Happy Holidays!

Most might say they can't believe it's already Christmas with 2009 right around the corner. I can. I feel this year has been more than full, and so I thought I should write a blog while I'm up as it just may be my last one this year. We'll see. But just in case . . .

I know this year has felt full mostly due to my personal desire to be present in evey moment, at least as much as possible. This was a lesson I learned earlier this year and it is now I gift I try to give myself everyday. Making the choices to take care of me while I take care of family has been very helpful in sustaining and nurturing my happiness and health.

With Kenna in our lives, there is more than enough action and adventure, laughter and enjoyment. So everyday feels like many days . . . all in a good way. I certainly feel blessed as I reflect on this year for me and for us as a family. Kenna has really grown in all aspects this year, and we've enjoyed the experience. She says all kinds of words and has all kinds of attitude. I am looking forward to more (I say this now, right!). I am also looking forward to family visits and spending time together to create even more memories.

So, with just one more week of work left, I plan to kick it into a higher gear and get my cards and letters out. I've started! I'm also inching toward getting back to doing things just for myself (ahhhh, and I need this!). So I'm hoping I can make some cool jewelry pieces and get some sewing done while on break. Wish me luck! I can say that Matt has had a busy year, and with the economic situation where it is, I am hopeful things will turn out well. Regardless we're together.

Trick or Treat!

Kenna had a great time on Halloween this year. She went as a giraffe and she was absolutely the cutest!!! (yes, I am biased and not ashamed of it!) Although she didn't quite get the concept of what you do and what you get (the latter part . . . well, Matt and I are not complaining!), she did seem extremely intrigued about why everyone stood outside and walked about. Walking and exploring is what she enjoys most now, especially to get to wander around. She'd walk miles if I let her.

For me, what I don't think impacted her at all was how everyone had costumes on. I think she thought her giraffe costume was like a coat or warm jumper. She didn't notice she had a tail or ears on her hood. Fortunately, seeing kids dressed like various super heroes and scary monsters had no impact. She wasn't even hesitant to touch a woman who had blood trickling from the corner of her mouth (she was a lady vampire) with a pale face. It just didn't seem odd to her.

She carried her pumpkin bucket and walked around all evening until time for bath and bed. Matt's parents were here visiting, and I think they had a wonderful time seeing her and walking with her. The neighbors convened as is our ritual in the drive next door. I spent most of my time with K, not that I minded, but I did miss the gossip and catching up with the neighbors. This is usually the last time we hang out before we all hibernate for winter.

Unfortunately, we didn't get much in the way of photos. I keep thinking I might put her costume on again and just take some anyway to have more. She was so cute!!!