Boy! I have been inside of my own head so much the past couple of days. I love it when I can turn inward and pick things up one by one, examine them closely, and then quietly place them back where they belong. 2006 was a great year for the fam and me, and I for one am kinda sad to see it end, but at the same time I can't help but be excited about welcoming a brand new year.
Christmas was great fun, filled with lots of love, laughs and time with family. We had lots of company and enjoyed spending time with all of them. The kids were thrilled with all their gifts, and somewhat surprised that Santa brought them their heart's desires instead of coal and switches. Everyone seemed pleased with their gifts, and we enjoyed throwing out a few unexpected surprises. Big daddy bought me a navigation system, so now I can confidently attempt some road trips with the kids, he also bought me classes for Art and Soul in May of next year, a plane ticket, and a hotel room (I can't wait!). The kids bought me fun sims (the game) stuff, The O.C. on DVD and the Desperate housewives DVD (which I'm excited about because I haven't seen it since we moved last year). Also, from the family I received two lomo cameras...the holga w/ color flash and the action sampler--I cannot wait to play with them as artsy photography has placed itself high on my interest list lately. My sweet mother in law and brother in law came through with Hobby Lobby and Michael's gift cards (which I had a great time spending--thanks you guys!!) I am a lucky girl. The best part though was all of the artsy gifts my art girls sent me. Thanks so much sweeties--I loved being spoiled. This year was the first year I had had time to fix up little packages for all my friends, and I was so happy about that. I hope everyone liked their goodies!
Our Christmas dinner was nothing short of awesome. There was NO stress, the company was great and the food was delish. I cooked a yummy brisket, a big juicy portabello and cracked black pepper seasoned pork loin, giant baked potatoes, baked beans, cheesy bread and pecan pie for dessert! I didn't have any idea what I was going to cook, until I found myself wandering around in Sam's... miraculously it all came together and everyone really enjoyed it.
Our visit with my friend Tina from Ft. Worth was fun. We took her to eat Alligator and Crawdaddies, showed her the swamps and bayous and drug her through the flea markets. I wish she could have stayed longer because we didn't get to do all the things I wanted to share with her. Grammy came and spent the night on Christmas eve--that was hilarious, because she woke us all up at 4:30 Christmas morning :D needless to say we all fell into bed early Christmas night. Our oldest son got to come home for Christmas (he just left to go back to Oklahoma this morning), and big daddy got to be home (which was a miracle in and of itself)!
The kids got to spend time with their cousins from Chicago. It's amazing how close those kids are, they always play well together and have such a great time. Even the old guys got out in the backyard and played football with the boys while the girls got all tarted up with their new makeup kits. Ahhh to be young again (sigh).
I'm feeling very inspired lately...My Marie asked a great question on the phone last night and her words have been buzzing around in my head all day long. She asked "What's on the art agenda for 2007?" I told her I'd like to do more photography based projects and make what I call a "nina" book. I've never made a book like that, but have always wanted too. Anyhoo when we hung up I had to make a mad dash for my notebook, so I could jot down all the good ideas we had while nattering away. I wish everyone had a friend like Marie--she's the jam on my art toast, the prize in my cracker jack box, the precious gem in my jar of junk jewelry. She keeps me moving forward and I'm very grateful to her for that and her friendship...thanks sweetie!
My resolutions for 2007 (in addition to the losing weight, working out, and quitting a few bad habits ones that we all have).
- Continue to grow spiritually. I need to focus less on what I want to do, and listen harder to what it is HE is telling me I need to do. I feel like I've made a lot of progress this year, but my heart tells me there is much more to do.
- Work harder on my marriage. I've been so focused on raising bright, healthy, well-adjusted kids that I've put big daddy in second place, and he deserves to be in first for awhile.
- Make time for making art. I need to remember to make this a priority for myself--no play makes miz Carla a very unhappy and grouchy person. I haven't been in the art room in almost two weeks and I can tell.
- Spend more time w/ my collage cat group. I miss all the fun!
- Nurture my friendships. I want to be like Carol when I grow up! She's so thoughtful.
- Stay on top of the housework--I've come to the realization that I cannot take a day off. Certain things *have* to be done daily or else the mess gets out of control quickly. I need to remember that 30 minutes daily beats a whole day once a week.
Those are all I can think of off the top of mah haid. I may come back and add things later, but for now that's it.
I'm wishing all of you the best that 2007 has to offer!! May you enjoy good health, blissful happiness, prosperity, and great flea market finds!
much love,
Carla
