Merry Christmas, everyone! Due to limits on time, money, and basic sanity... I'm doing our Christmas card online this year. I hope the holiday season is bringing gratitude, appreciation, relaxation, and of course lots of love into your home! At this time of year, it is so easy to slide into panic mode and be constantly running, that even a few moments of down time is cherished. I have been challenging myself to slow down and allow myself to be fully present in whatever I'm doing, rather than continually running my to do list through my brain. IT IS NOT EASY! But so rewarding when I'm able to do it.
What a year it's been! Perhaps the greatest adventure has simply been watching our girls learn and grow (and doing some of that ourselves). The development of Violet's personality has been quite entertaining. She is a little spitfire who knows how to charm her way out of anything. Depending on the minute, she and Maylee are either best friends or arch enemies. There's a steady flow along my personal continuum of heart-melting-love-sighs and pull-my-hair-out-what-am-I-going-to-do-with-you-two! moments.
Our major events this year were travelling, travelling, and travelling. We saw several dear friends get married, visited family, and kept to our goal of having a kid-free weekend every four months! Chas transferred from Telemetry to the Critical Care Unit in February, which has been a wonderful change for him. He has truly enjoyed the challenges of learning new skills, as well as providing more direct and intense client care. As for me, I participated in a conference that trained me in some valuable techniques to use in my counseling career. I was also promoted to an Administrative position - the Director for our Internship Program. I continue to treat clients, and am enjoying the diversity that training and program coordination offers.
I am so excited for 2012 and hope that the positive energy I'm feeling is evident for others as well. I feel that it is going to be a year of positive and healthy growth, with new opportunities everywhere. Some major events that I look forward to are: obtaining my certification as an EFT Practitioner, my Clinical Licensure, and my registration as a Clinical Supervisor. I am also beginning the process of applying for student loan repayment, which should come through at the end of the year. Chas and I have also adjusted our work/home schedules that will maximize our time and efficiency. There are always bumps in the road and challenges along the way, but I feel motivated and excited for the journey.
Sending lots of love to everyone! Merry Christmas, and may you begin the new year with hope and energy!!
A sweet moment! 
Chas and I on a mountain drive during one of our kid-free weekends.
Maylee is prepared for cold weather! Now, if only we'd get some snow and start getting our money's worth from our ski pass!
Violet hitches a ride with Daddy in the Great Search for the McConnell-Soong Christmas Tree!
We did a lot of walking... stopping for snow angels was a necessity.
Trying to keep the troops entertained while Daddy fjorded the creek to find a tree.
Violet proves she's a natural on Sissy's sled. She's got the "vroom-vroom" down!
Here's the one! Let's go home!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
