:. 2011: a short history .:

So very hard to believe we are wrapping up another 365-day span. Don't want to sound too ancient here, but my, oh my, how the days/weeks/months fly by!
I know I've been a most pathetic blogger this year; my thoughts have been scattered and my heart has been elsewhere.
Oh, and I've been a bit busy as well.
But I would like to at least mention for posterity some of the highlights of the past year.

* biggest and BEST news: Sloanie B. decided to join our family. Josh, Em and boys are blessed and delighted to finally have occasion to pull out the ruffles and tutus. Thanks, guys, for adding such a sweet princess to the Hulling mix.

* and along those lines, the news that Chris and Katie will be adding a BOY in March to their already tutufied household. There's nothing better than waiting for a baby to be born!

* to add to the beauty of a new Saldanha baby was the announcement that C, K and fam would be moving to Des Moines in 2012! Woo-hoo on that one! They are coming to be part of a church plant, so I'm expecting God to use them and bless them. (and naturally, we, their family, will be blessed to have them here.)

* Benny has adjusted pretty well to life on disability. I've never seen his workshop look cleaner! He's on the verge of turning out some amazing projects.

* I decided to give up cooking. THAT'S a relief!

* my business has boomed. What started out as an infinitesimally small venture is now what I'd consider a micro business. I have about as much work as I can handle and still enjoy it.

* my garden spent yet another season in overgrown disarray. I'm wondering if I'll ever have the energy to tend it as if it were my Eden?

* all my grands continue to delight and amaze. I seriously have the most beautiful, sweetest, funniest grandchildren in the world. [Just glance to your right if you don't believe me!]

* my God continues to uphold me with His tender right hand. He remains faithful even when I am not. He blesses, He provides, He strengthens. All because I am His. Abba, Father. How lovely to say those words.

I truly hope you have seen God at work in your life this past year. If you somehow missed it, I'd suggest you take a closer look. I'm pretty sure you've not really been left alone.

May 2012 bring you joy and peace!