Back in the swing of things

Lately all of my post seem to start out with how sorry I am that I haven't blogged, how busy I am, blah blah blah. Well, never mind all that, here I am. Hummm what have we been up to? I will start with the most recent. Oldest dd got married. Yep that is right, I am now a MIL (no she isn't pregnant so I am not going to be a grandma, yet). I am very happy for them and only still a little mad that they eloped.

We spent a week in OK for Christmas. It was so good to see everyone again. My Grandma is still having a rough time, she had multiple back surgeries since July, and is having another soon. I can't imagine not having her in my life. I know we don't live forever but I am still hopeful that she will recover and eventually walk again. At the very least I pray that her back pain goes away.

Matt's brother also came up from Houston. My in laws house was quite over flowing, we had 4 kids and one dog with us, and bil brought his two little dogs, I am sure it is quiet there now. This is the first year we haven't been home for Christmas in a long time, although the kids thought it was great to open presents 5 times I hope to never do it again. I had to arrange to have someone play Santa (ok, that was the best part of all) Santa aka Christina, my very dear friend, not only watched one of the dogs, filled stockings, wrapped presents and set up the doll house she also CLEANED my house for me, I was very sick the day we left and basically threw a few clothes in a bag and left the house looking like a tornado hit it. I hope everyone has a friend like her in their life. Thanks Christina!!

I did get the dolls made for the girls (finished shortly before 2 am on Christmas morning). Julia has kind of taken over both dolls, but at least they are loved.

I really didn't get as many homemade presents finished that I wanted to, a few went to a special friend, she blogged about them here (good thing since I didn't take any pictures), and you can also see the fingerless gloves she made me if you just can't wait until I get a pictures posted, I love them and they are the most beautiful color. Some presents are being carried over to Mothers day (in that respect I am way ahead now) and some will just have to be moved to next year. I know I won't quite get it right but on Sunday our Pastor said something to the effect that the past is the past and the only way to make it better is to do your best today so tomorrow 's past will be what you want it to be. (sorry for the butch job on a great sermon but hopefully you get the point).

One of the blogs I read talked about having a word of the year. I have decided on patience. I need more in all areas of my life. I think a lot of times I don't finish a project, diet, organizing, etc.. because I run out of patience. We have such an instant now, microwave mentality that we don't have time for things that take time. I didn't really make any resolutions but my word represents what I hope for 2009. To take the time for all the little things, and have the patience to appreciate the beauty around me everyday. My dh always says it is the journey not the destination, so true. Here's to many wonderful jouneys in 2009.