity to teach young children at church. I had not done that in many years and was not really excited about it. That changed. I truly grew to love the kids in my class and looked forward to seeing them each week. As they move on to another class this year, I will continue to keep track of them, watch their progress, and be interested in what they are doing.
I also cannot forget to mention my dear friend, ConneMara. I am so grateful for her. When we get together, I can count on laughter. That is a real gift. It is not that either of us is especially funny, but we are able to find humor in the sharing of our life experiences. We relate as women of the church, wives, mothers, grandmothers, some common interests and traditions we have made over the years.
This past year also had it's challenges, but I choose to look back and remember those things that brought me some peace and joy. I just pray that this next year will be as good if not better.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas Day
The girls are showing off their new skirts and barrettes that their mother made them for Christmas.The boots and Ally's vest were also new items.
We had a very laid back Christmas Day. We enjoyed having the kids come over for a while and also talking to Jason and his children via video cam on the computer.
Last night we got a nice phone call with Nathan' girls singing a Christmas song to us and sharing their excitement for Christmas.
The one thing that we didn't get for Christmas that I was really looking forward to, was my mom coming over. Unfortunately, she got sick and couldn't make it to my sister's for Christmas Eve or our place today. What a sad Christmas for mom...to be alone and sick for Christmas!
Sure hope she is feeling better soon! Love you, mom!
Christmas Eve
Andrea and JeremySomehow, (I think to all the running around with kids), We didn't get a picture of Kevin and Heather....darn!
Brennan lends an ear to listening to all the excitement around him
Mya takes her drawing seriously
Grandpa surrounded by girls!
The flash of a camera sure is bright when you have been running all day on 3 hours of sleep.But the lack of sleep was worth every moment enjoying the family.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Becky Kelley - Where's the Line to See Jesus - OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
I love this video...so touching! Please turn off my play-list by pressing the center button before trying to listen to this video. Enjoy! (I get choked up when I listen to it.)
Photo Thief Grandma
This is Emily and Jacob (my two grandchildren in Texas) with Santa. Unfortunately, I haven't seen them in over a year. Grandma stole this picture their mom put on facebook....yep, I plea guilty.....but can you blame me?!?!? Merry Christmas munchkins! I love you!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Grandma's Newest Little Elf
Brennan at 2 monthsThis little guy's smile shines brighter than the Christmas tree.
What a wonderful addition to our Christmas this year!
Ooooo...I want to hug the picture! :-)
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