Happy New Year and Happy Birthday to Me

Yes, I'm another year older and hopefully another year wiser. Today was a great day. My parents come every year to celebrate New Year's Eve and spend the night. The kids have really grown to enjoy this tradition, and I have to admit I think it's pretty neat too although I think the bunk beds might be getting a little rough on my parents. I get to hear every year how I interupted the Rose Bowl and their pot roast dinner. My mom treated us to her famous homemade caramel rolls since we missed out on them Christmas day, and then Paul and Elizabeth made a breakfast fit for a queen, at least a birthday girl anyway. After breakfast, Paul and the older kids headed out for their traditional birthday shopping trip. Gabriella got to join this year, and let's just say Paul was ready for a "bump" when he got home. While they were gone, Georgie took a nap, so the house was pretty quiet. I put on Johny Cash, and my parents and I visited and packaged up some more rosaries for Brothers of Peace. It was very peaceful and nice to be able to visit with my parents without competing with the kids for their attention. After Paul and the kids returned home, I set us the buffet of party treats and got to open my cards and presents. Apparently, someone was listening when I talked about how I thought God was calling us to work toward greater peace in the new year, and I got two very nice gifts with that theme. A little later, Jesse and Laura and their children came over for dinner, and we had a very nice time visiting with them. Now, Paul and I are about to have a little home date and enjoy some birthday cake. A great day; I am a very blessed woman.

May the Lord bless you with peace and joy in the new year.