Home for the Holidays

This is what Christmas looks like at our house. 

Decorating has been fun in this new place, but one thing is for sure....

The message of Christmas is beautiful no matter where we are.

Even in California!

So...... I had an early morning appointment one day last week, and without thinking, I went out to my car with just enough time to get there.  However, I was not prepared for what happened next...... my car was iced over and I quickly realized I would be late for my appointment.  See below, in the distance, the hills outside our front door covered with snow!!!   As my car defrosted, I ran to get the camera which spent the day with me.   The scenery was amazing!! What a treat to experience the beauty of winter without hats, gloves and boots!

Friendship

"Relationships come and go, but some transcend time and space."  

~ quoted from a very wise friend

So grateful for those that do!!

Population

There are advantages to living with so many people.  For example, unlike Christmas shopping in Ohio, out here it's just like any other day.  Because there are LOTS of people here all the time, it seems I don't notice the "Christmas rush".  

I'm glad for that, especially since I have so much to do.  Adaptation is good for the psyche.  

Friday Night Fun!

Halle and I planned a little girl's get away in our own backyard.  We packed our bags and headed over to our Casita for some fun girl time complete with facials and a manicure, snacks and a movie, snuggling and of course.... lots of talking.  I had made a list of all the fun things we wanted to accomplish together that night, but unfortunately we didn't get to it all.  We just may have to do it again next weekend!   

The best fun doesn't cost a thing!!  So glad for my girl!

Borrowed Photography

Ode to Ethan

While I'd love to say this is one of my shots, it's not.  

Just glance at your finger tip to get an accurate perspective 

on just how tiny this little guy is.  

He's so cute, I couldn't resist!!

Happy Birthday MOM!!!!!!

"God pardons like a mother, who kisses the offense into everlasting forgetfulness."

Looking forward to celebrating in person.... soon!!!  

We love you!!

Game Time

After what seems like months of preconditioning, we are full throttle into the 2008/09 basketball season.  The sport is truly a highlight of each school year for our family, and this year will be doubly fun as Ethan plans to play junior high ball for the first time, starting in January.  I love watching our boys play ball, but I am amazed that a meal shared together as a family has nearly become and extinction!   While we won't be spending as much time around our family dinner table, we will be at the gym and in the cars that get us there.  And so, I'll take what I can get!!  

Pictures dedicated to our grandpa's!!

Loving Arms

God's timing is impeccable..... although I can't help but think my dear Kate might beg to differ.   Her visit had been planned for several months - how wonderful for this awesome mother of five to get away for a much deserved rest.  Little did either of us know that I would greatly need some "Kate time" having recently lost our dear friend Les just two weeks before her visit. It was such a comfort to have my very familiar friend so near me in such pain, and despite a weekend filled with my tears, we managed to enjoy some beautiful time together.  

  

There were great opportunities for photography at the local winery 

where we enjoyed lunch together on a Friday afternoon. 

 

Thank you Lord for your amazing provision, 

and to Kate for understanding, listening and loving me through.

So glad you made the trip.  Next time I promise I'll pay for counseling first!!

Jupiter & Venus

I was delighted to check the Yahoo page the other day only to find similiar photos to those I had taken the day before.  I was not the only photo seeker to have captured this moment in space!  Pictured here is the rare alignment of the planets Jupiter and Venus along with the crescent moon, all visible to the naked eye, seen on 12/1/08.  So cool!!!!  Click on the pic to enlarge.

Blurry Eyed

To blog or not to blog...... that is the question.  

It is NOT a question of desire, because, you see, I solely 100% desire it.  

No.  It's about permission.  Let me explain.  Having a cup-o-jo at 9pm only promises to prolong an entry.  Thoughts that were thought to be finished continue to be revised (into the wee hours) as the caffeinated mind continues to turn on it's wheels.  

Do blog if you so desire, but may I suggest that you do so without the caffeinated night cap. Because all good things must come to an end, they are not likely to give in easily with such a jolt!  

Good night.

Odd Combinations

Today was another opportunity to contemplate change, or difference, if you will.  It is after all December 4.  Not quite time to panic over all the things I haven't even begun to think about this Christmas season, but almost.  With our (not so) new geographic change, I am humored at how disarranged my life has been at times, these past 6-8 months.  It seems God has had me in a constant state of it.  This I'm sure, as it would appear to be an area of needed growth in my life.  Being organized wasn't something I struggled with in my old life.  I am learning to allow myself time to readjust, and sometimes laughing at what hangs in the balance is quite therapeutic.  

No.... I'll not be panicking about "the squeeze" after last Sunday's teaching about coping with life's difficult moments.... another timely message considering the approaching holiday and all that life has recently presented us with.  Reminding myself of God's absolute presence is the challenge in those tough places.  Non the less, panic or not, I really do need to get a move on!  You see, there's SO MUCH more to think about this year than ever.  

And so, today I went about the business of slowly checking a few more "things to do" off the list.  However, today's observations, as interesting as they were, had me distracted.  Things that are truly unusual in a warm climate this time of year.  For example, I giggled as I saw a Christmas tree riding in the back of a convertible.  I shopped in flip flops as I made my way through isles of red and green ornaments and wrapping paper.  No heavy coats to lug, no messy boots.  And, funny how the music of the season resounds with all the splendor we are used to back home, strange as it is that I should think otherwise.  As I listen in a new place to these familiar holiday tunes, some take on new meaning.  "I'll be home for Christmas" was playing in the Christian book store last night, as both Halle and I were moved by the words.  

Here's the morsel taken from this new episode in transition:  Christmas is more than the familiar comforts of home.  It lives in our hearts where ever it is we abide.  

It shall be said, how fitting that the name of this blog is all about change. Especially since it is the topic of so much of what I write about here.  And it shall also be said, I do so enjoy contemplating such things.   

Things to do.....

"I hope Jesus comes soon." 

This followed by a small list of goals to accomplish first.

But at the top of the list, and most noteworthy:  

"I want to marry Daddy."

Such dreamy aspirations.  Oh, to be a nine year old girl again.