wrap up

Well the Holiday season came & went.  That just about sums it up really.  No pomp and very little holiday cheer if you will.  Many friends, acquaintances stopped me to inquire if I ever got around to putting up a tree.  Yes, 3 days before the big day.

Really since July 22nd my mind has been foggy yet reflective, my heart broken yet beating and my world...well it didn't crumble.  It changed.  It shifted.  Not like our current president "change" but good & necessary change.  Some of you might wonder how I could begin to classify the change brought about by the passing of my mother good.  Well, it's really rather simple.  She's no longer in pain.  She no longer is confined by her disabilities.  She is no longer alone.  But for me, most importantly she cartwheeled all the way through the pearly gates.  That I am sure of. 

The necessary aspect of change brought about in my world since this summer has been the personal transformation that I seem to be experiencing.  It's on going.  As it has 45 years of walls, habits, attitudes, etc that need broken down, tweaked, adjusted and built back up.  Probably the most apparent aspect of this life that I needed to work on, focus on is the simplicity of what is expected from me.  (from all of us really.)  I've realized I needed to declutter, if you will MANY areas of my existence.  Practice what I preach to my kids.  You know the whole "do unto others...." concept.  I needed to rid my self from negativity which is for sure a work in progress as IT IS EVERYWHERE and so easily creeps into conversations, attitudes, etc....  My focus has been on the Lord and being kind.  It's all really that simple. 

With those things as my focus I've experienced improved relations with my own family, immediate & extended, and with friends.  I smile more (didn't really think that was possible) and make it a point to pass it along to others.  It's simple but it feels good, ...to all involved.  I've come to trust in the Lord and the fact that his timing is perfect.  And give Him props for all the comfort I've received.  When you feel it, the comfort, TRULY feel it, when you're all alone, you know with out a doubt you are in His arms.  *sigh*

As the new year begins I am still amidst several loose ends.  With moms passing my brother & I inherited her 2 properties.  For those of you counting that brings my house total to 4.  That's right 4!  I really only want 1. :)  Both Amboy & Swayzee are listed for sale.  However if I get my way, Swayzee will come off the market until all interior projects are finished.  (oh the life of a wife of a do-it-your-selfer...ugh!)  We're still intending on moving, and would love to be able to do so within the next 3 mos. or so.  Feel free to send up a prayer for patience and a buyer as we continue through this journey.  It is my hope that my brother and his wife will be able to move into moms.  It's would be great to keep it in the family.  That just seems right.  And I'd love for them to really make it their own.  That house has some really neat aspects and great potential.  Prayers for them that it all works out.

We are yet to meet with an endocrinologist for Kathryn.  She had her gallbladder removed in November and pathology indicated she is high risk for Thyroid Cancer...a really rare form of it.  So once again prayers for her are greatly appreciated.  Again props to God, as had she not had the surgery, and pathology test we never would've known the risk.  His timing is perfect as is His plan.

Over the holiday break the greatest bless has just been my family.  Although we tend to venture off into our own spaces and since Christmas electronics have consumed us, we are TOGETHER.   And really that's what matters.  We had Christmas eve as usually with my in-laws and shared not only good food but laughs. (priceless) and returned to their home again on Christmas day after Church services.  The following friday was spent with my brother & his kids, minus one :( and again good food, laughter & memories.  It was all pretty simple yet splendid at the same time.

Obviously this was the first year I had to decorate graves.  I only tended to moms and grandma & grandpas.  I did something different from what mom would've done.  I'm sure it was no surprise to her. ;P  It was a season with out mom.  No open house, no insane amount of decorating, crafts, and panic for it "not all getting done!"  What got done got done.  It was different.  It was simple.  It wasn't about any one of us....It was about the birth of a newborn King.  This year I was truly reflective on that.  This year i was truly appreciative of my family and friends.  This year there was change and it was good. 

As 2012 is upon us I challenge you to live simply, and to simply live.  Share a smile, make a new friend, be a friend, share some kindness.  This year BElieve THEre is GOOD in the world.  A positive change can change the world and it can start with you.  Also, if you don't know Him....I challenge you to seek & find & get to know Him. 
He's waiting.

Happy 2012.  Love to you all & blessing all the year long.