Last post of 2015

Happy New Year's Eve!

I wanted to run to the mall to make a couple of more returns, but I can't do anything before I write this end-of-the-year post.

It has been an amazing year all around. My husband and I went on some amazing vacations last Winter.  We justified it because we had sold our cottage and felt very free, especially being empty-nesters. We spent a week in Florida visiting friends in Bradenton and Naples; saw Cuz. DeNaze; drove down to Key West, then spent a couple of days on Marco Island. We went skiing in Colorado and I was able to visit Meghan in California. My favorite memory was probably when L. called me on my lunch hour to ask if I wanted to go to Aruba the very next morning. It was crazy that I was on a plane just a few hours later! Wow! As I re-cap, I feel a little guilty that I'm bragging. Sorry! I appreciate how hard my husband works so much! Oh, I almost forgot to add that we met Meghan in San Francisco, then drove to Napa Valley in the Fall! Oh gosh... I need to stop now!

In February I decided on my birthday that I wouldn't buy any clothes until my next birthday. I failed one time, but for the most part I did well. It was way easier than I expected. I received some beautiful pieces for Christmas, so I will easily make it to February!

In June my firstborn turned 30! I can't believe it! How did that happen? The tears of Joy that I experienced from her when we surprised her and joined her Dad's side of the family (Super classy move on their part!!) for dinner at a restaurant was priceless. I will never forget it!

She is in love and that makes me happy... SO happy! So far I haven't seen any red flags.

Lucky reached out to her and offered her a new job and she accepted. She wanted a new challenge and I admire her! Seven for all Mankind will surely miss her!

John met someone special and has been seeing her for a few months. He introduced us to her... and that's HUGE! She seems very sweet, smart and confident! He is enjoying his job and is getting rewarded for his excellent work ethic.

I loved re-connecting with my children's Granny this year. I tend to get disappointed when my kids aren't included in my husband's family. God helped heal my heart by having me go for a visit to Granny's in Birmingham and see her apartment full of photos of my kids all around. It did my heart well to know that they are loved unconditionally and deeply by their own Grandmother! I always knew she loved them, but it was different. She still loves me and I just need to say that it feels great! Who would have thought? God didn't give me what I wanted a long time ago, but He gave me what I needed this year!

I shot a 40 (almost 39, but I missed a careless one foot putt!) in golf this past Summer and I'm still happy! John helped me with my swing and I played a ton of golf and it was so much fun!

We celebrated my oldest living sister's 60th birthday in Chicago, and my youngest sister's 50th birthday in North Carolina. My sister bought a new cottage (Dune Days//Sunset Nights) in Mears, Michigan so we played and celebrated her double nickels (55th) birthday at the Sand Dunes.  My brother's divorce was final and I'm still sad about it. I can't wait to see how everything comes together for the good, and see how God shows His hand in it from here. Please pray for his children. Thank you!

On a sad note, my boss had to have treatments for throat cancer. We all tried to pitch in and help, but it was very hard to watch him suffer. Thank God he is doing much better now! I still love my job! I seem to squeeze it in between all of the fun we've had!

Our Church (Kensington Community Church) finally opened in our hometown. We had been waiting for years and years for this and we couldn't be happier to have our church in Clarkston! I am on the usher/greeter team and it's the perfect job!

I loved that last year on New Year's Eve we were at dinner with our kids and we all decided on our word for 2015. They were as follows...

Linc's was "Christ-like." I believe with all my heart that this year he was the best husband he has been since our wedding. Our relationship has grown so much deeper and I'm so sure it is because of him; not me. This next year we will celebrate 15 years of marriage. We are so blessed.

Meghan's was... "Grace" and John's was... "Brave." I'm so proud of each of them!

My word was "Focus." I also had a few other words, but I can't even remember what they were right now. I know that this year I was more "fully present" than I have been in the past, especially around Christmas. I want to be even more this next year.

My word for 2016 is "Smart." I want to read more books; listen to NPR; make smarter choices regarding my health, especially eating way less sugar and drinking more water; I want to learn how to use my camera; and be smarter about how I treat those people God puts in my path; I want to be more humble.. and generous... and thoughtful... and kind; I want to start my day the smart way, in God's Word.

My song for 2015 has got to be this one by The Rolling Stones. I know; you were expecting some Christian song, but in light of my healed heart regarding my precious children this year, it had to be "You Can't Always Get What You Want." :)



I hope and pray God reveals Himself to you in 2016 and you are blown away by His Goodness. Be kind to each other!

Here's to a New Year of Gratitude and Good health!
Love,
Angie xoxo