Birthdays, Anniversaries, and new years....

Come join me for a cup of coffee, and celebrate all the things that are happening this week ^.^
Today was my eldest's birthay. As I watched her today, I thought about that little baby I hald so many years ago. The firsts, the seconds, the new skills learned all so fast and exciting... I can't remember some of the "lasts". When was the last time she asked for a sippy cup? When was the last time I carried her up the stairs to bed? And I thought of the trials and stuggles that this child has had- and she sure has sturggled with things! Learning disabilities, sickness, and sleep apnea. She struggled with every aspect of life and yet here she is, a lovely grown woman. She has made peace with a lot of things, and let go of others. She has discovered her passions, and is able to express her playful side. She even allows David to tease sometimes. I am so proud of her, and proud pf me too. We both made it from that tiny baby who was SO ANGRY at being born that she would not even look at me, to this loely young woman who crafts her plans with her family in mind and looks forward to the next great adventure that is just around the corner.
Happy birthday, Olivia. you are my hero!

And tomorrow is my wedding anniversary! David and I got married the day after Olivia's birthday because all the kids have that week off from school. Every yer with David is simply better then the one before- when you find the right person you are just blessed. David is my best friend and every day is a delight because we share it. We don't argue. I am not saying all is roses and sunlight out our butts, but we TALK and when things are a difference of opinion, we resove it in a calm fashion. Best friends before we were anything else, and I treasure that above all else. My dearest Darling David, happy anniversary and it trills me to think we have many more years, to grow old together!

And then the year changes. There is a whole new calendar, and we are at January again. In the scheme of thing this is the least important to me, but of course the only one that matters to most of the world. A lot of my friends have had AWFUL years this year- lost jobs, lost relationships, lost lives. I wish them all the best for this new year, and I most sincerely wish for everyone exactly what they wish for others, threefold. Be safe,happy and blessed!

Welcome Winter!

so here we are at Winter. It arrived in NC amid snow and ice a rare occurance and I am not sure if that is a good thing (the kids think so) or an ominous thing (the grown-ups are leaning that way). Winter is a quiet time, a place to reflect and prepare. The leaves are settling here, the Kings in their places, as we await the birth of spring.. The little hands of light start to pull the day back toward the warmth of summer. The little hands of dark will rest now, and await their turn. Today I feel like the world has balance- even when my own life seems to be careening off in one direction or another, the sun will rise, the sun will set, the earth turns and we can celebrate the days when changes happen with astonishing regularity that will outlast all of us. Safe on our Earth, we spin in a huge space. All of us can depend on the light to return, and that in itself is a gift worth mentioning.