I know, I know . . . it's been almost a year since my last post. I have no excuses to offer for my disgraceful behaviour.
It's the end of the year and time to think about goals for the new year. There are so many things I would like to accomplish in 2009. I would like to lose weight -- of course-- exercise more -- of course -- and . . . Before I list all the things that I want to do in 2009, I have to take time to mention all of the wonderful ways I was blessed in 2008.
I have seen many good things happen within my immediate family. We actually got through 2008 without anyone being hospitalized, namely my mom. That's a blessing after the past couple of years. My sister and her husband moved to Harper (near Kerrville) and they seem to be very happy. Wes lost his job in November, but got another job in December so all is well there. We got to spend Thanksgiving at Lori's house with all the kids and we got to spend Christmas at our house with her family too. We spent some time with William's family including his niece and her two daughters visiting from Atlanta. We had a lot of fun.
I scrapped more in 2008 than ever before thanks to a husband who allows me lots of time with my friends. I went on my first scrapbook retreat in September and had a blast. I have great scrapping friends and feel very blessed to have each of them in my life. I have learned something very special from each of them.
Lynda is the mother superior of the clan. I met Lynda while she was teaching an IAAM class at a LSS. This was my very first intro to scrapping and Lynda was extremely patient with me. She even wrote directions for each layout just for me. I was so slow I never got finished with a layout during class and she wanted me to be able to finish at home. I still have about two layouts to complete my book, but I promise to get it done in 2009. Lynda is a very thrifty person who has taught me to improvise and make due with what I have. That's not to say I don't still purchase stuff, but when I'm in a pinch and things don't go as planned, I always try to improvise. Lynda's layouts are a real inspiration to me, and I hope I grow up one day and scrap like Lynda.
Sherry is the wild one of the group and keeps us all laughing. I also met Sherry at the IAAM class and I love Sherry's free spirit. She's not afraid to try anything and she is extremely creative. Sherry knows what she wants and just does it. She doesn't have all kinds of hang-ups like most people, and she loves her dogs. She can put 20 kits together in about 15 minute and finish off 10 layouts in an hour!! Sherry inspires me to try to "let go" in my scrapping, but I haven't mastered that yet. Sherry is rebellous, loves to have fun, and is very accepting of everyone. She doesn't take herself or life too seriously, and she'll probably live to be 100 because of that. I love Sherry's fun-loving spirit and she's always ready to go have ritas!!
Holly is the youngster of the bunch and we're still trying to figure out why she hangs out with us old women! I met Holly at the IAAM class and she quickly became my scrap husband. She is an engineer and so she fills in for William while we're scrapping. If I can't figure out how to put in a tape refill or how to make something work, Holly can always figure it out. Holly loves her kitties and scraps her cats like the rest of us scrap about our kids. Holly is very particular, and I like that because I'm particular about certain things too and she makes me feel like that's okay. Holly is very sweet, kind, and she always looks out for me. She also says I'm "cute" just like William does.
I love my friends and I feel so lucky to have women in my life who are supportive, caring, and are always there for me. It's rare to find friends like this, and when you do you should cherish those relationships. I know I do. :- )
