Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Auld Lang Syne - Remembering 2007

I'm reflecting and examining my life and the life of my family over the past year. And, because I don't want to lose the Christmas spirit by rushing around and hurrying to get things done before Christmas...I was going to take the weeks after Christmas to write Happy New Year cards and celebrate how blessed we've been in 2007, as we look forward to 2008. Oh well...all good intentions are nothing until they're completed. So...no cards this season. But plenty of reflections.

Here are a few...

My son turned 2 in Jan 2007- and what fun it has been to watch him grow and develop into a toddler.














My daughter chose to be baptized in Christ at Easter time - shortly after her 8th birthday. She chose me as her sponsor, and what a priviledge that was.











We went to a Twins Game on Memorial weekend - as they honored American veterans and Military Service Personnel.









In June, my dear friend and boss, Lisa, got married and moved to Trinidad. At the end of May, I was promoted to Ministry Coordinator - taking her job, and supervising 4 administrative postions, including my old position.
My nephew (brother's son) graduated from high school in the spring, and my sister flew in from Seattle for the weekend. It was good to all be together, although it was a difficult weekend relationally. The disfunctionality of our family was so extremely hurtful and brought to light in many ways. I'm sad it didn't turn out better or change things between us, but it's what it is, and I'm okay with that for now. Auntie met my kids for the first time, and it was good for them to get to know her a little bit.



















We went up to the Kettle River over July 4th weekend, and the big highlight, next to spending a little time with my dad, was going organic strawberry picking. My daughter had a blast, and my son couldn't stop from running through the sprinklers and munching on fresh berries.















In July - we went up to Sauk Center to celebrate Great-grandma's (my husband's grandma) 92nd birthday. The kids had a blast with all of the extended family and even got on the John Deere. My daughter spent the entire day in the lake, so not as many pictures of her this day.





















In the summer, we went to the beach and the zoo often.

















In July, we spent a day away from work to be with our kids, and enjoyed an annual pilgrimage to Minnehaha falls - riding the light rail from downtown Minneapolis and stopping at the Mall of America .

August 1st marked my husband's 42nd birthday. We planned a quiet evening out, that became a night we couldn't keep our eyes off of the TV news. This was the night that the 35W Bridge collapsed in Minneapolis. I remember how strange and surreal it all felt. We were glad to be together and remembered how blessed we've been.






The end of August brought me to an annual retreat with the staff at church, and then I ran my first ever 5K race. I placed way towards the end, and much further back than the rest of my friends, but felt good to do it, and to be motivated to do something. It won't be my last. I'm hoping to start running again in the spring, and hopefully I'll be able to keep it going longer this year. Who knows?


Fall brought us indoors more. The Children's Museum held a Curious George exhibit, and our son enjoyed it much.









Christmas time in our household - lots of toys, joys, girls and boys.












Should old acquaintance be forgot,and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,and auld lang syne ?
CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !And surely I’ll buy mine !And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have run about the slopes,and picked the daisies fine ;But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,from morning sun till dine (dinner time) ;But seas between us broad have roared since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
And there’s a hand my trusty friend !And give us a hand o’ thine !And we’ll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang syne.
CHORUS