Things to Remember

The Christmas season is officially over, 2010 is here. Where did the year go? It was a blur, filled with fun, happiness, awareness of getting older, and good times.

2009 in review:

January: Ran the Disney World Marathon along with raising over $10k for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Amazing experience. Loved every minute of it, even the 26.2 mile run.

February: Don goes on unpaid leave while in between job assignments. Uncertain times.

March: St. Patrick's Day, made my first King's Cake for Mardi Gras.

April: Our first family road trip - traveled 3,863 miles in 10 days. All the details are on this blog in April. I read it often. JLL is awarded the local contract that means Don is gainfully employed, woo hoo!

May: Mother's Day, Matteo plays baseball, 9th wedding anniversary

June: Summer fun, hot, hot weather here, just lovely.

July: 4th Annual Taste of Chicago Party, Manzanita, OR. Fabulous.

August: 2nd Schulz Fest Family Reunion, Don throws me a surprise 40th Party in Chicago. Best gift ever - good friends, family, food, laughter.

September: Back to school, wonderful local day tripping adventures.

October: More day tripping fun, unexpected news that Don's client may restructure the assignment, along with his role. More uncertainty.

November: Visit from Russ & Elisa, time for Thanks,both of these events calms my heart and head.

December: Christmas fun abounds, lots of good gatherings with friends, celebrating Don's Birthday, I get lost in thoughts of my siblings and family memories.

One of my favorite December moments to cherish: While driving around a few weeks before Christmas, I discuss with the kids what to give Daddy for Christmas. I tell the kids to think about things Daddy loves.

From the backseat I hear: "Chocolate chip cookies, Notre Dame football, baseball, watching sports on TV".

I then say, "Think about what Daddy really loves to do, think for a minute of things he really likes and see if we can come up with something".

Dominick then says, "US! Daddy really loves us, let's give Daddy us for Christmas!". I laughed, they all loved the idea. So, we wrapped big boxes they could 'hide' under on Christmas morning and jump up and say 'Merry Christmas' to Daddy. It's the only thing I videotaped on Christmas morning.

That innocent idea - to give themselves to Daddy for Christmas, resonates with me. They wanted to give themselves first on Christmas morning - despite seeing all the loot from Santa and gifts to open. They hid in those boxes until Don came into the living room. They were more excited about that, then opening their own gifts.

What a concept: to give from your heart, your whole self first, freely and for the fun of it. What a simple yet powerful gift I received in watching that unfold.

2010 - it's here. I don't know what the year will hold, but hope to give from my heart, my whole being in all that I do. It's a lofty idea, but I like it.