....and although i am present for every single moment of this past year, i am still amazed at just how fast it has flown by. I have come to the conclusion that days fly by for parents and grownups because there is so much to keep up with and so much to do. Whereas when your a child or a teen, well, there isn't as much on your plate. I remember being in school and time dragging by, minute by minute, second by second. Now, i blink, it's time to get up. Blink again, it's lunch time. Blink, it's time to pick up Emma from school. Blink, blink....it's bed time. Seriously, i am sometimes stunned at just how fast life is flying by.
I didn't do a very good job of keeping up with blogging this past year. In fact, i did a pretty crappy job. I am learning that if i don't blog or write in the mornings, i won't do it at all. I often wonder at this need to blog, to remember, to keep a record of my days and Emma's days. My mother certainly didn't do this and i'm pretty dang sure that her mother didn't, either. Why do i feel the need to record moments and events? Am i scared i will forget? Do i do this for Emma? Whatever the reason, this past year, i have not felt the urge to write at all. I just didn't want to write at all....and that is bothersome.
It has been a very event filled year. Emma and i spent most of the summer in the Dominican Republic. I can't even begin to describe that beautiful country and it's amazing people. The country is filled with raw beauty; land that is untouched or developed. The coast line is stunning and so clean. If given the opportunity tomorrow, i would pack us up and move; but, it's not the right time yet. Emma is still in school so things would need to be different for that kind of a permanent move. The country is very poor, and it's neighboring country, Haiti, is even in more of a need. What struck me, though, is the people i met, were kind and giving. Granted, being on vacation is one thing, and living there would be another, but i think it would be a good place to spend the rest of my time.
We moved Emma into a different school this year. I have always been an advocate of the public school system....up until last year. It just wasn't working for Emma. She did great, all As and 1 B, but something was lacking. It was as if she wasn't getting it? So, we made the decision to move her to a Christian school. If i never make another good decision, well, lets just say moving Emma to her present school is the best decision that Robert and i have ever made for her. She absolutely loves that school, loves her Bible study class and learning scriptures, loves her teacher and is doing really well. Instead of just memorizing, she is actually learning. I only wish that we had done this sooner.
It's Christmas Eve and there isn't much left for me to do but to relax and get some sleep. Emma is beyond excited, of course, and milk and cookies are out for Santa. Jingle, our elf, has been visiting since Thanksgiving, but at the age of nine, i think that this may be the last year of some things for Emma. But, there will be new things that take the place of those things and that is a good thing. I love seeing Christmas thru Emma's eyes; the magic, the joy and the wonderment. This year, she truly gets and understands the real meaning of the season. I had to smile when she drew a picture of the manger scene with Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus on a Christmas card to Grandma DeeDee. No promoting by me to draw it, she just did it on her own. One of my most constant prayers for her is that she learns to lean on Jesus as a friend, someone she can talk to, pray to and give her comfort. It's taken me a long time to see Jesus in that manner, as i think i'm His helper (like He needs my help!) but i've gotten better.
I still miss my Mama.
Merry Christmas, everyone....and God bless.
