Every year I swear I will get ahead of myself and get my personal family cards done early. Just like all the years before, I sat here on Christmas Eve finishing the last of them before the family comes for dinner. I enjoy making these specific to each person or something that reminds me of them or something different that I dream up. Here are the fruits of my labor for 2011.

Better late than never! My brother Scott and his wife, Autumn were home for Thanksgiving and we had a wonderful visit.  Time just goes too quickly and its over before you know it. This was the first time in about 20 years we spent Thanksgiving together so it was a great time. We enjoyed a family dinner, went to visit the rest of the Whalen clan and then we all went to the circus. Have not been to a circus in many years and we had a great time!!!!

Jaxon T-ball Fall

Our youngest grandson, Jaxson joined the tiny tots T-ball at the park district again and while it was all indoors for the fall, the team really seemed to learn a lot and did a great job! Learning about team sports is important and a huge part of growing up. He seems to really like baseball so this might be his sport of choice, although he is joining his big brother in January and starting karate. He is such a little imp we are really going to have to watch our knees when he learns those kicks!! LOL Congrats Jax... you did a great job !

Fall cards 2011

So many different things going on over these past months, it has been a struggle keeping up with my card making for all the different occasions and people in my life. For the first time in years, I actually resorted to a store bought card due to lack of time and concentration. But, alas, I have gotten a few done to share.  I love using all the different embossing folders that make it so easy to do a pretty card. So many companies are coming out with them now, its hard to keep up with all of them. Now on to the Holidays!

911

There are times when events in our lives leave me speechless. These past 3 weeks sure have knocked the wind out of our family and gave us a lot to think about. We all start to take our lives for granted and day by day we forget what really matters. For the first time in our almost 43 years of marriage, John ended up in the hospital. 3 weeks ago John passed out on the couch. After a frantic call to 911 and his refusal to admit anything was wrong, I knew I had my hands full. The next day he passed out again. Finally after a doctors visit, 3 tests and a visit to the specialist he was admitted to the hospital right from the specialists office! More test showed he was a prime candidate for a pacemaker. Amazing how a little jolt of extra juice make the ole guy bounce back to almost his old self again! He was awake through the surgery, came out smiling and laughing after telling the doctor our life story under some mild drugs to keep him comfortable. 2 days later he came home and while he is limited in what he is supposed to do, he sure looks a lot better! A few more hoops to jump to get him on the road to recovery but he is really looking great and says he is feeling a lot better!  I thank God he is doing so well. The doctors are totally amazed that he had not had a heart attack or worse!

Diamond World National Karate Tournament 2011

Our oldest grandson (8) participated in the Diamond World Karate Tournament today in Minneapolis, MN. This is one of the largest karate tournaments in the country. His first event was in form and he placed 4th in his age and brown belt class. In sparring he took 1st place! We are so proud of him! A great accomplishment and a lot of hard work getting to this event.  They all went up there so he could take part in this, he did himself, his school and family proud. Way to go Hayden!!!

Jaxson T Ball 2011

Our youngest grandson is growing up. At 3 1/2 years old, he started T-ball with the park district this summer. It is totally hysterical to watch 10  3 and 4 year olds trying to learn to play baseball. They spent more time chasing each other than they did the ball or throwing sand from the outfield or running to mom to get  another drink of water. You KNOW what happens after that! LOL. Here are some photo's from Jaxson at T-ball practice.

His T-ball metal! Good job Jaxson!