2012

Well, it has been a long time since I've posted.  I could make a long list of excuses, but none of that really matters.  Bottom line is that I just haven't had the time or the energy to sit down, collect my thoughts, and then eloquently convey all that has happened over the last several months.

I guess the biggest change in my life is the recent death of my father.  Phillip D. Thomas passed away on November 10th, 2011.  He was 55 years old.  It was sudden and unexpected and it has turned my life upside down and topsy turvey.  We moved my mother back to Maryland from Kansas the week after his passing and she has been living with my brother, but will occassionally spend weekends with my family.  Its nice to have her near, but it is difficult to see someone you love so much so lost and in so much pain.

I still can't go into too much detail or discussion about my father.  This has been a painful journey for me and was especially heart-wrenching to have the memorial service for him the day before my 30th birthday.  I have always loved my birthday and have anticipated my 30th birthday just about all my life...it was definitely not the celebration/gathering I was expecting. 

Another significant change in our family is that we added a sweet puppy to our lives in September.  Her name is Millie.  She is an absolute joy and just a very special little lady.  She is full of energy, lives to please, and is just beyond wonderful to have in our home.  She's definitely a puppy and still has a long way to go in terms of manners, but she's getting there.

The kids are doing fantastic!  Marissa is still doing choir and piano, Christian is going strong with karate.  He is also doing piano now and both kids started Winter Swim just last week.  They are busy, but happy and they seem to be adjusting to all the changes, schedules and daily craziness of life. 

I'm going to try and be better about blogging throughout 2012, even if it is just for me.  I do feel much better when I get my thoughts out and I'm able to reflect on my days.