Charlie Brown Christmas

NOT QUITE SURE HOW TO TITLE THIS

Musings?

Reflections?

Auld Lang Syne?

I don't know.

I guess this is just a normal download. There are lots of thoughts taking up space and I need to get them down on "paper," (as it were) and out of my head.

This past year has brought so much.... mostly joy, some disappointment, some realization.... and, I guess it is only natural that, at this time of year, one.... I.... would think about the past year. Perhaps make some resolutions.

I have learned a thing or 2 about friends and those who do not fall into that category. It was kind of proof, I guess, of what I have always known.... friendships are for a season. And, some of the seasons have changed for some of my past friendships. It's sad, really. Part of me thought about trying to work things out, but in the end, I don't forget. I'm often a ding-bat. Sometimes I'm crazy and gullible. I am not a fool. How do you face someone and say that you trust them when you feel utterly betrayed? I'm glad God isn't like that..... so glad.

I feel I have grown in my faith. A lot is due to.... or maybe proven by.... the above. I know Christians have been/will be persecuted. I know that Christianity will be reason for brothers to turn against each other. However, I know that I have never wavered.... much to the chagrin of others.

I have connected with some new names and faces on facebook. And many of these ladies are such precious people. I'm SO glad to have gotten to know them. One, is someone I admire so much. (Shout out to Mrs. C.H.) Others are such kindred spirits. (Shout out to S.L.) Some, I have reconnected with. (Shout out to hometown friends: L.S. and C.B.) Still, others are bloggers whom I have gotten to know online and I cannot wait to meet them IRL. (Shout out to L.K.H., L.K.M. and C.C.B.)

I am so proud of my 4 boys. They are lights in my life. They are all saved. They are learning the Word of God. They are active in Junior Bible Quiz. They all, with the exception of my youngest, are involved in music: saxophone, guitar, and piano. They make awesome grades in school. And, they are decent. I point this out because I have some friends whose children do all this, but they are.... well.... they are not decent.

We have 10 teachers.... 12, if you count music teachers, who are absolutely phenomenal. I love each and every one of them!

My husband..... wow..... what can I say about him? I adore him! I have always adored him. But, the other day, something got me to thinking about our relationship and I just sat their smiling. He is SUCH a good father. He is a great man - a wonderful spiritual leader in our home. I am truly blessed to have him. I love you, Honey!

Two of my boys, my youngest 2, asked Jesus into their hears this year. My 3rd, back in June. My youngest, just today. Such a sweet, innocent, faithful step... truly, they have the faith that Jesus talks about and wants us "old fogies" to have.

My almost 103 year old grandmother went to Heaven in May. She lived a long life and left a large family. I can't even begin to tell you how many greats, great-greats and (maybe a few great-great-greats). I can tell you that I have almost 30 first cousins on my mother's side, alone. It was sad to say good-bye, but I know where she is. I know I will see her again.

In October, my 3rd son started his journey on correcting his microtia/atresia. (I'm not going to link anything here, but if you want to know more of our story, you can just do a search, on my blog, and pull some posts.) He is SUCH a big boy.

My youngest boy started school. A lot of sadness from me. I love my boys. I only put them in daycare when I was teaching. And, I didn't teach after he was born. My buddy - *sniff*.

I celebrated (if I can call it that) being off Dr Pepper for a year. Now, when I say "off DP" I don't mean that I don't drink them at all. I mean that I am not addicted to them any more. I don't enjoy them as much. I will enjoy an 8 oz Dublin every now and then, but now, when I drink one, I usually regret it because I feel junked out. :-P

I realize that I am maturing. Ha... doesn't seem very mature to say that. But, there were several things that happened this year that I wanted to .... um.... handle less delicately. I am quicker to apologize and see my own fault... a bit quicker to bite my own tongue. I haven't mastered it completely, but I do think I'm doing better.

All in all, 2010 was a great year. Come to think of it, I haven't ever had a bad year... thank God for that. But, as time goes, the last 12 months have been good ones.

Now it's time to say.....

OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW!

I hope you all have a great Christmas and a truly wonderful New Year.

GOD BLESS YOU!

WOW

• Where does the time go?
• I *thought* I had just blogged... it's been over a week.
• Sorry.... to the 1 or 2 who keep up. :-)
• Not a lot has changed.
• That person and I still aren't talking.
• I still love my kitchen.
• DH is working on his bathroom now.
• The walls are kind of a creamed coffee color and the trim and cabinets are DARK brown.
• Once the bathroom is complete, that will leave 2 walls and the hallway untouched.
• Wonder when I can convince DH to fix that. ;-)
• I didn't make Christmas cards this year.
• Still mailing them, though.
• About 75 total.
• Down by about 25-50.
• JBQ party this Sunday.
• Need 4 kid gifts for "white elephant" exchange.
• And food.
• Always, food.
• My youngest has had fever all day.
• And loves it.
• He is acting OK.
• Just tired.
• And hot.
• Oh, so hot.
• My oldest is spending the night with grandparents.
• The same grandparents that failed to call my 2nd son (yesterday) and wish him "Happy Birthday."
• My kids have 3 sets of grand parents.
• The ones with NO blood ties were the ones to get him a gift.
• The OTHER grandparents... well it was posted on facebook that they were wishing him a "Happy Birthday."
• Except they didn't.
• Can they wish it if they didn't actually talk to him and say it?
• Just sayin'.
• I mean, one of them posted it as THEIR status.
• Had I not seen it in my news feed, I wouldn't have known.
• Needing to get stocking stuffers to "wrap up" Christmas shopping.
• Got a new ornament with a Nativity on it.
• Only thing is Mary has a "halo."
• Mary, great as she was, shouldn't have a "halo."
• But, it is neat because the ornament is hand-painted, one-of-a-kind.
• Need to finish my cards.
• Need to decide what candies/bread/cookies to make next week.
• That is what I give to teachers as gifts.
• More teachers this year means more time in the kitchen.
• I can't believe Christmas is a mere 2 weeks away.
• Have a great week!