Can it have been that long ago?

Checking "drafts" after months of just trying to "keep up" with life's activities, I noticed this reflection of 2010.  I cannot believe I am about to close another calendar, yet realize the recorded chapter continued to flow onto new monthly pages, filling each day with a variety of changes and challenges.
So, dear readers, as I sit at my desk on November 18, 2011, reflecting the past 16 precious months, I chose to dig this post from its hiding place as a launching pad for the new chapter in our lives.

December 31, 2010...Taking down the calendar always makes me stop and reflect on the year and the places each month took my heart. 2010 was memorable, and worth a moment to recall the highlights.

road to the house from pool

It started with a rough winter with more snow than I remembered ever falling in my yard, and I longed for Spring. Then, the birds and blossoms grabbed my attention as I cleaned up the yard and prepared for a beautiful landscape job! Well...that never happened. A trip to see family and welcome the newest little one filled our minds with plans for length, flights, gifts to take, and so on.

the new addition 

Finally, that day arrived and the plane lifted off the ground with our excited hearts wondering if we would arrive before our third grand daughter made her appearance. How thrilled we were to see her preciously held in my daughter's arms at the front door of their home when we arrived 37 hours later! We spent 2 wonderful weeks vacationing with the family, and then, Don left me there to return to work in America.

card made when leaving island

I loved all my time in Indonesia and have wonderful memories of many activities and play with grand daughters occupying my days while Don and I were separated by the oceans. Finally, after putting everything in storage and closing the tropical home, the whole family returned to the states with me, and we enjoyed 2 more months together in our cozy home!

mountains surrounding Knoxville, TN

In October, we had an unforgettable  rare weekend trip to Knoxville visiting my younger daughter. Sight-seeing, shopping, and a drive left us remembering breath-taking scenes made by the surrounding mountains with southern hospitality filling our tummies.

My dad shares Thanksgiving with us

My elderly dad returned from the east coast where he was visiting while I was away.
The eight of us looked forward to Thanksgiving when our younger daughter and her husband would join us. How fun it was to be together for the first time in 3 years! The weekend passed all to quickly and everyone packed suitcases and departed for the holidays with other family members. Don and I enjoyed a quiet Christmas with my Dad,
and now...at the end of this week, we'll begin 2011.

Thank you card of kindness

A fresh new calendar decorates the wall, and for a few moments, no scribbles for appointments on it yet. We're counting our blessings for the path God led us on in 2010, and for all the opportunities we had with friends and family. Thank you for all who visited, called, wrote, or even hung out with us for a day or two! Thank you for stopping by my blog and commenting on some of my creativity and for being online friends.
A new calendar, a new adventure, and fresh new opportunity to serve the Lord with gladness and know His love. Have a wonderful start for the brand new year, and may you see God's hand of blessing on you and your family's lives. Love, Debi