Let's Wrap It Up

Dear 2010,

I don't normally say this, but I'm happy to say goodbye to you, and never, ever see you again.  Although my life (and attitude) is very upbeat, you have tried me this year like never before.  You have challenged me, and you have challenged my family, but you didn't win.  With Bobby and Diane's motorcycle accident, my Aunt's breast cancer, and my step-brother's illness....with all that you laid out for us to beat this year, WE BEAT YOU.  

It is true, through challenge, illness, injury, and difficult times, we (supposedly) come out stronger.  I always knew my family (and I) was strong, but we never had to prove it like we did this year.  Bobby and Diane continue to improve, and that is with a tremendous amount of hard work and determination on their part.  They amaze me and inspire me every day.  My Aunt Cathi battled breast cancer this year with a strength and resilience that I never knew she had. Bravo to her!  And my step-brother, who was sick for most of the year, is ending the year healthy and stronger than ever before.  

Yes, 2010, you tried to bring us down, you did your very best to beat us, but it ain't happening. Perhaps there is a reason? That question remains and we will never know the answer.  Life's challenges are complicated, and we need to take each one as they come and handle them as best we know how.  But I am looking forward to what 2011 brings, including more recovery, good health, continued quality time with family and friends, more business, and yes, more good wine.


So there you have it.  My most challenging year is coming to a close, and all I can say is "Arrivederci!"

Now let's get back to refilling that wine glass. 
jrb 

2010 Christmas Update

I decided to post my family's Christmas Card "update", since it qualifies as something I've written about my life. I will write more in the new year, when I'm not so busy with shopping, baking, working & drinking wine.  Well, the last two won't go away (I hope!), but the first two will!  So, here it is:

We hope our holiday letter finds you healthy, happy and laughing. Here’s our update for 2010…

WOW time goes by fast…Robbie is turning 12 in February and is now in middle school! He loves all of the social aspects of middle school, but is not a big fan of the homework load. He joined his school’s Cross-Country team and was the fastest 6^th grader!  He is currently playing CYO basketball and Dan is his team’s head coach. Robbie continues to have a strong interest in music and still enjoys playing the drums. He has become such a compassionate, fun & free-spirited kid.

Andrew is turning 14 in February and like many teenage boys is growing like a weed! He is now 5’7” and wears a size 11 ½ shoe. Andrew continues to love to build things, ride his bike, golf with Dan and hang out with the family. He entered his first bowling tournament earlier this year and looks forward to participating in additional tournaments next year. Andrew continues to be a sweet boy with a big heart and strong love for his family and friends.

I have recently started a new business as a Social Media Consultant! I am enjoying it very much & have included a link below if you’d like to read more about my business. I am still running (ran the Seattle Rock N Roll ½ Marathon in June), helping out young moms in a “parents of special needs kids” group, and hanging out with girlfriends whenever time permits. I also enjoy spending time with my brother and sister-in-law, who are still recovering from their motorcycle accident, but are miraculously doing very well, thanks to the grace of God, a lot of hard work, and the positive thoughts & prayers of friends & family. ♥

Dan is doing well, and is staying very busy as usual.  He likes taking Andrew and Robbie to the gym for workouts and to “shoot some hoops”.  At first, he was the one pushing to go to the gym.  Now the boys ask “when can we go to the gym?”  Dan is really having fun coaching Robbie’s CYO basketball team this year.  It cracks me up how they “de-brief” for at least an hour after each game!  He also enjoys playing golf with his brother and/or Andrew whenever he can. 

The four of us enjoyed a few short vacations this year visiting and/or traveling with family and friends to Tahoe, Lake Coeur d’Alene and Seattle. Dan and I were lucky enough to sneak away to Las Vegas for three days for our 15^th Anniversary too!

We love and value our friends and family so much. Thank you for being such an important part of our lives!

With love,

Dan, Janeen, Andrew and Robbie

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