Reflecting on 2011

2011 has been quite a ride....many life events that lead to nothing but change. Some of these that I will treasure forever....and others that I wished would never had made an appearance. Either way...it will be a year that will always have a mark in my life....it will be part of my story and journey....a part of what makes me....well me.

So I have chose a variety of pictures from the past year....no particular order.

After doing zumba for a year...I got into the best shape and became pretty fit. Sadly, since my foot incident...I will have to work my hiney off and get here once again. At this time...that appears to not be for at least another month.

I turned 40

I had some girl time in Balboa this past summer. Met some new people and reconnected with some old friends.

Foot surgery December 8th after dealing with a non healing broken foot since October. It was time for a screw, the inability to work and the generosity of some very great people. But don't worry I will get it together and be able to pay the niceness forward this next year.

We became parents to a high school graduate this June.

I made my yearly visit to Seattle to see Jodie and the kids this past winter.

One of my besties came to visit in September....more girl time and a great support during what would turn out to a very sad part of my year..

A Halloween party and a chance to just be me...goofy.

I became a college mom to the boy who went off to the University of Houston

And then I found this quote and will make it a part of the life to which I am now headed for.

As I reflect here...I am grateful for the many good memories...the ability to learn from the not so good...and look forward to 2012...and hopefully the peace and happiness that will come with the choices that have been made.

Happy New Years Eve Day!

Kelly

Christmas Day

I received many wonderful gifts and generosity this Christmas. But I have to show off what was my most anticipated and (will be most) used gift. The afghan that my mom made for me. She has quite a knack for creating such beauties that we all have loved. This past year, my old one acquired a whole with the help of a certain dog, a grown sons big feet and a little nephew who loves to put his head through it.

The colors are totally me...the fuzzys are the best...and she added rows of miniature pom poms..

too cute

And  I was able to get my Christmas day picture with Nathan. He is sporting the leather jacket that I gave him and his Tyrolean that he got from his grandparents.

This is a gift that I made for my great friends Jeanette and Rod. I think the block turned out pretty nice. I may have to make one for myself.

Merry Christmas until next year!!!

A very different Christmas

opening his yearly popcorn tin
I am sure life would not be the same if this was not a gift received

I never thought that Nathaniel would not be around for every holiday until after he was married or graduated from college. Last night it hit me at how different life now is....as I went to our friends house (as we have done for the past 7 or 8 years) by myself. Nathan spent Christmas Eve with his dad. I am happy he chose to spend Christmas Day with his mom and the family. This morning, I made sure to let him know that we all missed him and that he missed out on a fun game of Texas Hold'em.

Actually, this whole Christmas season has just been a little off {frown}. I thought about the many holiday things that I missed or almost missed. My foot surgery added a little kink into life's mix. I did not go to the mall or town center even once (yes I like doing this). I was lucky that I could make it to Target and kind of hobble around. I did watch more than my share of sappy Hallmark shows. And since I became crutch free mid week....I was able to continue my tradition of having all the nephews over to bake. I also made one last trip to a very wiped out Target.

We got up this morning like every Christmas before to see what Santa delivered...a stocking full of stuff for the now adult kid. Exchanged a few gifts and I made breakfast. It seemed all too quick {SIGH}. And no one to snap a photo of Nathaniel and I....maybe later in the day we will get one.

I am so glad that the family will be coming over in a few hours. To have some normalcy of what Christmas has been. My mouth is  already drooling for the ham and other tasty foods that will land upon our palettes....the throwing of wrapping paper at each other which always drives my mother crazy {giggle}. And the pleasure of being with family.

I am extra grateful for the support and kindness of my close friends and family this season. For all the help, support and true friendship provided. I truly was been a recipient of the light of Jesus Christ.

Let There Be Light

Stephanie and Me

This past week my sister-in-law and brother invited me to go to Christmas Eve service with them at their church. With all the changes in life right now, I happily agreed to go tonight, believing that a Christmas service was exactly what I needed. Brody (brother) did give me a heads up that the service would be totally different from the church that we grew up in (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints). The dress was far more casual and the church has a band. And wow....what a nursery these kiddos have to play in.

The first half of the service was the band and congregation singing Christmas hymns. I must say that they had a strong sounding resemblance to Cold Play. There were also little video clips portraying the message and theme of Christmas and the intended thought. Then the pastor spoke. He was extremely energetic and spoke very differently than what I am used to...but his message was strong. To summarize his thoughts....God provided light, Jesus Christ is the light and we need embrace both of these. To place our burdens upon Jesus and to let go of our errors or errors that unwillingly came our way. To embrace God in our everyday actions and let healing begin. The service concluded with a little prayer and a couple more songs.

I spoke with the pastor afterwards. We had a short conversation as I thanked him for welcoming me to his church. He asked about my faith, was very respectful and never tried to sway me of that being wrong. I would feel very comfortable visiting again if the season or series that they offered felt right.

Freedom from Crutches

I had my second post op appointment today....the fracture is still not totally closed but looking better (I can only imagine how long this would go on if I hadn't opted for surgery). Fortunately, I have been cleared to walk in my frankenstein shoe crutch free....and drive. Good times! After all the driving that Nathan has had to do the past two days...he was real glad to hear the news (teenagers).
However, I was only cleared to return to work next Wednesday, and with the restrictions of desk work only for the following two weeks. At least I should be able to get a few hours in and a pitiful size paycheck in the near future. Thank goodness I have been blessed with a few friends and family that are willing to help me out.

One week Post Op and Collision

I went for my one week post op appointment this past Friday. I only had one stitch and my incision is about 1/8 inch. But I must say that my foot is definitely swollen and a bit more sore now.A much needed pedicure will be in order once the healing is done. Dr Taylor did not feel comfortable repeating an xray quite yet...meaning one more weak of being totally non weight bearing and pretty dependent on help. Thank goodness Nathaniel is home from school and able to help provide some relief to those who have been helping me.

As if life is not challenging enough right now, Sunday, Nathan and I were involved in a motor vehicle collision (with us being the middle car that got smashed). I received a sore back of the head and my foot was rammed up into the dash board....SIGH. Xrays were all good and other than a little more discomfort...all is well...except for the car needing a back and front bumper.

Life challenges are said to make us better people....well all I can say.... I am thinking that I can do without too many more unforeseen events at this time.

foot surgery and crutches

notice the cute and festive painted toe nails

Ten weeks ago, I tripped over a portion of uneven sidewalk and broke my foot. Unfortunately, the bone/joint decided it did not want to heal and surgery was in order.Time was running out as I will soon be without insurance and my deductible happened to be met. Last Thursday I opted to have a pin placed and assist the healing process along.

This lovely and nuisance of a boot is my new attire and going to be with me almost every moment for the next four to six weeks. I am totally nonweight bearing at this time and have now become dependent on those kind enough to help me....I have had a few great friends with this...but...thank goodness for moms! I am normally very independent and am so in need of the motherly help at this time. It is hard to come to the realization of now being dependent on others for a time.

Crutches are now apart of my every ambulatory movement. We are slowly becoming friends as I have only tried to break the rest of my body two or three times. It is quite a site to see at times...especially when I get myself into my parents 4x4 truck.