Recap

2011 is ending tonight. Last year we had a house party and invited the Schweningers and the boys' friends. Tonight we will be bowling with some of the boys' friends and ringing in the 2012 sober. That's no problem, 2011 was a big party and tonight will be no different. 


Last year started with a shock, when I got a call from my cousin saying my Uncle Ray had passed away early on New Year's Day. Uncle Ray was every one's favorite uncle. I remember how it felt talking to my sisters and brother about him. We each had our own special memories and shared them with each other. Since I am the only one that is local, my family represented the Isen kids at his funeral. It was a beautiful celebration of his life. Unfortunately, it was the first of many I would attend in 2011, including Jonathon Haertel, Denise Lear, William Bornhuetter, and LeRoy Pautsch. Each of these deaths affected me....some inspired me, some depressed me and others affirmed that I had made some good choices this year. 


This year was also the year of Packermania, Buckymania and Brewermania. If you don't live in Wisconsin, you have no idea how intense we are about our sports. We enjoyed a Superbowl win for the Packers, a Rose Bowl berth for the Badgers (I hate TCU), and a Central Division title for the Brewers (Albert Pujols and Tony LeRusa are the devil!) Locally we enjoyed the Bradford football team going undefeated to win the Div. 1 State Championship, and The Rizz, J-Krew, Dani and Kenj each qualified for the State Cross Country meet. What better reason to party than celebrating some sort of sports accomplishment? We did! 


I got special time with friends and family this year too. Both my sisters came to Wisconsin and I went to Summerfest, Chicago and spent the Fourth of July with the Rogers. I also went to Summerfest with Chris. Chris and I spent a fantabulous night and day in Waterford together. Sue Won and I spent a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious day/night together in Appleton. Phyllis and I went to Madison to watch the Bradford Softball team compete at State. Good times were had with Tara, Cori, Sue, Anita, Norma, Tori, Barb, Deb, Cindy and many, many more. I just got home from 3 days with my parents. What a GREAT visit filled with music, food, drink, puzzles and relaxation. I am very blessed to have such terrific family and friends. 


Then there are the three men that are closest to me. Mike and I celebrated 20 years married in 2011. Our relationship is aggravating, strong, fun, and passionate. My boys are seniors in high school this year. They turn 18 next week and they still will cuddle in bed with me. Some of my favorite memories this year come from giving Mikey a ride to school and lunches with Frank. My twins are developing into spectacular young men. HOLY CRAP! 


Speaking of holy; I grew spiritually too. I changed some priorities around and my life is much more fulfilling and peaceful. I started writing this blog and I have discovered a few things about myself that cause me to look forward to 2012 with excitement. I am still dealing with some negative feelings, but I am equipped with some new tools that help me cope in a much healthier way than before. 


May the new year be filled with love, happiness and peace. 


Cheers to 2011 and here's to 2012!