2010 in Review

I really hate I lost most of my pictures from this past year. What few I could recover, wasn't of any importance.

2010 was a year of changes for Kara and me.

1. We moved
2. We made new friends
3. I'm now a Sunday School teacher of a difficult age group, which I love
4. I got a new car
5. Kara is now at the age where she can participate in activities (which is always fun)
6. We went to the Biltmore and Nashville for the first time this year.

I had a dream last night. It was wierd for me. I was attending an exorcism but I never found out who it was for. All I know is I went to church and before the ceremony (or whatever its called) started, I was awaken by my alarm. I really wanted to finish it.

According to dreammoods.com, my dream symbolizes my iniative to regain control and take steps towards my goals. I don't really believe in dream interpretation. It was fun to look it up.

I'm really looking forward to 2011. I cannot wait to see what adventures Kara and I will be getting into this year.

Merry Christmas

Kara and I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

If you are missing loved ones, my heart goes out to you.


Christmas is an emotional time for my family. Three years ago, on the 30th we lost my grandfather due to complications after surgery. He was in the hospital the week of Christmas. The last day, I saw him alive was Christmas Eve 2007. He wasn't coherant but he knew I was in the room. He squeezed my hand and had tears in his eyes when I told him I loved him and wished him a Merry Christmas. He tried to talk, but couldn't due to the tubes and dry throat. The squeeze of his hand and the look on his face, told me all I needed to know.

I found out I was pregnant with Kara on the 23rd. I never got to share the news of my pregnancy with him. I was embarrased to tell him because he thought so highly of me. He was proud of the stand I took against the drug and alcohol abuse in the family. I was one of thew view who didn't take the wrong path in life.

Christmas' aren't the same anymore. We no longer hear the complaints of an old man wanting to hurry and eat so he can watch everyone open thier gifts. Instead we hear the laughs of two todders (Kara and Caleb) and I often wonder if Kara would be a grandpa's girl.

Crafty Christmas

Let me start off by saying, I am not a crafty person. I don't have the patience and I get bored easily.

I saw a picture of a ribbon wreath and I decided I would attempt to make one. I started making a big one. It had red, white and peppermint ribbon. I rushed the project and it looked horrible. I started a second one. This time I took my time and I am happy with how it turned out.

Then I thought I would make homemade cocoa in a jar. It turned out pretty. Im not a not too sure about the taste. I bought dry milk instead of powered milk. I'm going to make a mug tomorrow to taste test it.

Christmas Pictures

Every year, I attempt to get a picture of Kara in front of the Christmas tree. The first two years were easy. She would sit still and smile. This year was comical.

Bad and Good Christmas Gifts

I was listening to the radio a few days ago and the show was talking about getting bad gifts. They had callers call in and give thier stories.

It got me thinking. I have only had two gifts that I didn't understand why someone would give them to me. They both came from my crazy aunt.

The first one was a steamer that could steam curl your hair and you could also use it to steam your face. I think I was early teens when she gave it to me. I remember seeing them on the late night infomercials. I got the appliance home and I couldn't wait to try it out. I open the package and realized it had been used many times. The compartment that held the water, had dried up salt residue and the foam curlers were flat.

The second item I recieved was the first Christmas out of college. My aunt gave me this beautiful hand mirror. It was made out of some kind of stone and had butterflies on it. It looked like a mirror my great grandmother used to have. Well, my younger cousin (who also liked butterflies) was commenting on my mirror. My aunt took it from my hand and gave it to her. My replacement gift was Chicken Soup for the Teenager Soul. Her reasoning for that was I worked with kids so that book would be a great resource. I am assuming she confused my Early Childhood degree with something else.

The best Christmas gift I recieved was from my mom. Growing up in a single parent home, we never had alot things. We lived very simple lives. Except for when it came to Christmas. She saved her money up all year long to make sure my brother and I got one thing we wanted.

That year, we lost an important person in our lives. My stepfather passed away a month earlier after being in the hospital. My mom couldn't afford to get us much because she was out of work while he was in the hospital.

I had a small gift under the tree. When I opened it I found a pair of small gold hoop earrings. I loved them. I am still in love with them. Whenever I wear them, I can feel the love of my mom shining through and it reminds me not to take things for granted.

I plan on giving them to Kara on her 16th birthday and sharing that story with her.

Two Things

I am trying to make two very important decision. One effects Kara. Well, they both do but one does more than the other (if that makes any sense).

I am sick to my stomach trying to decide on what to do. Im torn. Just keep me and Kara in your thoughts and prayers.

Our Thanksgiving 2010

Our Thanksgiving was very uneventful. Which was a very disturbing change. I am used to having some kind of family drama.

Thursday, Kara spent the day with her father and his family. I headed to Gastonia, to spend Thanksgiving with a friend and his family. There were kids there Kara's age and I missed her terribly. I hate spending holidays without her.

I ate so much that first day, I was miserable. Rascal Flatts kept me company on the way there and back. The drive was easier heading back home, too.

Kara and I headed to Asheboro to my grandma's house Thursday night.

Friday, was Thanksgiving with my family. I provided the turkey and brocoli casserole (one holiday staple we cant live without). Everyone else provided the sides. My cousin came with her 3 boys. Kara and Cousin C helped clear out leaves and stumps. She had a good time until the chainsaw was started. She may be a tomboy, but she doesn't like the noises that come along with it.

After the yard chores were finished, we came inside to eat. Everyone pigged out. My cousin left to go celebrate her birthday. I played with the twins. Kara helped feed the babies. I miss having a newborn around. I love my Kara, though. She keeps me entertained.