Merry Christmas - & I wait...

Merry Christmas Everyone…
I am quietly waiting with my morning coffee for Amber to wake up so we can open presents, I desperately want to go jump on her bed and wake her but I know she will be a much happier teenager if she sleeps in. Gone are the little foot steps of that six year old waking me at 2, 3, 4 and 5 a.m. in the morning asking if it was time to get up and open presents and I would tell her to go back to bed it was too early. Now I sit here at 7 a.m. wanting her to wake up, as I am the excited one to open presents and see her excited face. It is funny how life changes as each new season comes and goes.

My Fireplace

Ever since I bought my cute little house 7years ago I’ve wanted a fireplace. I’ve checked into many options over the years but most were spendy or not quite the look I wanted. This weekend I took the plunge and I got a fireplace for the house. I love it. I’ve gotten up each morning and sat in front of it with my morning coffee. My daughter and I finished our Christmas cards in front it. What is it about a fireplace that brings a cozy warmth to a home, a family together and creates a romantic flare to a night with someone special?
There is something to be said about delayed gratification; I don’t know if I would have enjoyed it as much if I had gotten it any earlier. The wait has made it even more special.

My Trip to Yosemite - November 2007

America has 390 National Parks; they were established to preserve what is truly special about America.

I enjoyed a quick trip to Yosemite a few weeks ago. I’ve been to many national parks and each are wondrous, amazing and unique in their own way; places that make you wonder about our place in the world. Yosemite was no different as I drove around with scarcely a person in sight (partly because of the late Fall visit) I felt at times as if I was the only person on the earth.
The grandeur of Yosemite brought me a sense of awe. John Muir once wrote, “As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of this place and get as near the heart of the world as I can.”

Special Graduation

Saturday, December 15th I was truly inspired and proud of my dear friend Michelle. With one very talented 16-year-old son, 4-year-old twins, a full time very demanding job with an hour commute each way she graduated from George Fox University with a Master of Business Administration. As I sat in the Wood-Mar Hall Auditorium and looked at all of the families and down at the graduates I teared up a bit. You could feel the love, respect and pride in every person in that room. The sacrifice family members made to support these graduates, the sigh of relief from the graduates as they were finally done with their long journey.

Every teenage should attend a graduation like that. You couldn’t help but be inspired, drawn to do more in life and suddenly want to be down on that stage celebrating your accomplishments.

Mediocrity is not an option!