For me the theme of 2010 is friendship. I have made some very incredible life long friends this year and what is most magical is they are not just my friends, their Sid's friends, Ken's friends, family friends. From the moment we decided we wanted to homeschool it was a struggle to find a place where I felt I fit. It isn't just that our schooling choices were different but our parenting styles varied so much from most main stream friends. We chose to be life learners with Sid, grasping any opportunity to learn something new while embracing attachment parenting. Until 2010, it was a lonely road. This year we have found our "pack". Like minded friends and families who strive to set the same kinds of goals and relationships with their friends and families. In 2010 I have started to build the village that will help us raise our child and it is home. I still have great relationships with my hockey friends and some past work friends but nothing touches the bond I have created with our new "families". You know who you are ;-) and I thank you for your love, support and mostly your friendship. We LOVE you guys!!!!
This year Sid was also able to connect with a very, very best friend who she seems to share so many interests with. I am so happy for her and her "sister" as she calls her. I truly hope it is also a life long friendship so they can be pseudo siblings to each other. There to support, love and advise as needed.
And now 2011 is here and fresh as we watch it unfold I think about what we might just accomplish this year. I asked Sid what her goals were for 2011 and she said to see her cousins more, learn to skateboard and hug mom and dad more! For me I want to laugh more, play more and not get so upset when we are running late (this will be hard for me!!!). Also I really want to build stock for my http://www.naturesplayroom.com/ store. For Ken, well, this is his year. He hasn't gotten back to me on his goals but I think for him it is like the magical birthday wish, if you tell, it won't come true. So I am going to guess at Ken's goal.... He is going to record and release an album this year. Yes, he is that good. You will be shocked and awed at the skill and talent of this man. He wooed me with his good looks but he melted my heart with his voice and song writing talent. To celebrate Ken's goal (which I made up!!!) I am going to upload a video link to a song with every post until I have them all uploaded. Ken ended 2010 in studio with some musician friends from way back. They opened up a studio and had ken come in and lay down just a basic guitar and vocal track. These are unproduced demos to get the music down, just Ken and his guitar. As the year moves on you will hear many of these tracks produced with more vocals and full bass, drum and guitar tracks, they will be ready for album release. Ken has waited years for this and now the timing is right.
To celebrate our year of friendships, I chose Ken's song "Nothings Wrong". He wrote this one in September. Enjoy!!!
And a last note is one of thanks for Ann, Dirk, Grandmama, Grandpa Bill, Laura, Sophie, and Julia for joining us on New Years eve. Emily was here in our hearts but was babysitting so was unable to come. It was suppose to be a New Years Eve skating party but with the HUGE thaw we would have had to change it into a swimming party. Loads of fun was had in any case and we thank you for helping us to ring in the new year. Some pictures below are from our cookie face races and Wii challenges. Everyone seemed to have a sport they excelled at. It was so fun. If we get ice back this year we will have a skating party.
Happy 2011 everyone. Wishing you a magical and joyous year.
Steph, Ken and Sidney
