As the remaining moments of 2011 dwindle away, I smile as I hear a house full of teenagers laughing, screaming, and acting crazy just like I did on New Year's Eve--not so many years ago. It has become a yearly tradition that our home serves as the gathering place for our boys and many of their friends on New Year's Eve. I love them being here, and I don't worry about them being out and about on a night when so many people don't act very responsibly. "My" bunch will ring in 2012 playing Xbox and board games, watching scary movies, battling in Nerf wars, and chowing down on a midnight buffet that would rival any on the Vegas strip!
As the old year ends, it is a time for quiet reflection. A time to remember the good times, and to try to forget those less than perfect times. A time to think about the loss of loved ones, along with the births of precious little ones. A time to put the year and things of it away, with anticipation of better things to come. A thankfulness for seeing another new year. A overwhelming sadness over the thought of friends who may not see another new year due to illness.
As we look toward 2012, we have many dreams, hopes, and goals. Within the coming days, resolutions will be made. There is much work to do. Much weight to lose. Much
youth to recapture. We all have our individual plans that will make 2012 our best year ever!
The coming year will hold many new beginnings for our family. If the Lord wills, Colton will graduate from high school in May. What a blessing he has been in our lives, and we eagerly await the big plans God has in store for him. I will be 48 in 2012, and will be reuniting with my classmates of 1982 for our 30th reunion. WOW! Where has the time gone? Jeff and I will celebrate our 27th anniversary. Again, it just does not seem possible. As a youngster, TIME dragged by at such a snail's pace; but now, it seems to be passing much too quickly!
I wish for all of you a wonderful 2012. May God's riches blessings fill your lives in the coming days. My decision to "blog" has indeed been a highlight of 2011. I hope to continue to write it in the coming years. It is my prayer that some of the thoughts here will inspire, comfort or help you in some small way.
God Bless -- in 2012, and always--
Darlene
Katie, Colton, Conner & Jeff
My soul mate, Jeff, and Katie, Colton and Conner, the three gifts from God that call me "Mom"
