Another year is coming to a close, and once again I am reflecting on the overwhelming evidence of God's hand in my life. 2011 has been a year full of change and confusion for those around me, and my heart goes out to all of you who have dealt with unwanted change this year.
We started 2011 with a return trip from Christmas in Alaska. My dad ended up with two broken arms while we were there, which began a new life for him in assisted living facilities. He has progressed fabulously, and is now living mostly assistance free at the Pioneer Home in downtown Anchorage, and seems to be enjoying the routine and camaraderie of living in a community situation. This has left mom with the daunting task of clearing out the house, and figuring out what to do from here. She has probably had to deal with the most change and uncertainty - so many decisions to be made, stay or go, rent or sell, or do nothing. She now has an empty house (she is dog sitting my brother's collie though!) to contend with, and mom is such a social person. My brother has had numerous family issues/changes this year as well, although currently life seems to be a little more consistent at the moment.
We had some fabulous visitors this year! My mom came to visit in April for about two weeks, and we rented a convertible and drove around the state visiting friends of hers that live in Texas! Her friends had a grand time getting to see her again and she did as well! Lots of great memories were made, and it was a nice break from the uncertainty in Alaska! I'm hoping that was the 1st Annual Texas trip and that we can do it every April... still trying to convince her of that though...
Grady's co-worker in Brazil, Sergio, brought his family to Houston for a visit in January and we got to spend a little time with them! Sergio's oldest son Freddie stayed and attended a school here for a few months, and we got to see him a time or two. His youngest son, Gustavo, is planning to stay with us for a few months in 2012 as an exchange student. Details are still being worked out, but we are so excited for that possibility! It was a joy to meet the whole family, and Ivana (Sergio's wife) is an absolute dear! We had some difficulty speaking to each other, but once we started shopping, we discovered our universal language! LOL!
In July, my niece Lisa, came down for an impromptu visit! She flew to Houston all by herself, at 9 years old, for the first time, and did great! It was quite scary for her, but now that she's done it and knows what to expect, I think she will be fine to do it again! We scheduled her flight so we would be on the same plane back to Alaska, since I was headed up there at the end of July anyway! We had a grand time here in Houston, and she made some new friends too! I ended up getting to be with her for a full month between her trip to Houston and mine to Alaska - precious time! She grows so quickly!
Grady's father spent two weeks with us in the spring, and it was a very special time. His health was not good, but we enjoyed visiting with him and doing what we could to help him get stronger. Sadly, he passed away July 26, and we are now grateful for the one on one time we had with him here. He had a beautiful graveside service with Masonic and Military honors in Burnet, Texas, and is buried next to Grady's mom, who passed almost 20 years to the day previous. Grady returned to Alaska with me after the funeral to take some time to regroup. As always, we had a good time in Alaska, and while the pain of losing family will always be there, Grady chooses to focus on the positive times with his dad. We do miss him though.
In December Grady had his 5 year anniversary with Koch Membrane Systems, and he is still enjoying his work. He is great at what he does, and even does some speaking engagements throughout the year! He still gets to travel quite a bit (about 1/2 of the time) and loves to fly!
We have been keeping busy with our business, and are blessed with a great team here in Houston and all over Texas and the whole United States! It is so gratifying to be able to help others achieve the goals they've set! We love the travel we get to do as well - Alaska, Boise, Denver, El Paso, and of course, Dallas and Austin just to name a few!
We try to incorporate some mini vacations into our work travels, and this year we had a grand time in California for a few days before a conference. We went golfing in Palm Springs, drove through the mountains, enjoyed the coast and downtown Los Angeles! It was my first time to the area to explore, and we are looking forward to doing it again sometime soon!
Grady continues to be able to play quite a bit of golf, both for fun and work, and I enjoy getting out there with him sometimes too! Another gal and I started a golf group for ladies who want to hit the ball but don't care about getting better or the rules... we meet twice a month to play a few holes (sometimes 9), then have a snack at the club afterward and visit... it's really a lot of fun and the group is usually anywhere from 6-20 gals. We call it "Outback golf" - no rules, just right! :) Lots of fun!
The holidays were quiet for us this year - by choice. We stayed in Houston (2 years now in our home!), and enjoyed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years right here in our own backyard with some friends. Of course we missed being with family, but it was also wonderfully calm and peaceful without the added stress of travel or houseguests. Grady got a fancy super-safe turkey fryer for Christmas (thank you mom and dad!) and he's been frying turkeys and chickens for all of our friends! Oh YUM! Love a fried turkey, but I'm ready for some BEEF! LOL! We are excited to get a steamer basket and use the fryer for crawfish and low country boils too! So many great options - Grady is loving it!
As we begin 2012, we are refocusing on relationships, and being purposeful in developing them. If you live close, we will be looking forward to seeing you; and if you don't live close, we look forward to talking to you and catching up on life! We pray that 2012 will be a year of growth and prosperity for you, spiritually, emotionally and financially! We look forward to hearing from you! Happy New Year!
