Saturday, December 31, 2011

Goodby 2011 - Hello 2012!

Today is the last day of a momentous year in the life of the Strong family. We experienced incredible happiness and intense sadness during the past twelve months.

In February we welcomed Max Macke into our family. Max and our daughter Amanda were married on a beautiful sunny day in our new home church, Our Lady of Grace. We are so happy for our newlyweds Mandy & Max.

On April 12 we waited all day (and part of the night) for our first grandchild to arrive. Little Lillian Margaret Strong was born to our son Colin and our Daughter In Law Kerry. We have been on cloud nine ever since! We have the privilege of  babysitting Lily Monday through Thursday. Carla is the best Grandma you could imagine and I get the side benefit of playing with Lily on the days I work from home.

In May we lost our beloved Pop. My step dad, Lee Salisbury was a very special man. He was patient and kind and a wonderful husband to my Mom, Patricia for nearly 40 years. We are thankful that he had a long and happy life with us and that he did not suffer a long illness. Thanks Pop for all you did for us!

In August Carla and I celebrated our 35 wedding anniversary. I am a lucky lucky guy to have such a special girl for my wife. Like all marriages we have experienced peaks and valleys along the way but I would not want to make the journey with anyone but my Carla. I love you sweetie.

I would like to finish by thanking all our wonderful friends for giving us so much love and support this year. We are humbled by the many expressions of kindness we received during this year of highs and lows. A special thank you goes to all my stamping pals around the world. I continue to be inspired by your talent and I look forward to seeing you in a workshop or convention in 2012!

Much love,

Mike

5 comments:

Ursula Gerbig said...

Thank you for your letter!
I wish you and your family a happy, healthy and prosperous new year!

Katje said...

I hope that 2012 is a wonderful year for you and your family! Many thanks for all the wonderful ideas, classes, and stamps throughout 2011.
Katje

Capescrapper said...

Happy New Year Michael to you and your entire family.
I love following your blog as it sprinkles in crafts, family and fun all in one!

Hetty said...

What a year full of memorable moments to you Mike and Carla. May 2012 bring you Health and Happiness a trip to The Netherlands and lots of creative inspiration. Keep on dreaming and they may come true!
Cheers to the New Year!

dmacke said...

Mike and I feel lucky to join our family with yours! We love Mandy as much as Max does! Here's to a New Year full of more happy times!Love to you and Carla! Doris Macke