Good Riddance 2011

How is this year not over yet?!?!?! 2011 was the most terrible year. Of. My. Life. I know I only have 30 others to compare it to, but I feel like 30 years is decent perspective. I can't imagine a year of my future rivaling 2011's absolute awfulness.

According to Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." I had my breath taken a couple of times last year. Just when I thought I had gained my composure, I had that breath knocked out again. I believe this quote is meant to be inspirational, but the more I read it, the more convinced I am that sometimes having that breath taken, can make you feel like you may not ever really get the ability to breathe again. Yet, somehow, I have. I don't really care for resolutions. I keep them as well as I keep my promise to give up potatoes every Lent. So for 2012, I'm going to try to keep this in mind:

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”

― Ralph Waldo Emerson

As sad as I am as I look back at this past year, the lives lost, the sadness that ensued, and the presences missed, I know things will be better for one reason...they can't possibly be worse.

So, 2012, I look to you with opportunity, confidence, and positivity. Don't f#%* it up, Mayans.

Zielinski Family Christmas Card - 2011

Truth #1: I mailed these a couple days before Christmas.
Truth #2: I still have a dozen to address and mail.
Truth #3: It may not happen.

Santa Claus came to town!

A whole lot of Christmas activity, jammed into one post! The last couple weeks have been filled with shopping, wrapping, cooking, baking, hosting, cleaning, hosting, cooking and hosting.

The weekend before Christmas, we celebrated with the Toledo contingent. We feel very fortunate that we don't have to travel far to see our family. And following that trip, we hunkered down at home, and everyone came to us...a very good thing!

What a busy couple of weeks we've had. Lots of family time (just enough), lots of yummy food, lots of memories of Christmases past, and lots of memories to take forward. We got to celebrate with old friends, and new. Our dearest family. And of course, our dear Emerson. But good gravy, I think we went overboard. Christmas morning was made for three year olds, right?

It didn't take long for the tree and all the decorations to come down, toys to be put away, and cookies to be taken care of (read: eaten). After all the mayhem, we're oh-so-ready for some normal bedtimes, a quiet house, and our routines.

Bashful and Santa at the Markwoods Santa Party.

Down time with Warren while others took their turn with Santa.

Me and my boy.

All he needs is a good "whistle" for the girls!

Showing off his goods!

Snowpants, check. Sled, check. Snow????

Cousins

This is right around where Em had maxed out on Toledo Christmas.

The stockings were hung...Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning...despite Emerson's best efforts to deter Santa on Christmas Eve with a late bedtime, he came anyway!

Using his new camera, angle provided by Uncle Jayed.

After the sword was opened, the sword was used to open every present.

"Happy birthday, baby Jesus...happy birthday to you..."

All the Linebergers on the 26th! Good times!

Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel

This is my first December post! In addition to being the most wonderful time of theyear...it's also the busiest time of the year!

We have our normal activity leading up to the holidays. Soccer every Saturday morning, evening errands, full weeks with school and work, work/neighborhood/friend holiday parties, etc. In addition, Emerson had strep last weekend, but is finishing up antibiotics and on the mend. We've also been doing lots of shopping, baking, cooking, watching Christmas movies and just enjoying a warm house!

Last night, Emerson's school had their holiday concert. His class sang "Dreidel" and did a great job! Video below...enjoy!