embracing twenty- twelve

Another year has really flown by! My mother said wait 'til you get older, the years go by much more quickly, she was so right! Wasn't I like 32 last year? The end of 2011 presented a few challenges. The week before Christmas found me in the ER with some heart issues. It happens every once in awhile, but it always takes me by surprise. So, the week before Christmas I was on orders from my husband to "rest". Yes, rest right before Christmas!  Well, I have to admit that I liked it. The handmades weren't all made, not a cookie in sight, not a gift bought, but I rested and spent alot of time staring at my Christmas tree and pondering Christ's death and his nailing to a piece of wood such as the tree so prettily decorated and twinkling before me. I felt refreshed and Christmas was put into perspective,  it was good. I just may rest next year, minus the heart stuff...ahem.

Last week I kept trying to pop in here, I really did. Life and those I share it with were too important to push aside even for a few mintues. There were new games to master, friends to enjoy get togethers with , new recipes to try cooking, and a rollerskating rink to conquer.

New Year's Eve found us with the yearly Chinese food order and a barn full of young men, banging away making music, some engrossed in video games, and eating, eating lots of food! Sixteen and seventeen year old boys eat alot. But, it was all good. My husband and I enjoy a houseful and barnful of kids, all talking at the same time it seems, all chewing!  We didn't get a whole lot of sleep. Not because of the noise, but one of the boys fell on ice in our driveway while making his way to the house. That poor boy dislocated his shoulder. My husband spent the greater hours of the wee morn in the ER with him and I on my knees praying! God worked it all out though--he is so awesome! Our small hospital in town took him right in and he got great care and was back with a smile on his face. His poor parents--those 3 am calls no parent likes to get. So, twenty-twelve did start with a bang!





I love flipping the calendar to a new month, a clean, crisp page just waiting to be filled up with good stuff. Starting a new year also means a crisp and clean start. A re-focus of previous goals and intentions.  Taking a bit of time to reflect on the last year is a good thing, pray for God's will in the new year and that we can fulfill all He has in store for us as His servants. 

This year I hope to move a bit more slowly through the days, noticing. I want to grasp these days with my young children and hold them still, remember them, embed them in my heart and mind, because yes, the years are going by far too quickly.   I hope to put more time into creative endeavors with my family, as a whole. Spend more time learning about whole foods and cooking them alot. But mostly, I hope to find more ways to be of service, as a family, to God and those He would put in our path, to help, nuture and encourage.

I wish you a blessed New Year and all God's blessings! Do share your intentions for the year if you feel so led, I would love to hear them.