What happened to January?

Wow, I thought last month went by fast - this month was even faster.  I can't believe there are only two more days in January - I just can't seem to catch my breath anymore.  Well January has been a good month at the shop and especially the cafe.  I was afraid things would die but actually we have had some very good days in the store and the cafe is averaging at about double what we did in November... I could be exagerating but i don't think so.  At least this last week we had phenominal days and Friday we did over $1300 in the cafe which is our record so far I believe.  I see a light in the future... that light means maybe we can hire a few people to help us out!
So the other thing I wanted to mention tonight was the chance I had to go to New Beginnings for Mack and Natalie tonight.  It was 'Happily Ever After" and it was such a nice program.  Both girls are so excited to get started as new Beehives - Nat will turn 12 on Feb 20th and Mack on March 21.  They will have great leaders and the older girls in their YW group seemed to be cute.  It seems like yesterday that we were doing New Beginnings for Laura and then for Amy.  I was in YW last about 5 years ago now.  That was with Amy's age group and included the Pace girls, the Lundgren twins, Hillary Stavros, the Carter girls, Lacey Larsen... all of them grown up now and most of them married.  It seems like only yesterday that we were taking them to do baptisms at the temple, telling stories and playing games around the campfire at Girls Camp, enjoying times together at Youth Conference etc. 
The other day I came across my Beehive Bandalo - blue felt,band  decorated with Beehives, red rose (my flower), bars and stripes for things I don't remember.  I do remember however that I had the most wonderful Beehive leaders.  Sister Shari Pack was my first year and she was just the sweetest thing.  A new married girl whose husband was going to school - I think she wasn't over 22.  I just adored her.  Then I had my Beegive 2 teacher but I don't remember her name - however I do remember that she used to pick my up for MIA as we called it in those days and she took me to various activities.  I loved her too.  They were so good to me and I think their influence helped me to desire to give to the girls I have served that same feeling of being loved and cared for.  I have served as a YW leader many, many times as my Patriarchal Blessing said .  I was reminded tonight how much I love theYW program.  It was a strength to me when I needed it so desperately after my Mother died  and has continued to hold a place in my heart  over the many years I have served.  I hope and pray that each of my little grand-daughters (including Marien, Nat and Mack) will feel the love of the program and of their leaders and that it will be an influence for good throughout their lives.

What happened to December?

I am so sad that December came and went this year and I really didn't ever feel the spirit of the Season.  I was so busy at the store and I didn't think I had time to do the things I usually do like 12 days etc.  I loved going to California after Christmas with Jim and Amy and Mike and Liana.  It was crowded at Disneyland but being in the great weather and enjoying being with the family it was truly wonderful.
I enjoyed Christmas with everyone as well.  We did do the traditional Nativity dinner and everyone did their part from Jack being a donkey to Andy and Anna being Joseph and Mary.  Christmas eve the LBH crew went to Garden House for dinner and before that we went to see Sherlock Holmes at the movies.  It was a different type of Christmas eve but it was so great not to have to prepare dinner etc. after such a hard week at the cafe and shop.  Jim and Clorinda and kids came over after and spent the night.  Christmas morning was fun and then the rest of the family came for dinner. 
After Christmas and Disneyland, we came home for New Years.  Laura and Nigel and kids came up on Friday and spent the weekend.  We had a great time with traditional fondue and although i am sure i went to bed before midnight, the New Year came in regardless.  I am hoping that I can have a great 2012 ... and balance my time to enjoy life and not just work, work,work.
As i write this I guess we really did have a nice December... I know it was different but it was good.  I am not so sure i like all of this change in my life.  Tradition is important to me but I know that things are changing and I have to make the changes. 
So Iwill try to make more of an effort this month to keep up on my blog.  I am interested to see how much I forget when I write after a couple of weeks like this.