Since coming back home from my in-laws’ as the holiday season winds down, I’ve been feeling a little down. The stress of packing fourteen people (seven adults and seven children) into a small space for a week with dreary, cold weather and lots of opinions on parenting and cooking and politics and everything in-between has caught up with me. We had a lovely time with these amazing individuals, but after a few days of rubbing up against each other, things get a little chafed and it was time to head for home. For a person like me who tends to be very introspective, the tendency to self-judge and second guess becomes overwhelming. Unfortunately, we came home to a very sick hamster (Lola’s) who was valiantly fighting off a bacterial infection and lost the battle yesterday. We are all very sad to lose this adorable, feisty member of the family and, as grief comes in waves, at any time of the day one of us can be found in tears over her loss.
It seems like it's always the little unplanned moments in life that are the most significant. Cheers to a hopefuly new year!
Welcome home. I am glad you were able to find your center again.
I hate it when my animals get sick–especially when I am away. So sorry for your loss and I hope your little friend is at good rest.
Can't wait to hear how accurate your 2012 predictions are!
Happy New Year to you! I love the idea of sitting with your children and assessing your year — I think I'm going to do that with mine.
What a lovely way to start a new year. The transition after the holidays is hard for me, too. You had an amazing year. You have an amazing life. I look forward to reading about your new adventures.
Great lists! Wow! I didn't actually write anything down, but I mentally tallied all we'd done this year, and damned if 2011 didn't rock! 2012 is the year to beat all years, though, it's going to really wow us with its awesomeness.
love.
May 2012 be another beautiful year for you and your family.
Love.