Five is Fabulous!

Little Paige our youngest grandchild is five! Five! It's so hard to believe how the years have flown... Now, this girl acts very much like five. She has for some time. She's like a little grown up sometimes. She finally hit the magic number. Was she ever excited. She made invitations for all of us. She wore her favorite princess dress. She got her favorite spaghetti for dinner. She had a great cake cut into flip flops and a purse. She had presents. She had her family with her. She was a very happy girl!! It was a fun time!
Sisters!
Birthday girl and Grandpa Bruce
Cousin Cole & Sisters
With Grandpa Red
Happy Birthday
Ski hat and gear.
Lip gloss.
Cake time

V. is for Valerie...

Valerie is our first born, the oldest of the clan. Somehow I lost my brain in June and didn't post this on her birthday. Sorry, girl. I certainly do think of you a lot on your birthday and every other day.

So, let me tell you about our V.

She was born in VietNam. Yes, the war zone. Some would call that a rough start. It was the 60's. We thought it was glorious to have her anywhere. She was a very bright spot in a difficult time for us. She may have taken her time coming, but she emerged beautiful and full of smiles. This girl was up for anything. At three months, she moved with us to Manila, Philippines. We stayed there until she was 10 months old, and then began the long trek home. We made stops in Hong Kong and Tokyo for a few days each. This girl was well travelled before she was a year! She was also precocious and full of adventure. She walked at 8& 1/2 months. Her dad has often called her a trailblazer. Yes, she is.

At ten months, she met her very large family and was instantly in love! She relished every contact, every person. She still is very family oriented.

She is charming, intelligent and witty. She crunches numbers with the pros. She is responsible, organized and goal oriented. One of her favorite places, besides home is the great outdoors. She loved the camping, fishing and hiking from the start. And yes, she still does. She has a real appreciation for the arts, music and culture. She is a good and fast friend to those close to her. She is lots of fun and yes, still full of adventure. What a great oldest child she is!

At one year
With Mom & friend in Hong Kong
On her 1st B-day
Yes, I can paint.
I'm so cute!
Look what I caught!
Helping my dad.
I want to be outside!
HS graduation
80's!
I love to read!

With her girls at the coast

Scrappin' Again...

Yes, I love to scrapbook. No, I don't do it enough to satisfy my creative side. It's something that helps keep me connected to the family members that live far away. Lately, I've been spending a lot of time scanning slides, old photos, negatives in an attempt to build my digital archive. It's kind of tedious, boring stuff... so, gotta scrap to get over it. Mostly, I do it at home alone. Sometimes I go out for crop nights. Here's some of the latest.
Paige's 4th B-day
More Paige
Me & Bruce
Two Boys
Two daughters, two grandkids
V. & Gabi
Gabrielle
Grandkids
Jason's 2nd B-day
My Sweetie

Decisions, decisions!

Today was a monumental day for me. I made a decision to join a gym to get in shape. Two things that have a part in that decision: I come from a family with high risk for heart issues, and it's cold and wet so outdoor execise is limited. Add to that, I had an aerobics class that I really enjoyed cancelled. No, I won't be going back to that gym. I am overweight and not liking that. I love to eat and I'm a great cook. Bad combination! So... I have a plan and a goal. Bottom line is to get healthy and workout regularly.

You don't need to know my weight loss goal or my execise plan. Suffice it to say, this is unpopular and unfriendly territory for me. I feel good about my decision but I also feel vulnerable and a bit hesitant. I'm working at the diet stuff. I know what I need to do so, tomorrow the exercise part begins. Wish me luck. I'll let you know when I reach my goals.

Marvelous Mentors

Recently, I went to a memorial for one of my many mentors, an art teacher. I have been reflecting since, on the wonder and beauty of people in our lives that mark us, change us somehow because of what they teach us. I have certainly had my share of mentors.

In my twenties, Michele was the one who taught me to be myself, to develop myself. It was essential and timely. It made a huge difference in my life and helped me shed some of the fear and to embrace the courage to try new things. It gave me the impetuous to return to college and get an A.A. degree. I discovered I was capable and smart.

A few years later, I ventured into ministry and Charlene became a mentor. She taught me to trust my faith, myself and my talents. Because of that, I entered a ministry program and found a broading of my growth and my views.

In my thirties, I had a number of different mentors. Carol taught me to explore new options for growth. Her influence helped me decide to return to college to complete my B.A. degree. Carol Ann taught me to set goals, how to reach them and also how to take smart risks. I learned to develop skills that I didn't know I had.

Another Carol taught me to embrace my fun side. I found my sense of play and laughter. Jeanne taught me to get personal in my spirituality. I reached depths with it that I didn't know were possible. Joan and Becky taught me the beauty of forgiveness and healing. I learned to give and accept forgiveness, and the strength and peace that come as a result.

Catherine taught me how to be more positive in my approach to life and work. I was able to walk away from negatives and be more upbeat. Mike taught me even more about the beauty of spirituality and forgiveness. I was able to move through huge hurdles in my life more peacefully because of his guidance. Arnie taught me how to love and teach in sacramental and scriptural ways. My life and faith became more balanced and integrated as a result.

Marge taught me to trust and release my creativity through art. She challenged me at art and gave me the skills to put my ideas to canvas. My hunger for art was thus activated and put into action. Bruce taught me to keep on keeping on with art, and to do it with passion and fun. I am freer and happier in my expression of art because of him. Michael taught me to broaden my view of art, to explore new possibilities.

Would I be who I am without any of these mentors? Not really, no. Not this version of me. I am grateful for each and everyone who has left a mark in my life, especially for my mentors.

Six is a Beautiful Age!

Our youngest grandson was six a week ago. We were fortunate to celebrate with him. What a ball of fire he is! Wow.

This boy does not have an inside voice. He tends to explode into a room. He is fun and funny, cheerful and happy and has the energy of two six year olds. He hugs like he's eager to crush you with his love. Give him a choice between indoors and outdoors and he will pick the outdoors. Helpful is his middle name. He wants to be in the thick of everything. He says he's going to cooking school, he loves that too. So, whether he is on his bike, at karate or swimming, playing with his toys or in the backyard, he is full of enthusiasm! What a kid. Love him to death.
Brothers love ice cream cake!

Love my Birthday!

Yum!

Goofy boys.

Presents!

Love presents.
Wow.



Super Jason!

Son of Mine

One of my four beautiful children is a son. He is a prince among sons. It's his birthday today. Since he went away to college it's been a rare birthday that we get to spend with him. Often that means, we pick an alternative time for our celebration. Mostly, I spend his birthday thinking about him. It warms the heart when kids live far away. Yes, I love my kids!

As a boy, Stephen was curious, intelligent, precocious, loving and considerate. Oh, there were the boy-factors as well: daring, adventurous, animal-lover, outdoorsy, active. As a man, he is still all of those. Add to those... accomplished, responsible, decent, and talented. He loves the outdoors and his cycling. I love that he is so balanced and good. I treasure him. I treasure those times with him. So proud am I to call him, son.

At 6mos.
Favorite hat.
At four.
First Communion.
Soccer time
HS Graduation.
Showing his fun side.
At the Oregon coast.
In the mountains.