Tuesday, January 10, 2012

The one where we wrap up the year...

Hello? *peers anxiously out at the audience* Anyone out there? *taps microphone* Is this thing on? Oh! Wait, there you are! Shout out to my stalker, Michigan. Didn't think I knew your name, did you? Yeah, I have mad stalker skills of my own. Or, well, ok, Sean told me. Anywho, for anyone still out there reading my rambling, few and far between posts, Happy New Year (a few days late).

I know I don't post as often as I should, but I've got my reasons.  Mostly, I'm super busy and distracted. And it's not that funny shit doesn't still happen all the time at my house, I just forget it before I can blog it. Sad, but true. And then there's the fact that so many people that know me (in real life) read my blog that it's kind of awkward to put some stuff on here. And mostly, they're pretty awesome peeps but some just look for gossip. (You know who you are and you should probably get a more interesting life of your own so you don't have to try to ruin mine). Whew, I've been wanting to get that off my chest.

So, a whole 'nother year flew by. Seriously, it feels like it was whoosh and there went 2011. Why does time seem to go so much faster as you get older. Does it really speed up or is our perception skewed? The answer probably has something to do with quantum physics and the space time continuum. I'd ask Sean, but you know my eyes would glaze over and all I'd hear was "blah blah blah". I'm going to go with it actually does go faster, because to admit that it was my perception would be like admitting these lovely "silver" highlights in my hair were actually greys and that I'm aging. Which I think is totally unfair because most days I don't feel a day over 21. Well, mentally. Physically, some days I feel 100. Wait? Where was I?

Oh yeah, a new year. 2011 was eventful. I mean, like ginormously eventful. My oldest, CJ, graduated from his school and turned 21. Lu had a baby and got married!! And my baby, Sean, turned 18, travelled across the continent twice and joined the Marines. I don't have children anymore, I have adults. How weird is that? Mike was hospitalized, twice. I had gallbladder surgery (good riddance!), a skin cancer scare and started a whole new career. And Mike & I finally took a trip, all by ourselves. See what I mean? Last year was HUGE. And this year the world ends. I mean, if you believe all that "end of the world" stuff. Personally, I lean either way, depending on my level of optimism or pessimism. Although, if a cataclysmic apocalyptic event should happen, you know we're prepared out here. Sean even learned this year that I happen to be a pretty decent shot and won't be totally useless in the zombie apocalypse.

But I digress, the year in review: Wow. That's all I can say. I'm so grateful for last year. Don't get me wrong, there were some bad things. Mike's paternal grandmother lost her battle with cancer in November. She was an awesome lady and will be missed by our family. Mike's hospital ordeals were nerve wracking and not fun. My mother received a very grim medical diagnosis, although the second opinion is, so far, inconclusive. That will be a whole other post. But in the end, we came out stronger. My Mother's illness prompted my sister and I to take a weekend, just us and Mom & Dad. It was a weekend for healing old hurts and forgiveness. Watching my daughter give birth was one of the hardest, but most joyous, things I've ever witnessed. She was a champ. Her being a mother and wife has brought us even closer in fabulous ways. Mike's illnesses and our trip reminded us, again, to cherish each other while we can. (Sappy, right?)

And, as always, I am constantly reminded that we have met and continue to meet the most amazing people, both in person and online. Shout out to Peg at Square Peg in a Round Hole for the awesome white trash chex mix she sent me. It was delicious! Thanks to everyone who has sent notes, cards, emails, ect, whenever we've needed a "pick me up". And thanks, most, for continuing to share my life through this blog. I ♥ you, one and all.

And here's some highlights:
Our trip to Gulf Shores, Al in March with a pregnant Lu


CJ's prom in May


CJ's Graduation in late May


Counting down the weeks til Dylan's birth


The big day arrived, 07-18-11 Dylan James Flanagan, 7 lbs 10 oz


She's a beautiful Mama


Mike's Grandma Vera got to see the baby


The wedding: small but wonderful, in the place they met


Cutest family ever, Halloween


Mike in a New Orlean's coffee shop before the cemetery tour. How could you not love this guy?


May you all have a very blessed 2012!

♥Spot

9 comments:

  1. Okay -- I heard this explanation a long time ago...and I figure it is right.

    The years do get shorter as we age, because they are a smaller portion of the life we have lived. A year to a ten year old is a long time, because it is one-tenth of his life. A year is shorter to a fifty year old, because it is only one-fiftieth of their life. Makes sense to me.

    I figure you and your are going to survive the non-apocalypse of 2012 -- so I will be seeing you for a long time to come.

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  2. Thanks, Jerry! That explanation makes complete sense to me as well. That means they'll only fly by even faster from here on out.

    ♥Spot

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  3. Ha ha love the explanation! What a year you have had. It just doesn't seem possible. She is a beautiful mama just like you. :-) You have done such a great job with all your kids (and Mike!). I pray this year is more wonderful and better, because there will be no surgeries or hospital stays!! And if that happens, it really might be the end, right? Lol.

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  4. Wonderful year in review. You did have an AWFUL lot going on and a WONDERFUL lot at the same time. You are very blessed. Your family is growing and just getting better. And I agree with Angelia. I love Jerry's explanation. Makes perfect sense to me!

    And you are SO welcome for the white trash! It's like crack though. I HAVE to give it away or I'd eat it all!

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  5. You had quite an eventful year! And I think by far the new grandbaby comes in tops! He is a cutie!

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  7. I'm so glad you're back!

    You did have a crazy year.

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  9. Still stalking and I appreciate the shout out.

    -Michigan

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