Don’t just go through life…grow through life! Some of the lessons we’ve learned (or relearned) this year…
Life can change in an instant. Our health is truly a gift. It’s important to tell our loved ones we love them every day. We cannot put off things for “later” because there may not be a “later.” Our 2010 year will be remembered as the year (Rob’s) Mom had her stroke. At the young age of 66, it was a huge shock. It’s been four months since Mom’s stroke. She spent three weeks in the hospital and has been at a skilled nursing facility since then. Her latest MRI shows there is still swelling and blood in the brain. Her right side is largely paralyzed and communicating effectively is difficult. We are thankful for each day we have with Mom and are optimistic that over time, progress will continue to be made.
Make time to visit aging family & friends while you can. We lost Rob’s grandma in March and are very glad that we visited frequently while we had the opportunity. Christina visited Grammy in Montana and will always treasure that visit.
Middle school can be a positive experience. Phew! Natalia is in 6th grade and began middle school this year. Natalia has a great teacher, who is very interested in teaching technology alongside the traditional school subjects, so that has kept Natalia engaged. New responsibilities are balanced by new privileges.
Don’t take for granted the value of good, consistent teaching. Johanna is in 4th grade this year. Unfortunately her teacher has had health problems this year, and has not been in the classroom much. We are hopeful that following Christmas break, she will be able to return full-time.
Camping close to home is fun…camping in the rain…not so much. We thoroughly enjoyed our second season with our travel trailer. We had a couple rainy trips in the spring, but our summer trips were dry! Birch Bay State Park and Lake Pearrigyn (near Winthrop) were a couple of our favorite destinations this year.
Don’t miss family reunions. In July three generations of the Carlson family made special memories at a reunion/camp in Curlew.
Spending time with special friends does the heart good. Sunshine doesn’t hurt either. We spent Thanksgiving week in Scottsdale, AZ again this year with the Hewitt family. There is something thoroughly pleasing about escaping the November gloom of Western Washington to sunshine and blue skies. Although it wasn’t as warm as last year, we didn’t enjoy it any less!
The best Christmas of all is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up with one another. We are looking forward to family time over the holidays, spending time both on Whidbey island with the Read family and in Oroville with the Harvey family.
May your holidays be filled with the love of family and friends and may 2011 be a wonderful year for you and your family. Love, Rob, Christina, Natalia & Johanna
