Wrapping it Up

It is making me feel anxious and guilty that I haven't posted since the beginning of December!  Not that my readers particularly mind, but I am kind of weird about certain things.  With today being the last of the year, I feel like I'd be ending 2011 without all of my ducks in a row.  And, as people who speak to me daily know, I am trying to line things up and get organized before - all of the sudden - I'm a mom, it's 2023, I'm a grandmother, Miles is retiring, etc. etc.!  I sometimes worry about the future, is what I'm saying, y'all.

Tomorrow marks a new year, and I definitely have some goals for this year (please see aforementioned worries concerning future), but let me back up and tell you about our super-busy, fun, and festive December, for now.  I will try to keep it brief, but not really, because we did a TON OF STUFF. 

December 3rd was my niece, Scarlett Jane's, 5th birthday!  I can't believe she's five. 

December 8th was Bennie Rue's 60th birthday.  We celebrated with a special surprise party!

December 10th we went to a wedding in Dallas.  It was for Katie, Miles' childhood friend and my college buddy.

December 12th was Joanie's birthday.  I didn't get to spend it with her, since for some reason it's not a national holiday and work called.  But, my mom was there.  Read about it and see her cute pictures, here! 

December 12-16th was my last week of work before a two-week break.  I was pretty tired from the three weeks back since Thanksgiving break.  So, that worked out well!  I worked hard and didn't bring home any school-work for the break, but I brought home about forty pounds of food/gifts from my sweet students.

December 16th we went out for a fancy dinner at Mercury Chop House with a friend from college and his wife, Dev and Anna.  It was great to see them, since we don't get together nearly enough!  I need to get Anna to send the one picture we took...

December 17th marked my getting the new family car we've been needing, and we attended the Grand Prairie Lights. It was crowded but cool.

December 18th was a great day spent with two of my best friends, Britney and Emily.  Britney and I met Em in Grapevine to walk and shop on the adorably festive Main Street!  I needed this girls' day badly, and we had a wonderful time shopping and catching up.  We were supposed to take a picture in front of the big tree, but we got caught up with our good time.

December 19th I had a doctor's appointment with the sonographer.  He checked all of baby girl's organs, measurements, etc. to see that all was well.  All was well! Yea!

December 21st was Miles' work holiday party!  I got to put faces to names I hear a lot, so it was a great time.  Here's the only picture - with my awesome pink toilet in the background.  I was trying to see if I looked pregnant or just fat. 

December 23rd was spent registering for baby gear with my dear sister.  I owe her for life for making an overwhelming experience easy breezy!    Miles & I also went to see Jacob and their girls at my parents and visited his grandmother at his parents.

December 24th was Christmas Eve.  We celebrate with my side of the family on Christmas Eve.  We had a wonderful time!  Seeing the kids enjoying Christmas and each other is the best.  That evening we went to the Jenkins to be with the rest of the family.  There were more cute kids there!  Also, it was my cousin Joe's birthday.  Celebrations, galore!

December 25th was, of course, Christmas Day.  We spent the day with Miles' side of the family, and it was extra special this year with his grandmother joining the festivities.

December 28th was my smiley niece, Lucy's, 1st birthday! I have no idea how she is already one year old, or how she is only one year old, since it feels like she's been a part of my life forever.  I stole this picture from my sister's blog because it was so adorable.  Here is the link to more from her day. 

This past week, there has also been a bit more family time, some time with friends, some time working on baby stuff, a lot of time spent on house duties, and, in general, just utilizing the time I have to get these things in.  

In many ways, my December reflects this past year of my life.  It was crazy busy and full of people I love.  I wouldn't have it any other way!

I hope 2012 is as blessed and fantastic as 2011.