Another year flies by...

New Years Eve, just hours away from 2013. How did we get here so quick. It just seems such a short time ago we were ringing in the millennium. Alan and I were still living in Ireland, we spent the evening at his parents place on the seafront in Blackrock. It was a perfect spot to see in a such a milestone in the passing of the years. So much has happened since, so much has happened in 2012.
Where were we this time a year ago?
Our two older daughters and Grandson were in Austin and they still are. Abate and Fantu are still here and are another year older and even more grown up. Elmer stayed over frequently but was still mostly just Abate's best friend. Elmer has now pretty much moved in. He does stay at his Mother's if he has to get up early for work as he doesn't want to wake us a 6 am on the weekends. Elmer though has become a part of our family. He is expected here for meals, we look out for him, we include him in family celebrations and are as proud of his accomplishments as if he were our own son. We have recently added his own storage in Abate's bedroom for his clothes. He is often referred to now as our son. He considers us his family. Elmer and Abate's friendship is one of those rare friendships that withstand all disagreements, frustrations and girlfriends. They cannot imagine ever being apart. They share a love of sports, x-box and eating everything in the house. I love the fact that Abate a Ethiopian, came to the USA and became best friends with the son of Mexican immigrants. That they formed such a unique friendship and bond.

Fantu had her challenges this year. She began the year with a major knee injury that led to knee surgery  at the end of January, she was on crutches for nearly two months. It also led to a diagnoses that showed the same condition in her other knee that ended up requiring surgery in September. Both surgeries were successful and she is now playing soccer with the Hornet girls JV squad. Fantu also started High School and is loving it. She does struggle in a few of her classes, but is passing them all so far. I have been so proud of all she has accomplished in her short time here. She struggled to speak english three years ago yet she has been able to be successful in school. She grows more beautiful each day and I'm sure has all the guys at school totally distracted from their schoolwork.

Abate has seen success and failure this year in competition from his many sports. He continues to improve and often amaze with his talent. He also has had struggles and disappointments that have taught him at times some hard lessons. He is a strong person and learns from them and becomes even more determined to improve. Abate is popular with both his fellow classmates and his teachers. When he puts his mind to it he can make  all A's and a few B's. He as let a few classes slip this year where he saw a few C's on his report card, this was during the Autumn when football and cross country took up so much of his time. IF you were to ask Abate what his biggest milestone was this year it would be that he turned 16, got his driving license and a car (Alan's old Toyota). He loves the freedom he has now and I swear he should just set himself up as Abate's taxi service as he is the on;y one in his group with a car. He will often get calls asking him to pick a friend up and drop them somewhere. I just love it as my driving around town here has been slashed to just the odd trip to the store. I must say though that I am almost always on edge though when he is out in his car. I don't expect I will ever not worry about him.

As for me it has been a year of ups and downs. Most of the year was much the same as always. I have tried to just take each day as it comes. There always seems to be so much going on that I just try to focus on the present and try to prepare for the next day. I know that some day that life will be quiet again. For now I will just do my best to take each day as it comes and take and savour the joy that these days bring.
July saw the passing of my Mom. She lived many years more than we ever imagined. Her passing has led to new challenges and responsibilities, it is something that most of us will eventually face (or have already faced) as we ourselves grow older. I do fell much older now, I did of course turn 54 yesterday - AUGH! Wasn't I just 35, 40, 45, how is it time speeds up with each passing year?

So as this year ends and a new one begins I think that is what has impacted my life the most. Time... how quickly it passes. The sadness and sorrow pass quickly as do the happy  times and busy times. Our vacation seemed brief, but the memories are timeless. I think what I feel most is that Abate and Fantu grew up too fast. I know they will be off to college independent adults before I can blink my eyes. I have today though. I have my family around me. A husband I love immensely, children that are adults and teenagers  that bring so much pride and happiness to me. While my life may not be perfect I wouldn't trade it for anything. I just wish the clock would slow down so it wouldn't pass by so quickly.
2013, I feel your presence bearing down ready to bring new challenges. I hope that this will be a year of joy and success. Before I know it I will be here again reflecting back on you and looking ahead to 2014.
Happy New Year!