Ringing in the New Year

When I was younger, my parents would have huge parties at our house for New Year's eve. Food was always outdone, chatting, laughing and watching the ball drop was so much fun! Our parent's friends would be there and most of them had kids our age. While our parents were socializing, Ian and I would be with our friends playing games and munching on all kids of food.
A few minutes before midnight my mother would gather everyone outside, all armed with pots, pans and all kinds of cooking utensils. When we were given the word  (at the strike of midnight) we would bang the crap out of those pans. The neighbors would all be shouting and clapping and knew exactly where the noise was coming from.
We would have so much fun and lots of laughs! After a few minutes we would all go back in the house.

I think its because I am getting older, but I miss those moments.I miss having crowds over, food over flowing, laughs and great memories. I guess its all a part of growing up...  but my resolution is to have more of those moments.

So here is to everyone out there feeling the same way....  Happy New Year's!
Until next time,
There is only love <3

Process of evolving ..What a year!

New year....new hair! 

Over the past year there have been hurdles, triumphs, loss, rekindled friendships, sicknesses, health and of course love. Just when you think you have life figured out curve balls come your way. But it is up to you to decide if those curve balls are going to take you out or if you will keep on dodging them . I choose to dodge them this year! I think I am ending this year on a particularly good note, in my humble opinion :)

Clark has made significant strides in all aspects of life thus far. He is walking, learning to communicate - although I wish " ba---ba--- ba" wasn't used to describe everything he wants, :) He is into creating new things, watching how machines move. He has absolutely loved the decorations that are out for the holidays! I do believe I will be that person that decorates for all " holidays"..... They do make egg lights, right?!?! :)

He is such a fun loving  boy! He can melt your heart and make your blood boil all in one whack, but I wouldn't want it any other way. He has taught me how to love unconditionally, how to forgive and forget and also how to communicate in a positive way. He has showed me how to slow down, enjoy life on my terms, have fun, and sometimes just laugh and smile. He has given me so much drive and ambition. It's funny how a 17 month old can show an adult the way to live. Clark and I have found our groove! We can sing songs, roll around on the bed, play with trucks and cars, or rock the babies to sleep. He is the most important and best thing in my life.

FAMILY

This time last year, my father was very ill. He has since had open heart surgery. Which was a success but he  has had some set backs recently  in his recovery. He is taking it day by day. I am hoping that the year treats him right and we can move on from his illness. I really would love to see my dad back to were he was - he has lost a bit of his spunk, ambition and youthfulness. 

This year, I have started back to work. Going from only watching Clark to a "part time" job, ( I haven't seen the low side of 20 hours since the second week into the job!) Has been tough work. I sometimes feel that I am not spending enough time with Clark. But deep down I know that the separation is good for the both of us. That this makes the time we do spend together that much greater.  I am looking into several schools for Clark for the upcoming year. I love that he gets to spend so much time with Na- Na and Grampie Jim, but I know that it would be great for him to be around other children a few days a week. This is a major decision that I have made.... we shall see how it turns out! I am excited about the process and how Clark will evolve even more and make some buddies! Also, I really am looking forward to his first " project" at school!!!

Working has been really good for my whole self . I feel appreciated , respected and I have fun ( most days!) 

I have decided to go back to school and take a few classes so that I can become director certified for the state. I know my passion is being in the classroom - but for now I am really happy working outside of the classroom in a more office type environment. I never would have guessed that I would enjoy that type of work. But I guess the saying is true.... people can change. 

I am looking forward to 2012 being a great year. A year filled with friendships, love, a good health. 

Until next time,

There is only love <3 

The Nutcracker

On Wednesday night I had the pleasure of going to see the Nutcracker performed by the Boston Ballet with a great friend. The night was amazing and the show was spectacular! There is something to be said for a night out with a friend who truly in every sense of the word "gets you".  Sharing and evening of laughter, conversation and a fantastic show was just what I needed this holiday season.

Last time I saw the Nutcracker I was probably in highschool, my mother made it a point to take me to the Nutcracker every year since I can remember. Getting all dressed up to go to the theatre was such a thrill. It is memories like that, that I hold dear to my heart.

Around this time of year I miss my mother alot more than other days. She loved the Christmas holiday and would be caught decorating the house right after cleaning up the turkey from Thanksgiving! The decorations would be up until January 6th (Little Christmas! and my dad's birthday). Christmas songs would be playing and the oven, I don't believe was ever off... she would make cookies, candies, and treats galore! 
 I still use several recipes that were my mothers for my own holiday treats. The smell of ainse cookies baking in the oven makes me daydream of the closeness my mother and I shared, especially our love for the holidays.
I know that if my mother was around she would have loved to see Clark's face when he looks at lights and decorations.
 I also know that if she were alive she would have been sitting in the Boston Opera House chatting away with my friend, because they would have gotten along famously. 

I have often asked myself, where have certain people been all my life.... usually their response is
" hiding"... well this holiday season, I am saying " I am glad I found you... even if it took sometime and some detours". 
Until next time,
There is only love <3