Thursday, December 30, 2010

Looking Forward....

Yes, it is upon us again...another new year. This year I am ready for the calendar to roll over to 2011. There have been some wonderful moments during the course of 2010. There is never a year where bright spots cannot be found, but I am ready for a clean slate. I am ready to wake up on January 1st and begin fresh. It is a gift that we are given. It is an opportunity once every 365 days to begin again, to erase and start over.
I looked over last years bucket list for 2010...cook more, sew a lot, and finish a scrapbook. Negative on all three. Time got away from me. This year was by no means a loss. I think I just directed my energy in other endeavors...all good but not those on my list.
So where do I go this next year...same resolutions? No, keep the old but add some much needed new....
Patience
Peace
Continued success with my most beloved students
More lake time
New York in the winter
Photography course
Seems simple enough. If I will myself to accomplish this, it can be done. I am looking forward to all of it. The older you get the more you know you have to plan. So, on January 22nd, I am headed to Collin County Community College to learn the basics of photography. It is a start and I have 12 months to complete the rest of the list..
As the little engine said..
"I THINK I CAN
I THINK I CAN!!!!"

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Looking Back.....

The presents are all opened. The trashman has taken all of the remnants of paper and bows.
The gingerbread men are going back into tissue paper for another year.

Plastic tubs are being filled with all of the treasures that will make me happy when I once again unpack them next Christmas...but this year is over. Not just Christmas but the year 2010 is quickly coming to a close. As I am sorting through Christmas treasure, I am also reflecting on the past year. Soon it will be time to look forward but for today I am thinking back on January through December of 2010.

*Instead of a trip to New York, my travels took me to Tampa to visit the fam.Oh how I looked forward to those visits. Grandbaby and wonderful walks...it was perfect.
*Sharing time with special friends at the lake. We were fortunate enough to spend several great weekends at Richland Chambers with old friends, laughing and visiting and enjoying each other...wonderful memories!
*I cannot leave off our Annual Lake Bash, two weddings, holidays and visits with the Shubzda clan. I love Jimmy's family who have surely become mine too. Our time together is always fun and we are blessed to all be so close.
*Though I live for football season, I cannot say that this year has had any real highlights. I am just packing those memories away and hoping for more excitement in 2011.
*Yea to the Texas Rangers...ALC Champions! That surely was a highlight!
*A commitment to Compassion International. This has brought me such a sense of peace, knowing that our sponsor child Leshan has thrived because of our involvement. The letters are priceless and knowing that he has been given some direction because of this organization is high on my list of things I treasure.
*Semi-retirement...it is the perfect blend of still having a connection and having personal time. It will be very hard for me to totally walk away from my job. What I receive from my commitment those kids is not even describable. They are a treasure.
*Cannot leave off my iPhone and Facebook. Keeps me connected to old friends and family. Love reading about what is happening in their lives. Do not post much but I am an avid reader!!!!
*Watching Drew get settled in his house and with his job. He is independent and successful and who could ask for more.
*Having Tim's fourteen years of Navy commitment come to an end. It is over and he and Mandy and Brooklyn are home. I am not sure the reality of that has set in yet. He is a civilian and a Texas resident and I thank God for their safe arrival and am proud of the service he gave to our country.
*And finally...forty years with the same man! My students think that is an amazing accomplishment and I agree. Guess we will aim for 50!


Looking back it has been a good year. As in any year there have been some bumps in the road. We have carefully navigated those and come out stronger for them. Coming up...looking forward to 2011!!!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Reunited.....

We had visitors this week...special visitors. My cousins! Yes, I do have a family.
My cousin Jacquie and her husband Tom from Arizona were in town visiting their kids and we actually made time to connect. I needed this. It has been years since we have seen each other and with my parents gone, it was important to me to be with those that are part of where I came from. Family matters.
It was a great visit. I just wish all of the Massieon clan could have gathered. I am not sure when that happened last but it has been way too long.
The day was a blessing. I have been somewhat emotional about things lately and this was exactly what I needed.
We had a great afternoon talking, reminiscing, and just getting reacquainted. It was a gift and helped make this a very memorable holiday!




Monday, December 27, 2010

A Very Merry Shubzda Christmas....

We gathered with the Shubzda clan to celebrate Christmas family style...and we never miss an opportunity to photograph the families.
The Davis, Perry clan missing the newly married Wheelers who were in Boston celebrating with her family.
The Bergesons minus the newlyweds Ben and Ashley who were in Louisiana celebrating with her family...
And the McCauley girls...almost hard to tell which one is the mom!!!
A little Chinese gift exchange with Brooklynn's help!
Happy reindeer feet...that Sara did not get to keep long. Think Aunt Judy had cold feet that night and went home with those!
Cousin Steffan and the gold Christmas balls...anyone want these????
Cowboy bowl...maybe next year that will be something you will be proud to display...MAYBE!
Tim and Uncle Bergy... a little wine "dear"?
Ozzie even got to come in and enjoy part of the evening...about the time we needed someone to clean the kitchen floor. Brooklynn has been intrigued by him since she first saw him out the window. I think she has finally gotten big enough to stay on her feet when he comes running through the room. He is big and gentle and will be her greatest protector someday!

Family, food, laughter, hugs, presents, and being together...that is the best part of the holiday. I am so blessed that we are all here to enjoy the day and make memories for the kids (and the adults). It is what the season is for.








Sunday, December 26, 2010

Reflections......

It is December 26th and it is over. Seems like it is prepare, prepare, prepare, and it is finished in an instant. There were so many parts of our holiday that I am going to have to remember it all in segments...like our Christmas pajama tradition. We have matched for years and whether or not the kids like it, they continue to put on the nightwear and smile. And..in the place of the gingerbread house challenge this year we chose gingerbread men. Icing, sprinkles, and a glass of wine and we have created...
these masterpieces!!!!!!!
Pretty sure that all of us better keep our day jobs!
Off to the construction phase of the evening. It has been awhile since we have had to assemble anything!! It took a team to get this play kitchen together.
The end result was a happy cook in the making.
Better sample that dish before I serve it....


And from Uncle Drew, new cowgirl boots...after all the fam has Texas roots now!
Santa even left a few gifts for the adults under the tree.
Sometimes you just cannot gift wrap the big things!!!! Merry Christmas 2010!













Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Home!!!!!....

It felt like a Folgers coffee commercial....."YOU'RE HOME!!"
Yes, last night about 6:30 the old green truck with the extremely loud muffler pulled into the neighborhood and it was over. Fourteen years of commitment to the Navy had ended. On Monday Tim simply signed the final papers, dressed in his civilian clothes, and walked through the gates a free man. As he said..it was almost anti climatic. No ruffles and flourishes, no grand send off, just sign and go. So, now he is back to his Texas roots (which were always part of who he was no matter where he traveled). With him Mandy and Brooklynn..they are finally a rooted family. No more separations, no more missed birthdays, anniversaries, family gatherings, weddings, and holidays. They are here. Mandy can finally unpack the suitcases and hang her clothes in her closet. She can sleep in her own bed. Brooklynn can have her own room. Vagabonds no more. I do not know what it feels like on their end but I know as a mom it is a great sense of relief. My family is home and my son has finished his commitment. He has made us very proud and no matter what direction he goes from here, I know he will continue to bring us great joy. Upon his arrival Brooklynn was anxious to show her daddy all of the things she has learned in his absence....
I can make noises like a chicken, put together a puzzle, and just make everyone around me smile!

What a great holiday this will be. So anxious for us all to be together and start traditions that will be a constant because now they are home!




Thursday, December 16, 2010

Bunko Buddies......

December brings so many of the fun things we enjoy each year, and one of my favorites is our annual Christmas Bunko gathering! It was our anniversary this year...10 years of gathering to play, eat, and exchange gifts.
If laughter is indeed good medicine, then we are all certainly healthy today! We unwrap, steal gifts, and laugh about whether our gift is frozen or not. Only a true Bunko Buddy can relate to our insanity.
I love these friends. We have shared a lot of laughter and some heartache. They are true and real. We understand each others personalities and mood swings...and we love each other anyway!
It has been 10 great years and I am looking forward to many more holiday gatherings. And by the way, I do collect bowls!