December

Highlights of 2011 for the kids 
(Sean starts pre-k – the boys on the family cruise – Michael gets his orange belt in Karate)

 

The last couple of weeks have been kind of a blur. I have been doing more thinking than anything else! The end of November/beginning of December tends to be like that for me though. I spend a lot of time reflecting on the previous 11 months of the year.

I give myself a personal end of the year “review”. Which areas of my life were better, worse or stayed about the same when comparing 2011 with 2010? I use the answers to make plans (and prayers because we all know the whole ‘We make plans and God laughs” saying!) for the upcoming year. Overall, this year has been kind to me and my immediate family, but I definitely have even greater hopes for 2012!

I’m especially happy to be ending the year here at Foodie City Mom. This week, I’ll be sharing a variety of ideas for holiday gifts for both kids and adult. (I made an “editorial decision” to exclude most of Sean’s picks for kids. I really don’t think that urban parents want to buy their kids trampolines and bouncy houses!) Next week, the focus will be on holiday cookies just in case you need some ideas for those cookie swap parties that are prevalent during this time of the year. I’ll be sharing some homemade food gift ideas the week of the 19th. Then, I’ll be on vacation for the last week of the year while all three of “my guys” are out of school. (I still can’t believe that Sean is in school this year too!)