new challanges

Welcome to 2013 everyone!

As we bring in the new year I hope everyone enjoyed their family time together, made plans for the upcoming weeks and months, and are ready to make this the best of years yet.

For me, I think this has been one of the better holiday breaks I have had in a few years.  My parents, brother, sister and her family were all able to make it to our house for the Christmas celebrations. I absolutely love having them here and we had many smiles, laughs and presents were an abundance. 

Blaine and I have always been pretty quiet celebrators and this year was no exception.  We celebrated the new year at home with a movie and a little wine tasting (in Kayla's words "yuck").  I think she will stick with the Sparkling grape juice for awhile - ha ha!

I have been planning out my new year resolutions for this year for some weeks now and was a little anxious to get started on one of them, it was to take a picture a day to -

1. Document/remember the year better
2. To get better and using my camera
3. To improve my editing and try new actions

I planned to do start this today but jumped the gun and joined a group about a week or so ago and began posting my daily pictures.  Here is a sample:

Today we learned of two young individuals that lost there lives over this New Year.  It is an understatement to say I am speechless and hurting for them.  My thoughts, prayers and love go to them and their families.

This is such a very harsh reminder of how to keep your loved ones close to you, make sure that we tell them how much they are loved and never ever take them for granted.

 "The clock is running.

Make the most of today.

Time waits for no man.

Yesterday is history.

Tomorrow is a mystery.

Today is a gift.

 That's why it is called the present."

 

 

 

Good-bye 2011

On our way to Detroit Lakes for a hockey game today Blaine and I did a quick recap of 2011, it was a tough year for us as I am sure it was for others as well.   


Here is what we came up with for our timeline:


January

1. Received news of Blaines's mom having brain cancer

2. Followed up with 2 brain surgeries only days apart

March
* Kayla was invited to play in a Super Series AAA Girls Hockey Tournament
* Becky was admitted to the hospital for splendid week-long vacation (NOT)
* We celebrated our 15th Anniversary

May

* Justin picked out and purchased a new guitar

 

June

* Vacation with the Lanes' family at MN’s own Disney World “AKA: Valley Fair”

*  Grandma celebrated her 85^th birthday

*  Michele has her 3^rd brain surgery to remove/reduce tumor

July

*  Spent 4^th of July weekend at Lake of the Woods with mom and dad

August

* Took the kids on their first camping trip at Sleeping Fawn resort (highly recommended)

* Michele (Blaines' mom) made the trip to our house for an afternoon visit

September

* Blaine’s mom lost her battle with cancer

* Blaine purchased his first Harley Davidson

* We said good-bye to Grandpa Mike who moved to Georgia

*Blaine turned  40 (before Becky- ha ha)

October

* Went to see a Vikings Game

* Justin played football at the Fargo dome

* Becky turned 40 (who doesn’t look a day over 25)

December
* Justin’s hockey had their home tournament and took second place
* Spent Christmas holiday with friends and family


Tonight we ended the year all together.  All four of us were able to go to Detroit Lakes together and watch the Peewee's end the year with a win!  We then went to the movie "I bought a zoo", it was a fabulous choice for a family movie, quite a tear jerker but a great story line!  After the movie we went out for supper and then stopped for ice cream.   What a way to spend the day together and leave the year behind.


Now, as we sit only minutes after we brought in the New Year, I wonder what is in store for us this year.  My hopes are for "Tranquility".  To answer your question Vicky, my word for the year will be TRANQUILITY and my hopes for you is health, happiness, love and most of all "Light".  I love you to the moon and back my dear friend.


For all my friends and family; thank you for sharing and being a part of our lives, I wish you faith that will guide you to your dreams, hopes that will keep you moving and love beyond measure along with friendships you can treasure.


Cheers to you all on the start of a new begining.


Happy 2012!