Merry Christmas 2012

The O.C. Supertones "Joy to the World" is blaring in the background, the family is sitting around the table, cookies are baking. Christmas is upon us in the Timms household once again. I forced the kids to endure some "Mandatory Happiness" today so that I could write a Christmas blog. This year I skipped sending out Christmas cards as usual. It feels strange but I simply have been too busy with work and running the family to find time. In fact, I usually am done baking before today!

Conner 15, Elizabeth 12

This year has been a year of the "new" normal for our family. The kids continued on in their home studies, Julie returned to the work force, Marty continued working for the state. Our lives have been non stop since Marty had his transplant. Much of this time has found us planning and dreaming of a new adventure with our second chance at life.

Conner learned to work a sound board and helped run the sound for his youth group. He has grown up before our eyes this past year. He still has that boyish face but is quickly surpassing all of us in height and shoe size. I think someday he will be wearing that "size 13" boot my grandpa often threatened us with. He still is as busy as ever, this is often put to good use by helping around the house and keeping our bikes in working order. He is looking forward to learning to drive next year.

Elizabeth completed her second triathlon  and discovered the joy of being a boy band fan girl ( much to her momma's delight) with her love of all things 1 Direction.  She constantly amuses all of us with her quick wit and randomness. She loved going to a concert with the youth group last month and seeing her favorite bands live. She is looking forward to more of that in the new year.

Marty has continued working for the state while planning out the future. He has spent much time researching and planning our move next year. Sadly due to work, he hasn't been able to play his bass this year and is looking forward to starting that up again in the new year. He has enjoyed spending time with the kids during the day while I work. They always have something funny to tell me when I come home. Marty is looking forward to moving and realizing a long time dream.

This year has been truly wonderful for me. I grew closer to old friends while making many new friends around the world. People always ask me "How do you end up meeting all of these people?" I haven't a clue, it just happens. I enjoyed spending Easter with friends and family in LA, meeting New Kids on the Block not once but twice, meeting many of my Twitter friends in real life, and rejoining the workforce. It has been challenging to be working again yet still managing the household. I have enjoyed the challenge though. I am looking forward to losing 50 lbs next year, moving and starting my new career  in Knoxville.

We wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas. May you be blessed with happiness,love,joy and peace in the year to come.