This past year was truly a remarkable one, full of some exceptionally high highs, and only one core-rocking low. Overall, I can say that my family had more happy times than sad ones, and we continued to appreciate all of the times we spent together, whatever the occasion. I feel thankful every day for all of the blessings in my life, and am especially pleased to end my zero blogging streak of 2011 with a post in 2012 that I'm proud to share. I tried to post this earlier--on New Year's Day, in fact, but many technological glitches have delayed me. As my friend Kaia would say: "patience training." I'd like to give a special shout-out to my Android phone that I've owned for an entire year now (I named it Violet) for auto-uploading photos into my iPhoto on my laptop whenever I connected it, which made this post possible...And a more personal thanks to my friends Shaunna and Jenricci for being a 'blog beacon' these past years (however inconsistently ;) -- Also, I have a hopeful advance thanks to my sister, Julie, who is interested in joining me as a late-bloomer on this adventure the world knows as blogging! We are busy mommas, but hope to make time to share our lives on this virtual format.
Highlights of our life and times: 2011
Hands-down the best thing about 2011 happened right off the bat:
Jude Alexander was born! My lovely sister, who is also my dear friend, has gloried in her role as New Mommy! Through the steep learning curve every new parent experiences in their own way, she maintained her cool and looked to all of her loved ones for advice, support, and hugs. Her amazing husband shared as equal a role as a father can in the early months, given his natural lack of breastmilk. Seriously, though, he is a terrific and loving father; he was born for this. All of our extended families are tickled pink with the most darling addition to come along since...well, since my l'il darling came along 11 & 1/2 years ago! These cousins are peas in a pod, and 2012 finds them already enjoying actual games of chase.
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And, to continue with the highest of highlights:
In 2011, she said goodbye to a long-lasting commitment to practicing martial arts as a strong, confident blue belt. She practiced Pyon Moo Do (a mixed martial arts curriculum) at the Traditional Martial Arts Academy since 2nd grade! However, she busied herself with Girl Scouts, choir, piano, & gymnastics--and even took up the cello in her school orchestra in September. (No wonder we hardly ever got our chores done...!)
Ariana wrapped up 5th grade in June with many well-deserved honors. She returned to her old school for big 6th grade business, and was thrilled to share an incredible growing experience at Camp Champions in October with her original school pals! In her 3 days and 2 night stay, she grew inches in spirit. She'll always be my "big baby girl," but she is growing into an Awesomely Awesome young lady! She is the guiding light of my life, the anchor to my every day, and I could not be prouder of her as she grows more every day.
5th grade graduation, June******Return from Camp, October
In June, a social retreat full of swimming and socializing with the Traditional Martial Arts Academy's families brought some of my most peaceful moments in recent years. The drive out past Kerville led to a natural spring next to an expansive main house on acres and acres of secluded land. I'm so thankful for the community that we shared at TMAA for so long, and this was an especially relaxing time to get to know folks even better.
The 2011 summer fun wrapped up with our annual trip to the beach which we took in August this year. (This is Ariana's preference for a birthday celebration: a late hurrah at the beach for her April birthday instead of a big party.) We met Julie and her circle of friends with their families there, and were even lucky enough to snag Ariana's bro' Meno (visiting from Ohio) to complete the family fun! One day and one night at the beach made for a whirlwind experience bunking with Cassie & Jason at the Pepto-pink place, but I wouldn't trade it for more time with fewer friends.
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It's all the little things that made 2011 a good year:
When we weren't traipsing around town or out on the open road, we mostly enjoyed a ton of time at home with our favorite furries: Scruffy the Gruff, Joey the Licker, Mona Lisa the Watch-Cat, & Jellybean the Cuddle-Lump. We followed their easy-going examples and did a bit of lazing around, too! We watched Friends on DVD, and fell in love with Netflix viewing via our Wii.
Joey and Scruffy snuggled up... Jellybean & Mona
Ari and 'JJ' Me 'n Scruffy, JJ, and Joey
In other news, 2011 saw me saying goodbye to my X-Terra:
After almost exactly 6 happy years (and too much money dumped into repairs there at the end). I encountered a bit of rough luck getting into some new-to-me wheels, but thankfully, it didn't take too terribly long for things to turn around, and I landed securely in my dad's old Accord. Full of responsible maintenance and good dad-vibes, it offered the answer to my prayers, and saved me another 5 year car note. I love the Accord, but still miss my X-Terra! Out with the old, in with the new takes some adjustment...Well, here's to building a new bond--I'd better start planning our first road trip for 2012!!!
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| Me then, driving my X-Terra . . . Me now, driving my Accord |
Our only true sadness this year...:
...was losing Mikey. Ariana felt a strong and special bond with her daddy ever since she was an infant. It was all smiles and fun between them, as he often took her swimming, to the movies at the mall, and shared tons of fun just romping around the living room. She was accustomed to his company at her birthdays, July 4th celebrations, Halloween trick-or-treat walks, and Christmas Eve sleep-overs by the tree. He'd also make an appearance on any rare Texas occasion of snow!
The sudden shock of this unexpected loss has yet to settle completely, and we feel it in so many corners of our daily life. Our family has had little experience with cancer, but the few times has reared its ugly head among us, there have been no happy endings. In years past, he & I each lost a grandfather to cancer. But now, his own previously undetected brain tumor is very difficult to cope with as reality. He was not one to go to the doctor for anything short of a nail through his hand (yes, that really happened!), so it's not too surprising that he was never diagnosed. We cannot know what he suffered in silence, but surely if we could have known what he was going through, we would have done anything possible to relieve it. Leaving us at the young age of 37 makes it impossible to believe that he rests forever in peace.
Anyone who knew him well, knew he had a good heart and a ready smile. VW bugs, guitars, and beers with friends never failed to get him excited. His fun-loving ways and endless energy kept him the life of the party. He shared his love and laughter with many, but his mother said it best when she pointed out: he always had a special light when he was with his daughter. I believe that he saw the best of himself reflected in Ariana's eyes. He is truly missed, and the special place he holds in our hearts has only grown with his absence. I'm endlessly sad that he is gone from our lives, but he lives on in our hearts, and in the many memories that we relive often. Best of all, he left a jewel of a daughter to carry on the very best of his loyal and light-hearted spirit.
...was losing Mikey. Ariana felt a strong and special bond with her daddy ever since she was an infant. It was all smiles and fun between them, as he often took her swimming, to the movies at the mall, and shared tons of fun just romping around the living room. She was accustomed to his company at her birthdays, July 4th celebrations, Halloween trick-or-treat walks, and Christmas Eve sleep-overs by the tree. He'd also make an appearance on any rare Texas occasion of snow!
The sudden shock of this unexpected loss has yet to settle completely, and we feel it in so many corners of our daily life. Our family has had little experience with cancer, but the few times has reared its ugly head among us, there have been no happy endings. In years past, he & I each lost a grandfather to cancer. But now, his own previously undetected brain tumor is very difficult to cope with as reality. He was not one to go to the doctor for anything short of a nail through his hand (yes, that really happened!), so it's not too surprising that he was never diagnosed. We cannot know what he suffered in silence, but surely if we could have known what he was going through, we would have done anything possible to relieve it. Leaving us at the young age of 37 makes it impossible to believe that he rests forever in peace.
Anyone who knew him well, knew he had a good heart and a ready smile. VW bugs, guitars, and beers with friends never failed to get him excited. His fun-loving ways and endless energy kept him the life of the party. He shared his love and laughter with many, but his mother said it best when she pointed out: he always had a special light when he was with his daughter. I believe that he saw the best of himself reflected in Ariana's eyes. He is truly missed, and the special place he holds in our hearts has only grown with his absence. I'm endlessly sad that he is gone from our lives, but he lives on in our hearts, and in the many memories that we relive often. Best of all, he left a jewel of a daughter to carry on the very best of his loyal and light-hearted spirit.
Typical fun at this year's 11th birthday family party at the park
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| 5th grade graduation |
