Looking ahead to a wonderful New Year!

It was a wonderfully hectic, very busy but just magical Christmas weekend. We had our Swedish Christmas Eve celebration here with the Rudman side of the family, and then all four generations on my side were here on Christmas Day. When my dad made his toast, he said he doubted we would all be together at my table next Christmas, so we made it as special as we could this year. Now Christmas is all packed away, and I have had some much needed down time and some quiet time to reflect back on 2011. (I started a new album of pics, it’s on the right sidebar)

Each December  when the year draws to a close, I like to briefly look back on the blessings of the past year before I look forward to the hope of the New Year. And 2011 was filled with so many for me and my family. Sure we had some bumps and blips ~ especially with my folks health and my FIL’s health ~ but we managed to get through the year making many happy memories along the way. The year started with our daughter’s engagement to a wonderful young man and it closes with some well deserved career news for Mr. Red Door. And in between there were so many wonderful moments and simple joys. Those are what I choose to remember and here are but a few highlights…

Lili’s smile, hugs and the twinkle in her eyes every time she sees me

Meeting homeowners and seeing their joy  when sharing their home with us when we arrived for a shoot

The heartfelt comments here on my blog and the cheerful morning greetings on FB

A warm thank-you from my folks after making them lunch or bringing them dinner or helping them safely navigate yet another Drs. appointment

The joy in finding the right piece for our home or walking down the hall and smiling at what I see

So many wonderful times spent with dear friends exploring more of the NE countryside

Meeting online friends for the first time or seeing long distance friends once again

Momma duck coming back twice to use our yard as her nesting place

Our many family dinners with our kids and granddaughter all around the table

Seeing my photograph on the cover of A Primitive Place & Country Journal

Celebrating my dad’s 90th birthday will all his family in attendance

“Hi sweetie, how was your day?” greeting me every time my dear hubby walks in from a long day at the office

..as I look back I am reminded once again how much I have been blessed and how much I have to be grateful for.

And when I look forward I know I will some face some very big challenges this year as we decide how best to keep my parents best interests at heart, but I know there will be many opportunities and memorable moments as well as also plan Jen’s wedding and go about our daily lives. Every new day is a new chance to improve our lives and the lives of those around us and I hope I can achieve that in at least some small way in 2012.

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called “Opportunity” and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” Edith L. Pierce

As I close my blog for 2011, I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to stop by and make Behind My Red Door part of your day.

Whatever resolutions or changes you may make, whatever new directions or paths you choose, may God bless your endeavors and guide you and fill 2012 with all that brings you happiness.

Let peace fill our hearts and our homes until it encircles our world. Wishing love, peace, health and happiness for you and those you love through all the days of the New Year!

Until 2012~ prim hugs and blessings, Linda