Wednesday, January 04, 2012

A Fresh Start

There's actually a new calendar on the wall, purchased before January 1. I must have been ready for a fresh start and a new year.

2011 had its great times, but there were also many difficult days. Moving my dad here and making adjustments, getting him settled in with new doctors, then moving him to assisted living, and a round of cancer treatments complicated my already busy life. On top of that, DH's dad grew more and more frail and weak until he passed away on October 4, aged 90 years. So sad to say good-bye.

But God has given so many good days too, filled with wonderful friends and family. When things seem dark, it helps to go to my daughter's home and see the grandkids. DH and I had a sunshine-filled cruise in February, I went to Victoria for a stitching retreat, and we took the family to the beach in August. There were so many fun-filled hours spent at the track and xc meets all over the state, I'm so grateful the twins decided to run xc! And lately I've turned into my mother and have been enjoying all those bowl games on TV.

Now with a new year ahead, I'm hoping to be able to get back to some of my favorite activities. I think I might still remember how to thread a needle! And then I might be inspired to write on my blog. We really have to take the travel trailer out more often. I've made some progress on dejunking, but have a long way to go. It may seem sad to put dejunking in a paragraph of favorite activities, but I'm loving the freedom in getting the stuff out of here and enjoying some open space.

Christmas at the Paulsons was lots of fun as usual. Here are four reasons why!
 And with the Boise Paulsons and the McClees family joining us, there was plenty of merriment.

Here's hoping we all have a very good 2012! With love from Von and the entire gang.

Brendan, Kyle, Geoff, Mystie, Von, Melanie, Gary, Kevin, Kirsten

11 comments:

Kathy A. said...

What a lovely post and what a gorgeous family.

barbara said...

What great family photos! Wishing you and your family a joyous New Year!

Kathryn said...

She lives! She blogs! so glad you're back...You family is gorgeous, your grandchildren precious. Happy New Year!

Unknown said...

Great to see you post Von! What a beautiful family you have, that is a lovely photo of you all. Grandy's are pretty cute too.

Sonda said...

Happy New Year, Von! What a lovely family!

Lynn said...

Welcom back and Happy New Year Von! You have a beautiful family. That's a lovely group shot of everyone. I'm glad you had an enjoyable holiday.

DebbieSFL said...

Glad to hear from you--and a Happy New Year!!

Aussie Stitcher said...

Sorry to hear of your loss ((((HUGS)))). That is a great family photo, and I of course love the ones of the Grandkids.

a woman who is said...

Von, So sorry to hear about your dad. I have been wondering where in blog land you have been. Praying for a fresh start and many days this year filled with your family, stitching, and travel. Maybe some lovely gardening days thrown in.

It is amazing how those grand babies can give us a boost.

Lovely family photo...boy have they all grown up.

debijeanm said...

2012 is going to be a great year! Sounds like you and I are on the same pages. Happy New Year!

DebbieSFL said...

Von, thanks for the encouragement on my "cleaning". And I love the bags at TJ Maxx. I actually use them to sort and store fabric. They are great bags.