Since life has been kind of tough and made it impossible to send out Christmas cards or a letter updating everyone on our life this year. This seems to be a good way to do it for free.
This year had its many ups and downs, many financial pitfalls that we seem to be recovering from albeit very slowly. David is still doing very well since his hip replacement surgeries in 2007, the doctors see no problems other than he moves a bit slower and does not motivate on stairs very well. He is having difficulty losing the weight he gained from the medication and the lack of movement he experienced over the course of two years, but if it comes off slowly it should stay off.
James turned 21 in April and became engaged to a wonderful girl, Brittany in July. A wedding date is a couple of years away with college degrees looming over their heads. He is working towards his RN in NICU care and she is working on a BA in Medical Office Management. Here are a couple of photos of James on his birthday when he celebrated with some friends and his cousins.
Elizabeth is engaged to Derek Medina and living with him in Trinidad, CO. She turns 20 in January. She seems happy, but is not really communicating with me due to many problems. Most of my friends who are mothers will understand the problems that come between Mothers and Daughters and let's just leave it at that.
Ben turned 18 in September and should graduate from high school in May. He is doing his final year at home online and seems to be loving it. He is talking about college or going into the military. He is still undecided about going into Nursing, Criminal Investigation or Paramedics. Whatever he decides, I know he will do very well.
I am now babysitting for my great niece, Brooklyn, in an effort to help her mother out. My niece, Chelsea, is a single mother trying to work to support her daughter and herself in this horrible economy. I love the time I get to spend with her and the time I get to spend with my Mother since I watch the baby at Mom's, Chelsea and Brooklyn live with Mom and Dad. It is wonderful to have time with my Mom since I lived in Trinidad for 14 years and missed a lot.
We celebrated 22 years together in May, attended David's family reunion in Missouri in June, attended my 30 year class reunion in July, and my brother-in-law's surprise 50th birthday party in November. We had a large family Thanksgiving and Christmas and are planning a quiet New Year. We wish all of you a Happy New Year!!
