And here they are. Yes, 15 are showing, but only 13 were from last year. I emptied a spool on the CASA dress and the purple shirt, but stuck them in anyway. Not nearly the number from 2010, but I am pleased that I emptied this many. It is sort of a visual reminder that this thread is transformed into something useful and filled with prayers for loved ones. I even added my daughter-in-law to the list of clothing recipients this year, making her a skirt, I had made her a purse earlier. So EVERYONE in the immediate family got something made by me even the foster.
It is also a time for reflection on 2011 and I must admit, although there was pain and loss this year in profound ways that had a huge impact on some in the family, there was also plenty to celebrate.
Putting ME first (my blog after all), I am in REMISSION, PLUS feeling better than I have in about three years. Two years before treatment, my body was just NOT functioning well at all. I was tired, I was weak, I was missing out on so much due to my pitiful state. I felt as if each day required slogging through mud . . . in the fog! Considering the state of my blood, I guess that isn't a bad analogy. I was pleasantly surprised at how I have recovered from chemo and am now doing many of the things that I had been doing previously. Involved in church, community, neighborhood, family and friends, traveling, the stuff of life. My counts are still alarmingly off kilter and yet, I function and have not been sick this winter, so I am doing something right. I am well cared for (thank you hubby of mine) and have a life I never dreamed possible filled with love, family, friends and plenty of ways to express my creativity, give back and explore new things. Carry ON Miss Sew and Pray. Touche.
My precious daughter joined her life with one of the finest young men I have ever met. What makes this most magical for me is that even though I had never met this young man until late 2009, I had been praying for him since 1983 when my youngest was born. I knew God was well aware of who this person was, and knew that my daughter would some day meet and marry him, so I just sent up the prayers and let God deliver. And deliver he did, sending a strong (mentally and physically), intelligent, humorous, fun, easy going, patient, Christian man to love her. What more could a mom ask for? I have enjoyed getting to know him and he always makes me laugh, I like to laugh.
Then, because of the wedding I had ALL my kids and grand kids here in our home (a very happy home that weekend) over July 4. And to put the icing on the cake, a dear brother and sister-in-law came accompanied by my parents. Considering the wedding was put together in six weeks, we were so happy to have everyone who was able to make it. My family, I sure love them. And because of my daughter-in-law and her awesome photography skills, the memories will stay strong as she captured the magic of the weekend.
As if these events were not enough, we also were able to travel, to see other family (I got to see three of my four brothers this year, two on their birthdays) and some friends that we don't see often, including a fun trip to wine country with hubby's fun sister and bro-in-law. I attended and took classes at the largest quilt convention in America. I got to travel north to see my folks, and travel to a great North Carolina beach to spend a week with those precious grand kids. Play, play, play. The second row seats at The Moody Blues (30 years after my first concert) were certainly a highlight as well as ballet, baseball and opera. I also lead a study group and accomplished reading the Bible in 90 Days, that was cool. We also had several visits to a premier restaurant in the area for celebrations, although hubby has gotten pretty good at replicating the fine gourmet dinners available around town. Hmmm, let's stay home tonight.
Yes, 2011 was one of the best years I can remember. Full of ups, downs, pains, joys, healing and love, all the things that create that rich tapestry of our lives. When I start to think about sad things, or difficulties and challenges I am still glad to be here, glad to be a child of God, glad to depend on my faith, thrilled to be married to the man of my dreams and have LOTS to look forward to in 2012. I am SO blessed.
So, the plan for 2012. . . .
Spend time on Ancestry.com to find some long lost relatives.
Scan and make CD's of all those pictures I have of relatives from the past.
Make some more DCD's of my kids videos when they were young.
Visit family near and far.
Lose the 10 pounds that have crept on this past year from tasting again. Weight Watchers here I come (worked before, it'll work again).
Continue to study God's word and let it work in my life, amazing how faith continues to grow.
Begin my 60th year of life (is that possible??)
Have fun with hubby and enjoy the bounty of his new hobby, cooking like Julia Child, and yes, that IS compatible with Weight Watchers, thank you God! I am such a foodie.
Keep a positive attitude, in all circumstances.
Sew . . . and pray, of coarse.
And be open to all the lovely, amazing, surprising adventures that life has to offer.
