Merry Christmas - Happy Holidays

To all my friends, fellow consultants and family, Merry Christmas. It's hard to believe another year has come and gone, but it has. In reflecting on 2011 I'm reminded of a few changes:

- a new job - I left the insurance industry after more years than I want to tell you (22 years at a large Canadian Insurer) and started at a small law firm. I am loving it and am energized by learning new things every day.

- a wedding - my eldest son, Matthew, married Jenna on May 14th. It was a beautiful day, very special, and full of special touches from them both.

- two new grandpuppies - Jenna & Matt bought Obi - a fawn Great Dane, which ironically was born on their wedding day. David & Jen bought Thor - a Bagel (Beagle/Bassett Hound cross) who was born in August.

- a new house - David & Jen bought their first house in December and are loving the pride of new home ownership. It's exciting to see my youngest purchase his first home, and share in that excitement.

- Disneyland - Convention 2011 for Close To My Heart was held at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. I met three amazing fellow Canadians at Convention who have become great friends. I treasure the friendship of Nancy, Jackie and Barb and feel like these ladies have been friends for years and years. I can't wait to see them again in Dallas - July 2012.

David & Jen accompanied me on the trip and we had such fun together. I think every Mom should have the chance to have time with their children on a trip like this. Jen and I had the opportunity to chat at the pool and I loved seeing her experience her first palm tree, I-Hop, and the joy of Disneyland.

- My mother-in-law celebrated her 80th birthday in April and said it was the best day of her life. It was such a joy to see her so happy and receive the good wishes of family and friends. This lady travelled to Canada from Holland following WWII to start a new life. She didn't know any English, didn't have a job, suffered terrible sea-sickness and married in a new Country as soon as she arrived. An amazing feat that I'm sure I'm not up to.

- My mom underwent major surgery to remove a tumor on her petuitary gland. She had been complaining of losing her peripheral vision, and with several nurses and an optomotrist in the family, we quickly scooped her to a hospital that my sister works at. She recovered remarkably well and we are looking forward to celebrating her 80th birthday in February 2012.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a very happy holiday season. I heard a great saying the other day and want to share it.

May you receive everything you ever wanted in your stocking this Christmas.

Cheers,

Jennifer