Everyone is probably saying the same thing but it seems like just yesterday that we said goodbye to 2010 and not too may days ago that we welcomed Y2K. How time flies!
I’m not sorry to see 2011 end. It’s been such a tumultuous year for us. So many good things came out of the year – Chad graduated from college and began living on his own; we found the house and land of our dreams; we moved out of the city limits; my third book was finished. I’m sure there are many more good things but to get to the final outcome – there were some rough days. Every mom of adult children knows how bittersweet it is to see them become productive adults and leave home. That was probably one of the hardest things I had to do as a parent — let go. My nature is to hang on tight to those I love. If you’re a mom of young children or even going through the hell of raising teens, my advice is – embrace the moment and find a way to enjoy every minute with your kids — they’re gone from home way too fast. I know — grandkids will come along and I’ll realize a whole new realm of joy but for now, I’m missing my boy!
Getting to where we are now in Texas was a road that many of you traveled with me. Some of you cried with me, prayed for me, called, sent cards and emails and some of you probably just wanted to say “grow up and get on with life!” I told myself that quite a few times. I will never forget that morning in late January or early February when Vince called and told me about the Brownwood, Texas opportunity. The first thing I did was check realtor.com and I told Vince housing was going to be an issue. Neither of us quite realized what an issue it would be! We were talking last night and during our married life, there have been dozens of times when Vince considered going here or there and only one time did I say NO! Last night he asked me what I would have done if he had decided to go there and I told him . . There’s no way I would have gone. I’ve agreed to go to lots of places, thankfully most of them we never had to move to, but there was that one place I just would not have gone. Now, looking back to that January or February phone call from him about Brownwood, knowing what we’ve been through, had I known what we faced with this move, I probably would have said NO to this one too. I’m glad now that I didn’t but it was a hard move.
You, the blog readers, have been amazing this year. You so generously sent donations for the Red Cross to help Joplin and then shortly thereafter, you sent quilts to help the Texas fire victims, and if that wasn’t enough, you sent QOVs to Alycia when the call came out that more were needed.
Thank you all for the support you’ve given to me, my family and the causes I support. I look forward to whatever 2012 brings!
Linda in NE says
You’ve had a tough year, but you’ve made it!! Sure there’s still work to be done to make your property what you want it to be and to make your new sewing studio that studio of your dreams, but finding a house is behind you. You will visit Chad and he will visit you. When grandchildren come along you’ll find a way to spend time with them. And in the times you can’t be together there is always Skype. A lot of grandparents use it to keep up with grandchildren. But that’s the future. For now just enjoy the here and now. Wishing you a Happy, less bumpy, New Year.
Linda in NE says
Oh, yeah….keep writing your blog posts. You can tell a story like nobody I know.
Susan Calitz says
Judy It has been a privilege to follow your blog and hear about how you cope with what life throws at you. I have enjoyed reading your blog for the past few years . Keep on blogging, I for one count you as “my friend in America”
Much love and may 2012 be all that you want it to be!
Susan
Cindy in NC says
Whatever 2012 brings, it is sure to include smile and laughs provided by Judy. Happy New Year to you, Vince, and Speck.
Karen says
happy new year Judy – it has been a year for you. I’m sure at one point you never thought you would have your house and your dreams, but it all worked out – looking forward to seeing your blog as you settle in to your new studio.
Karen
Pat says
May 2012 be nothing BUT a year of well-deserved blessings for you, Judy!!!
Henrietta says
Thank YOU for the moments of lightness away from the daily grind and for the tips you share both quilty and household. You are a bigger part of more peoples lives than you know.
Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year.
Sharon Spingler says
Ditto to everything everyone has already said. I don’t know if I would be on the computer as much if I couldn’t check in on you as often.
2012 will be a fabulous year for you and Vince.
Toni in TN says
You have given me many laughs over the years [since KY in fact]. There have been good times and rough ones but through it all you have stayed true to your goals and brought all of blogland along for the ride. Happy New Year to all of you. I’m glad to call you a friend and hope to meet you some day.
Denise :) says
I’m with you, Judy. I was all for pushing 2011 out the door ten months ago. Here’s to a happy and productive 2012! 🙂
Kathleen says
Happy New Year to you (and Vince and Speck). Thank you for your wonderfully entertaining, informative, heartfelt, and ‘real’ posts. I’m looking forward to reading more in 2012!
shirley bruner says
Even though you had a rough year for a while….you were one of the best parts of my year.
Thank you for challenges and chuckles.
Here’s to the best in 2012!
Frieda Z says
I hope 2012 will be a fabulous year for you and Vince. I am excited to meet you at retreat. Happy New Year!! 🙂
Alma says
I sure have enjoyed reading your website over the past few years. 2011 was a rough one for you and many others. So I wish you and Vince a calmer, happy, blessed 2012.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Karen Langseth says
Happy New Year Judy!!!
Sue in Scottsdale, AZ says
Happy New Year to you, Vince, and Speck (and Chad and Nicole). I am glad that 2011 ended on such a high note for you. May 2012 continue on many high notes for you. I love reading your blog and learning so many things from quilting, knitting, cooking, and canning. May only good things come your way my friend.
Jane says
Happy New Year! 2012 is going to be fantastic! The roughness of 2011 just gave us even more awareness of our strength to persevere in any type of adversity presented.
I just joined in the UFO challenge for 2012 and added my link to your post, I’m number 123.
Thank you for all you share. The stories, photos, recipes, quilts, ideas and friendship are all appreciated and enjoyed. Keep smiling. Can’t wait to see how you fill up that yellow space. VBG!
Jane
Marla says
Want to wish you and your family a happy and stress free New Year Judy!
Marie says
When I heard tht you were leaving MO, just wanted to say”STAY”. But God has other plans for you and your family. You have brought laughter and tears to all of us that to us you are part of our family. Your knowledge of quilting and sewing is so rewarding and enlightening that none us go a day without reading what you are doing. So…. out with the old and in with the NEW!!! New adventures, new home, new sewing room and everything in between. May 2012 be the best!!
Becky I. says
Happy New Year! I was just telling my husband that I thought 2012 was going to be a different year for us because of some things we are facing in the immediate future. God is still on the throne and He is still holding my hand….Life is good! I trust your 2012 will be an amazing adventure and when it is all over you too will say Life is good!!
Liz says
Happy New Year to everyone!
And a healthy one, too.
Thank you Judy for all the posts you’ve done this year….I’m looking forward to meeting you and others from the blog in February.
Marilyn Smith says
Judy, sending along my New Year’s wishes for you and Vince, Speck and Chad and Nicole. You have had the year from you know where…but it has finally worked out and you have a beautiful new home, an almost ready fantastic studio which is the perfect color. Looking forward to the moving in period and how you get it all organized. At least you have your toy that you can fill up and drive from the house to the studio and unload. (I just love your new toy)!
Welcome 2012 with open arms! It will be great for you!
Darlene S says
Happy New Year to you, Vince, Chad and Nicole and Speck,
You bring laughs when I need them and lots of good information on quilting, cooking, food storage and numerous other topics of interest. I’ve learned so much from your blog through the years. I’m very fortunate to have met you and wish the very best in 2012. You are one kind and funny lady. I an honored to be among your blog friends. 🙂 Dar
Karla says
Judy may this new years bring you much happiness and peace. I too lost my youngest child when she moved out to California. I miss her a lot but glad she is more independent and that she is happy. I know your housing problems are over and hope that you have many years of enjoyment with your new place. I look forward to reading more of your blogs and to meeting you in person. Thank you Karla
Brandy M. says
Happy New Year!
I’ve only been a follower of your blog for maybe a couple of months now – and you’re so fabulous that I was a “dedicated” follower pretty darn quick! I didn’t know you through the rougher times, but I’m sure glad to “know” you now! I imagine there are lots of people out there who have been going through hard times, and reading your blogs, funny, frustrating, or whatever they may be about that day, is a saving grace for them.
I look forward, Judy, to seeing what 2012 brings for both of us! Happy New Year to you, Vince, and Speck!!
🙂
Shari in AZ says
May 2012 be a much more peaceful year for you and your family. I always look forward to reading about your blog every day.
laceflower says
Happiness in the New Year Judy and Vince. As a newly minted retiree, I hope to now be able to participate in some of the happenings around here. I will have to get a stash to report on. *G* I will have to get a site to link to! But I will not start knitting socks!!