2012? How did we get here?

Just 12 years ago we were wondering if we would wake up to the world as we knew it in 1999. Where did those 12 years go? The girls are grown, graduated and gracing homes of their own. They are still and probably always will be "Daddy's little girls", but now have wonderful men of their own. Doug and I are in totally different professions than we were in 2000. We live in a different state, drive different cars and have a different dog. One thing remains the same and always will. God. On the way down the hill to church today, Doug said one of the sweetest things he could have ever said. "Thank you. Thank you for getting up every Sunday for 26 years and going to church with me." On the one hand you may think that's not much, but in our lives of change, that one constant is what has kept us going for all those years. We would not be who we are or where we are if it weren't for God. Our children would not be who they are or where they are if it weren't for God. So to Doug I say "You're welcome, but more importantly, thank you that it was never something we decided on Saturday night or Sunday morning. Thank you for taking me!"

Christmas 2011 Take 1,2,3...

One Christmas down and 4 to go. This is our first year with both girls married. No one was supposed to be home so we spent Christmas Eve afternoon at Shon's (step brother) with various and sundry family members. It was low key and very enjoyable. We then all trucked off for the early Christmas Eve service. I had talked to Sarah several times during and the day and had convinced myself they weren't coming, but low and behold they walked in for the early Christmas Eve service. The only way it could have been better would have been if Hannah and her family could have been there aw well. Maybe next year.

We spent Christmas day at the movies with Doug's folks and Mark and Sarah. We say "War Horse." It was an intense movie, but very good. There is nothing like movie popcorn....

Today we will celebrate with just our family for Christmas number 2. The fun continues!

Hopefully you are enjoying time with your family and friends.

Beginning early.

So, one of my goals for 2012 is to become a blogger. We'll see how it goes. I know, it is still 2011, but I am starting early!

I am so excited for Christmas and sad at the same time. I love Christmas and all that goes with it. This Christmas will be different however. This is our first Christmas all by ourselves. Neither of the girls will be home until Christmas night. Doug is on call all weekend, so we won't be going anywhere except maybe the movies! It will be different, but I am greatful that we will have time as a family no matter when it is.

We have had the pleasure of having Sarah with us all fall while she did her student teaching, but now she is back where she belongs with Mark in Memphis. It is a long ways away and I miss her greatly, but they are so happy and in love. It is fun to watch that grow even from 10 hours away.

Nick and Hannah just moved into their own home in Manhattan. It is a beautiful home, filled with love and laughter. I know many lives will be changed by being there as they intend to entertain for God on a regular basis.

Well, I have several boxes to wrap and some crafty things left to do. I can't wait until I know how to make my blog pretty.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.

Since I don't have many of my own stories to tell right now, here's a funny one I read today. A friend of mine was working with a 2nd grader who said he wanted to be a "terrorist" when he grew up. My friend, being somewhat concerned did a little probing. Turns out this little guy really wants to be a "tourist" when he grows up. A much better ambition I would say. In a couple of weeks I will be spending a maternity leave with a bunch of 3rd graders. Maybe I'll have more to share.

Later.

Well, here it is. My first attempt at blogging. Hannah does it, Doug does it so why not me? I am struggling this year. Due to a midsummer move, I have no class of my own. I am left to subbing. Before I had my own classroom, I enjoyed subbing. However, I miss the routine, the daily investment and the reward of taking lives and pouring into them and watching them change over the course of the year. The prospects for a class next year don't look good here. What to do? I know with all my heart the God has a plan, but boy am I ready for Him to reveal. Even in the darkest of times I hold onto Jeremiah 29:11

On a bright note, I have learned several new things that I will try in my own room next time. It is one benefit of popping in and out of different rooms.

Later.