Treading the Blue Skies Ahead

The beginning of the year always brings me to contemplation. Look back in order to look forward.  2010 has brought many changes to our family.  The mark of a new decade, a new phase in our lives, with some transitions, more welcomed than others.  A promising new job for the hubby, a new (and roomier) home, a new school for the kiddo and a (much anticipated) little pea in the pod.  

We miss our old home, our friends, the ocean, the vineyards, The Bay.  But the 831-mile change has enabled me to  trade-in the paycheck for little hugs and kisses (and yes, the usual tantrum).  This year I was able to make her little trinkets, bake for her, volunteer in school, watch her bloom.  All definitely worth the budget adjustment.

2 years ago, stressed from work and feeling a long standing guilt for leaving our pride & joy to the local kid center (10hrs/day, 5days/wk), I found myself thinking on what was important to me and our family, and that was how Epiphany came to be.  This new year,  with all its changes, my values still hold true.  Our family will be treading the blue skies ahead with 2o1o in the rearview.

Cheers to New Beginnings!

“Another fresh new year is here . . .

Another year to live!

To banish worry, doubt, and fear,

To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me

To live each day with zest . . .

To daily grow and try to be

My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity

Once more to right some wrongs,

To pray for peace, to plant a tree,

And sing more joyful songs!”

~William Arthur Ward

A Christmas of Firsts...

Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year.  But this year’s a little bit more special because of a few firsts…

First Christmas in our new home. 

First time in years that I actually have the time to prepare,

and enjoy the season.

First to make handmade gifts. 

 

First time in years to stay at home (instead of party hopping on Christmas day. Don't get me wrong, I loved it, but it's just a good change)

and prepare Christmas dinner.

First time with my In-Laws.

I hope your Christmas was as meaningful, and peaceful and loving as ours.  And though I'm still recuperating from the sleepless nights of gift wrapping and endless cleaning and cooking, I'm definitely looking forward to the next one.  For a few more firsts are bound to happen, this time, with our new little addition.