Can you hear Jack Nicholson in the Stephen King film "The Shining"?
Okay, it's not that scary that I've returned! I've been gone four and a half months and I'm grateful to our host that she's seen fit to allow me to hibernate.
My hiatus began with Band Camp in mid-July. I volunteered in the kitchen all morning until 1:30 the first week. We fed 125 students and staff incredible lunches each day. By the second week, my duties as Uniform mom began. I spent more than 45 hours that week organizing and fitting band kids.
The month of August was like a long steam train beginning to pick up speed. I went back to work mid-month, beginning my 12th year at the alternative school, while spending four nights a week at my daughters' school continuing to fit uniforms and begin what would be two and a half more months of sewing, more fitting, organization, cleaning, and following the band around every Saturday and quite a few Fridays. I felt as much a roadie as groupie.
The band took third at State competition in late October - beat out by the first place winner by 8/10th of a point! They were awesome! I just amazes me what goes on "behind the scenes" to prepare for a moment like that.
The last week of October, we held a birthday party for my youngest daughter and 30 of her friends (mostly band geeks, of course). The place was crawling with teens - what fun!
I spent our three-day Fall break with my sisters preparing picture boards and finishing my Mother's heritage album in preparation for her 90th birthday party December 2nd.
Then in November we anxiously awaited the birth of our first grandchild - a boy! His name is Waylan Charles Wilson. Born on November 7th: 7 pounds, 6 ounces and 21 inches long, sandy blonde hair and soft blue eyes. We travelled to the Gulf area to visit the proud parents and our new grandson the week of Thanksgiving. Glory! What a beautiful baby to be thankful for!
The following weekend, December 2, I trekked to the Chicago suburbs to my mother's birthday party while my husband readied my two teenagers for their Winter Formal. Speaking of beautiful!! And, I only got to see pictures. Whaaa!
I vowed to do only as much as I could for Christmas. I wasn't going to decorate, bake cookies, or shop 'til I dropped. I was going to enjoy every single day of the holiday and remember the Christ child in every thing I did. Amazingly, the house got decorated, cookies were baked, all the presents were bought and wrapped a week before Christmas (that's never happened!), and I sent all my cards out by Thursday.
I have been more relaxed and found more joy this holiday than ever. It was a New Year's Resolution I set in January 2006, but I didn't "work it"; it just happened. I don't think I did anything consciously to make it happen except just resolve not to have such big expectations. That was the best Christmas present I've ever given myself!
I hope that your holiday has been restful. I'm looking forward to writing again and re-connecting with those who have visited my site in the past.
To you - a Prosperous and Satisfying New Year!
She's Baaaaakkk!!!
Wow....what a list of activities! I knew what was going on in your life, but it has even more impact when you see it printed out like that.
I'm so glad you had a relaxed Christmas, and I hope that you have fun this weekend. Happy New Year, sissy!
Welcome back sister to Buffy!
Hi, Stranger. You're new to these parts, aren't you? Well...it seems like it's been forever since your last posting and I'm glad that you finally were able to draw a deep breath! Buffy has been keeping us posted on the bare bones, of course, but it's good to get the scoop first hand. Welcome back. I hope that 2007 is less hectic for you!
P.S. Isn't amazing how every grandbaby is beautiful?? Hearty congratulations on becoming a grandmother--and, on all of the other accomplishments of 2006!
Cop Car - You're so right! I am unabashedly biased. (But, really, you should see him!) *G*
I'm glad to be back, but the bonus maybe that my hubby is thinking about blogging! He will bring saucy opinions about the political system, government gaffs, the environment, and quiet possibly a few posts about living with women and the oddities of pets.
Happy New Year! Nice to hear from you!