Let me (and Claire, Bubba and Katie!) be the last ones to wish you a Happy New Year! It totally made my whole year when the trio showed up this afternoon! I happily drop whatever I'm doing when those kiddos come for a visit and get a few good laughs in. Love them.
I think this year, more than any previous new year, I've been so excited about the idea of a new beginning, a fresh start, new opportunities, and big dreams. This is going to be
my year. So many things on my list of things to accomplish in 2011.
2010 was an amazing year:
• story of
Jack the Snowman• katie and I
attempted to "scrapbook"•
Michael Buble concert with Sarah!
• learning that
Katie would be having a baby with "outdoor plumbing"• spending time at home for my birthday
•
BSB concert with Katie, Michelle and Gina!
• CHA in Chicago and then spending a little extra time with Mom and Sarah in Chi-Town and driving back to St Louis
• Baby Caleb aka
Bubba was born• mom gave my room some much needed attention and left behind some
beautiful sunflowers :)
• another trip home and
flying solo with Claire• falling in love with
little Claire's smile all over again
• quick trip with mom to Houston for the Quilt Festival and staying with
Beth!
• our first white Christmas, spending time with the family, talking with Marshall on the phone, hearing stories of mom & dad's courtship, eating at The Peel, minute-to-win-it games, stories, playing Just Dance on the wii, laughing hysterically over nothing, getting a visit from the "Christmas man"...basically the best Christmas ever!
Lots of ups, a few downs, and everything between. It was a good year. High hopes for an amazing year!
Much love, me
(ps...story about the top right pic: we told Claire to make a face like Bubba, and that's what she came up with. Love her!)
One of the highlights from Christmas was chatting with Marshall for a few minutes--I miss having him around and hearing his funny stories. I'd tease Marshall about being my "significant brother" whenever we were out in public, and you could just tell he would be so annoyed with me! I miss looking over during church and see him drawing all over the program for the meeting. I love getting his emails every week and hearing about all his amazing experiences...and funny stories, like this one. I'm excited that he's coming home this year! :)
