and what a year it has been. My post today is not going to necessarily reflect on what was, nor do I plan it to be a resolution list for what will be. Rather, I just want to think about today.
It blows my mind that on Jan. 31st I can be running around outside wearing my nightgown (ok, just in the back yard, and to put out and bring in the dogs) and barefoot, and be only the slightest bit chilled on my feet. I am so grateful for the sunshine today, after the clouds and grey of yesterday, and that the wind has died down some. The grass is even still green, despite our 4 hour window we had snow a few days ago!
I have been delighted watching Skye play with her babydolls this last week. She got three of them for Christmas and she loves them all. One is the Bitty Baby from the American Girl Doll collection, one is a Baby Alive for littlest kids (all cloth, but makes sucking and cooing sounds when you hold her cloth bottle near her mouth, and makes Skye giggle), and one that is a Cabbage Patch girl, with blonde curls and blue eyes. She tries to carry them all together, she pushes them in her new stroller, and she puts them to bed in the wicker cradle or plastic buggy basket of the stroller. She talks to them, she feeds them, and she even has tried sharing her own food with them! She blows them kisses after tucking them in and pats them as I do when I put her down for a nap or bed, and she copies other mannerisms she sees me do with her or her dolls, and makes me smile. I realized in the past few days that she really isn't "baby" anymore, and is truly a toddler--she has slimmed down and gotten taller; she looks more like a little girl than a baby, and while her language skills are still minimal, she understands so much that my guess is when she does start talking it will be in sentences and not just random words. I have really enjoyed my time with her watching her grow and change.
I have also been counting my blessings. My son continues to do better than I have seen in a long time, and while things are never gonna be perfect (he is a teenager, after all), I am pleased to see him more "himself" again. Perhaps things are finally starting to click for him. Aurora is eager to return to her classes, and has missed the structure and activities of being in school over this break. I think she is surprised how much she has missed it! Patrick is planning to move home sometime this week (as far as I know--haven't talked to him since Christmas Day), as things are not going as smoothly between he and his housemate(s) as he would like, and he wants to regroup. The nest continues to get fuller instead of emptier! Brie got word that her unit is NOT deploying after all in April, so things are rapidly being revamped for her; from health insurance to education plans, she is trying to set a new course, and is frustrated by all the various complications that are arising. Her boyfriend (and his daughter, on a regular basis) are guests here in our house too, so we can have anywhere from 8 to 10 people for dinner on any given weekend, or no one at all other than Eric and I. Once Patrick is back we need to sit everyone down and review house rules and expectations!
Eric is working this weekend, but had last weekend off and we thoroughly enjoyed it. I was grateful that all my tests came out "normal ranges" so now it's just a "wait and see" if something changes. I am so done stressing over all of it! We had a lovely Christmas and plan to have a low-key new year too--playing Everquest with friends, sharing a bottle of wine, and probably even going to bed early (as Eric has to work tomorrow too). His term resumes next week, as does school for Rei; my new class starts on the 9th, and I am not sure when the girls start their new term(s).
I was thrilled to get a new serger for Christmas from my husband. It's something I have been talking about for a couple of years, and while it hasn't been a priority, it is a wonderful accessory to my sewing (makes professional finishing on raw edges, sews delicate fabrics or knits like a dream, and does rolled hems or decorative finishes to items); it will also aid in preventing ravelling of my needlework linens because it locks the edges into place for hooping etc. I plan to go work in my sewing room after I get done with this post and rearrange a few things so that I can finish up the two quilts for my grandchildren in MN and get some embroidery done on a few other things. Oh, and there is also some mending to do... I hate mending!
Anyhow, I guess the biggest reason for wanting to post today is to say I am content. God has been gracious to us this year, has seen us through the ups and downs we have had to deal with, and has provided abundantly for our needs. I am reminded of a quote I read awhile ago that says "Do not fear for tomorrow, for I am already there" and I know it to be true: God is with us every step of the way and holds us firmly in the palm of His hand, regardless of what the day brings. In that I place my faith and look confidently forward,
My wish for all is that you too have a blessed New Year, and that your days are filled with grace and wonder.
No comments:
Post a Comment