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Sunday, December 13, 2009

Addition and Subtraction

The past year has been a series of pluses and minuses for me....lot's of addition and subtraction. I had to subtract a few things from my life.....but have a lot of happy additions. Here's one....the "birthday girl." Pumpkin is one year old today!
Of course the biggest addition is having my mom here full time. Every day brings a new little something with it........be it a concern, a surprise or some sort of challenge. Some folks may consider that a "minus," but I think it's been a plus for all of us. I'm thankful for the help of my family, and for the strength God has given me to meet this most humbling responsibility.

If someone had asked me five years ago what I thought my life would be like today, my description would be vastly different. Knowing my children would be in college and pursuing their own dreams, I figured I would pursue some of my own. I had geared up to go back to college myself......looked forward to spending more time with the hubby, etc.

Now my days see me working more at my "professional" job, and working so much harder at my "home" job. Every once in a while, though, we take some time for fun. Yesterday Emily and I dressed Mom all up and took her to the mall. She bought a new fur (faux) coat, hat, gloves, and purse. She had a good time, and afterward we met the guys for dinner.
Emily and Gram stop to window shop.

Mom is having a good time.

Out to dinner and getting tired.

Not too much needlework getting done. I continue work on Timothy's vest and just finished knitting this hat for a friend at work.....I drew her name for Christmas. My friend loves purple.

I found this handy dandy little pom pon maker a couple of years ago, and I really love it.

I love making "bobbles."

Our house is ready for Christmas...but I am not. I have only picked up a couple of things for the stockings. No baking has been done, and I have only partially planned our menu. I won't be taking any time off between now and the new year, so I'll somehow squeeze everything in. I suppose a lot of little things will be let go.....a far cry from all the years I was a full-time homemaker. I dream of being home again full time......until then, I'll remember all my blessings, including my job in this difficult economy.

I'll ring off for now......with thanks to all my friends who have left comments while I was away to remind me of your lovely thoughts. I am so blessed to have you all.

I'm going to endeavor to post again before Santa comes......until then, keep warm and let me know of all your doings.

"You will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast..." Isaiah 26:3

9 comments:

Niki said...

Such a cute little pumpkin :)
You have been busy, and your mum looks so happy in those pics.
Keeping you in prayer, esp. as you head into a few extra busy weeks.
Niki

Thimbleanna said...

A very lovely post Amy! Your mom looks so sweet all dolled up -- it looks like you had a good time. I LOVE the purple hat -- it's just beautiful. Thanks for showing the close up of the bobbles -- I wouldn't have noticed them otherwise and they're soooo cool. I hope you'll be able to find the time to get everything done this year!

Tracy Batchelder said...

This time of year can be overwhelming. I know it is for me. It's good that you are able to count your new responsibilities as blessings. Love the hat you made for your friend!

GlorV1 said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Pumpkin. She is adorable. I'm so happy she is in such a good home. Amy, some day you will look back and what you are doing now with a lot of wonderful memories. Enjoy every moment with your dear mom and it's wonderful that you have your daughter helping you. Those back to school thoughts you have will evenetually be carried out no matter what age. You are never to old to learn. Some day Amy, some day. For now keep doing what you are doing, God will reward you immensely. Take care my amiga and if I don't get back to you, wish your mom a Merry Christmas and you and all your family have a wonderful Xmas. Take care. (you are a good girl.)

Susan said...

That is such a sweet picture of your mom and daughter. Your mom looks so happy. I know how hard this is for you and it is great you have family support. Life's journey takes us on unbelievable adventures where we would never plan to go but happy for the experience.
Merry Christmas, my friend, and Happy New Year.

Kerrie said...

Happy Birthday little Pumpkin! I loved the purple hat. My Mom lived with me years back and it is both a blessing and a trial. Not everyone can do it so I admire you immensely! God bless and hugs, Kerrie

Kathi said...

Amy, What sweet pictures of you and your mother. She looks like a dear sweet lady. I am in a similar situation. My mother-in-law moved in with us three weeks ago. We are enjoying her very much. I am the main one helping her to eat properly and giving her her meds. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in October. I don't know what I am doing, but I'm taking one day at a time. God is blessing our home with Vivian. I have not really stopped to think about the "what ifs" yet. I just ordered a dvd from Focus on the Family about Alzheimer's. I thank God that I have peace and our whole family feels the same. I pray you have peace and joy as you care for your mother too (it sounds like you do). Hugs, Kathi

tea time and roses said...

Hello Dear Amy,

Your Mother looks so sweet and Pumpkin is quite the cute one.:o) The hat is so pretty, love the colorway you chose. I know it will be greatly enjoyed. Enjoy a beautiful weekend my friend.

Smiles...

Beverly

Gayle said...

Are lives are having some similarities! My mother has just moved into a cottage in our backyard and we are getting use to having her a part of our life again. It's an interesting season in life isn't it?