Out with the old and in with the new

I'm the chairwoman of the "let's-take-the-Christmas-decor-down-the-day-after-Christmas" campaign. Well, sort of... I usually wait until the 27th or 28th to start campaigning. :-) I really don't seem to be able to stand it being up too long; I'm thrilled to return back to normal again after each holiday season. Hopefully, someone will feel so inspired today to bring all the totes down from the shed and we can start tearing the house down. Er... the decorations, rather.

I am sincerely sad to see 2008 going away. It was a year like none other (aren't they all?). I did things that I never thought I'd do, went places I never had a clue I'd visit, and learned some dances like I've always wanted to. I was gone from home for a total of three months! I always wanted to travel more, but this year quite surpasses them all! :-)

I can only think of one definite event that will take place in 2009; the arrival of another nephew or perhaps, it might be a niece this time. If this spring is anything like the last, a new life will brighten the dreary snow filled days long after his/her arrival.

Bring on 2009!!!

~am

Merry Christmas!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Life These Days

This Christmas season has been just as hectic as any of the others, but in different ways. We have the same tall, narrow fake tree that my mother loves, fresh greenery that my sister loves, the nativity from my grandparents, baking of Christmas goodies and jolly spirits of strangers we encounter in town.

But, two weeks ago my just older brother moved and is staying in our little cabin. My second brother and pregnant sister-in-law moved into the same little cabin last week and will remain with us until they find a place of their own. All of them being here changes our routine. Not so much in the mornings, but definitely throughout the rest of the day. It's different having older brothers around again. My younger brothers especially love having them around and will go with them and do just about anything with them.

We've had snow for thirteen days straight now. We started with just a few inches and we're on a point so the wind periodically blows most of the snow away, but it's back again *very shortly*. This is NOT normal for this area! Town also has been hit with snow; they are 500ft below us and *rarely* get snow! It's strange, peoples.

I'm off to do some more stitching before tomorrow morn.

~am

Birthday thoughts

I guess I should try to say something wise and thoughtful. But, I haven't had enough time to really think about getting older yet. Some moments I feel very young still and other moments I feel extremely old. ;-)

There have been several cool things about today:
-No snow! And, it was unusually warm for Dec. 1st for this area.
-Phone call from my out-of-town older brother!
-Phone call from a certain set of way cool sisters! Thanks, girls!
-My favoritest chocolate cake in the world! It's not often that we have store-bought cake for birthdays (especially since there are so many around here!), but this particular one is tall, dark, and so rich. Some in the family can't eat too much of it without whip or ice cream, but I'll eat a small piece by itself anytime. :-) It freezes magnificently, too!
-Time to do lots of crocheting! I'm starting another afghan and it's taking forever, so large quantities of time are required to make progress.

Until next time,
~am